5 Best Blank T-Shirts for Custom Printing in 2026
The 5 Best Blank T-Shirts for Custom Printing
The blank t-shirt you choose matters just as much as the print itself. The right shirt makes your design pop, feels great to wear, and holds up wash after wash. Here are our top 5 picks for 2026.
1. Gildan 5000 — Heavy Cotton Tee
Best for: Budget-friendly bulk orders
The Gildan 5000 is the workhorse of the custom printing industry. It is affordable, comes in 78 colors, and holds screen printing ink beautifully.
- 5.3 oz heavyweight cotton
- 78 colors available
- Sizes: S-5XL
- Best price point for large orders
- Ideal for: events, giveaways, teams
2. BELLA+CANVAS 3001 — Unisex Jersey Tee
Best for: Retail-quality soft feel
If you want shirts that feel like you bought them at a boutique, the Bella+Canvas 3001 is the gold standard. The ring-spun cotton is incredibly soft.
- 4.2 oz lightweight
- 100+ colors including heathers and triblends
- Side-seamed for a modern fit
- Ideal for: brands, retail, premium projects
3. Comfort Colors 1717 — Garment-Dyed Tee
Best for: Trendy vintage look
Comfort Colors shirts have that lived-in, broken-in feel from day one. The garment-dyed process gives each shirt a unique, slightly faded look that is hugely popular right now.
- 6.1 oz heavyweight
- Relaxed fit
- Unique color palette (Pepper, Chambray, Yam)
- Ideal for: Greek life, beach towns, lifestyle brands
4. Next Level 3600 — Unisex Cotton Tee
Best for: Best value premium shirt
Next Level sits right between Gildan and Bella+Canvas in both price and quality. Great soft feel at a moderate price point.
- 4.3 oz combed ring-spun cotton
- Tear-away label
- Side-seamed
- Ideal for: startups, small businesses, everyday wear
5. Hanes 5280 — ComfortSoft Tee
Best for: Everyday comfort on a budget
Hanes ComfortSoft lives up to its name. A step up from basic tees with a softer hand feel, and still very budget-friendly.
- 5.2 oz ring-spun cotton
- Tag-free neck label
- 24 colors
- Ideal for: work crews, uniforms, everyday basics
How to Choose
Ask yourself these questions:
- What is your budget? — Gildan 5000 or Hanes 5280 for budget, Bella+Canvas for premium
- Who is wearing it? — Younger crowd loves Comfort Colors and Bella+Canvas
- How many do you need? — Bulk = Gildan, small batch = any shirt works with DTF
- What is the occasion? — Corporate = Next Level, casual = Comfort Colors
All five of these shirts are available in our catalog. Browse our full selection or get a quote with your preferred blank.