Buy These Brands
- Ben Thompson
- May 4
- 3 min read
Advice on Which T-Shirt Brands to Choose (From a Shop Owner With 15+ Years of Experience)
When it comes to ordering custom t-shirts for your business, the brand matters more than you think.
Everyone wants something that feels good, fits right, and holds up over time. But not every shirt is built the same, and different brands serve different purposes.
After 15+ years in the screen printing business, here are five brands we recommend most often, and why.
1. Bella + Canvas (Premium Feel & Fit)
Bella + Canvas has built a reputation for being stylish, soft, and retail-quality.
Their Tri-Blend (3413) is one of the most popular premium shirts available!
👉 Best for: Brands that want a high-end look and feel
Why we recommend it:
• Extremely soft and comfortable
• Holds prints really well
• Minimal shrinkage
• Great for long-term wear
These are a favorite for restaurants and businesses where shirts get washed constantly, and they hold up.
The downside: They come at a premium price, usually about $5 more per shirt compared to a more standard brand.
2. Comfort Colors (Trendy, Heavyweight, Relaxed Fit)
Comfort Colors has exploded in popularity recently.
These shirts have a heavier feel and a washed, vintage look right out of the box.
👉 Best for: Trendy brands and casual apparel with personality.
What makes them unique:
• Garment-dyed for a faded, worn-in style
• Relaxed fit, not tight and not boxy
• Heavier material
They do fade over time and can stain a bit easier, but for many people, the fading is part of the appeal.
3. Tultex (Soft Feel Without the Premium Price)
Tultex is a great middle-ground option.
If you want something soft like Bella but do not want to pay premium pricing, this is a solid choice.
👉 Best for: Budget-conscious orders that still want a soft feel
Why people like it:
• Very soft, especially high-poly blends
• More affordable
• True-to-size fit
• Good color selection
They are lightweight, so they may be a bit more prone to wear over time, but overall we have had great feedback from customers.
4. Gildan (Reliable, Budget-Friendly Classic)
Gildan is a staple in the industry, and for good reason.
We often recommend the 50/50 blend, which adds durability and reduces shrinkage.
👉 Best for: Large orders, events, and budget-friendly projects
What you get:
• Affordable pricing
• Solid durability
• Wide product range, including tees, hoodies, and youth sizes
• Consistent color options across products
It is not flashy, but it gets the job done.
5. Independent Trading Company (Best Fleece & Hoodies)
If you are ordering hoodies or sweatshirts, this is one of our top picks.
The PRM3500 crewneck is a shop favorite. Everyone who owns this wants it in every color.
👉 Best for: Premium hoodies, crewnecks, and retail-style merch
Why we love it:
• Super soft fleece interior
• Great structure that holds its shape well
• Premium look and feel
• Trendy garment-dyed options
They are priced higher, but the quality is noticeable.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of brands out there, but these five consistently deliver for our customers.
If you are trying to decide, here is a simple way to think about it:
• Want premium? Bella + Canvas
• Want trendy? Comfort Colors
• Want soft on a budget? Tultex
• Want basic and reliable? Gildan
• Want top-tier hoodies? Independent Trading Co.
At the end of the day, the right choice depends on your budget, audience, and goals.
If you are not sure what to choose, that is what we are here for.
We are always happy to help you find the right fit for your next order.
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