How to Compare Blank Apparel Brands: Quality, Feel, Durability & Price

Whether you’re a screen printer, t-shirt business owner, or bulk buyer, choosing the right blank apparel brand can make or break your final product. With 90+ brands to choose from here at Clothing Shop Online (CSO), knowing how to compare and narrow down your search will help you ultimately create your ideal finished product. Let’s dive into the four key factors you should consider when comparing blank apparel brands: quality, feel, durability, and price.

What Does Quality Mean in Blank Apparel? (Fabric, Construction & Materials)

You shouldn’t have to compromise quality when shopping for wholesale apparel. Blank apparel quality goes far beyond a t-shirt or sweatshirt looking good on the rack. From fabric composition to stitching and finishing details, understanding what goes into a well-made blank t-shirt or sweatshirt will help you discover the perfect style for you or your customers. 

Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Blank Apparel

Many customers are seeking out and prioritizing quality, eco-friendly blank apparel. Because of this, blank apparel brands are offering more and more eco-friendly options. These styles are made with organic cotton, recycled polyester, or low-impact dyes. Choosing sustainable blank apparel ultimately helps reduce environmental impact while still delivering high-quality and customized apparel.

If you're in the market for an eco-friendly style, check out style #LS14001. The Premium Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt from Lane Seven. This sweatshirt is not only incredibly cozy and soft, but it's also made recycled polyester from plastic bottles. This hoodie is available in sizes XS-3XL as well as 20+ different colors. 

Fabric Composition: Choosing the Right Materials for Blank Apparel 

Consistency across colorways is critical when ordering blank apparel in bulk. Variations in fabric weight, dye saturation, or fit between colors can affect the final look of printed or embroidered designs. Choosing reliable brands known for color consistency helps ensure uniform results across large orders and reorders.

Fabric composition is, undoubtedly, one of the most important factors when comparing brands. Understanding the most common fabric types will help you choose the right blank apparel for your specific project.

100% Cotton Blank T-Shirts: Softness, Breathability & Print Quality

100% cotton apparel is a fan-favorite amongst decorators and t-shirt business owners due to their softness and ink absorption. 100% cotton t-shirts and sweatshirts offer excellent breathability and are the perfect canvas for an array of printing techniques. Thankfully, CSO offers the best cotton t-shirts for printing or any DIY project. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out style #1301. The Heavyweight Cotton Tee from American Apparel has a nice, relaxed fit, wide rib collar, and taped neck and shoulders for comfort and durability. This wonderfully made t-shirt is available in 15+ colors as well as sizes S-4XL.

Cotton/Polyester Blend Blank Apparel: Durability & Shrink Resistance

Cotton/polyester blended apparel effortlessly blends the softness of cotton with the durability and shrink resistance of polyester. If you’re in the market for a cotton/polyester blended sweatshirt, you’re in luck! The Heavy Blend™ Hooded Sweatshirt from Gildan is a 50/50 cotton/polyester blended hoodie that has a double-lined hood with color-matched drawcord. This hoodie is available in 40+ colors as well as sizes XS-5XL. CSO also offers a wide range of cotton/polyester blended t-shirts - take a look at CSO's selection here. 

Tri-Blend Blank T-Shirts: Lightweight Feel & Retail-Ready Style

Tri-blends are made out of cotton, polyester, and rayon to create ultra-soft, lightweight apparel. Tri-blend blank t-shirts have a modern, retail-ready appearance and can be seen in a lot of the fashion-forward brands. A great triblend t-shirt option is style #6010 from Next Level Apparel. The Triblend T-Shirt is fabric laundered and has a set-in 1x1 triblend baby rib collar. This high-quality t-shirt comes in 20+ colors as well as sizes XS-3XL.

Construction & Stitching: Ring-Spun vs Open-End Cotton Explained

Strong construction and consistent stitching separate good blank apparel from great ones. Prioritizing features such as ring-spun cotton or open-end cotton in your blank apparel can really elevate your projects. Additionally seeking out reinforced seams or neckline durability will give you that quality apparel you and your customers deserve. 

Comparing Feel & Comfort: Fabric Weight, Softness & Fit

The feel of a t-shirt or sweatshirt is typically one of the first things you or your customers will notice first. It’s important to determine what type of weight, softness, and structure you want your blank apparel to be. Once you’ve determined these factors, you can properly determine what brand is the right fit for you.

Fabric Weight Matters: Lightweight vs. Midweight vs. Heavyweight Blank T-Shirts

Fabric weight plays a major role in how a blank t-shirt or pullover feels, fits, and performs, especially for screen printing, DTG, embroidery, and everyday wear. Understanding the differences between lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight blank apparel will help you choose the right option based on comfort, durability, and end use.

Lightweight Blank T-Shirts (3.8–4.2 oz)

Lightweight blank t-shirts are known for their soft hand feel, breathability, and retail-ready appearance. These styles drape well on the body and are a popular choice for fashion-forward brands, everyday wear, and customers looking for a softer, more modern fit. Lightweight shirts are especially popular for DTG printing due to their smooth print surface.

A standout lightweight option is style #3001, the Jersey Tee from Bella + Canvas. Made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this t-shirt offers an ultra-soft feel with a clean, tailored retail fit. It’s available in an impressive 96 colors and inclusive sizing from XS–5XL, making it a go-to choice for decorators and resellers alike.

Midweight Blank T-Shirts (4.3–6 oz)

Midweight blank t-shirts strike the perfect balance between comfort and structure, making them one of the most versatile options on the market. These styles are durable enough for frequent wear while still maintaining a soft feel, making them ideal for screen printing, embroidery, and promotional apparel.

A great midweight choice is the CVC T-Shirt from Next Level Apparel. This cotton/polyester blend offers added durability, reduced shrinkage, and consistent sizing. With availability in 40+ colors and inclusive sizing from XS–6XL, this style is a reliable option for bulk orders and a wide range of customer needs. Check out our full collection cotton/polyester blended t-shirts here. 

Heavyweight Blank T-Shirts (6 oz+)

Heavyweight blank t-shirts are designed for maximum durability, structure, and longevity. These styles hold their shape well over time and develop a distinctive, worn-in feel that many customers love. Heavyweight shirts are commonly used for workwear, merchandise, and vintage-inspired designs.

One of the most popular heavyweight options at CSO is style #1717, the Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt from Comfort Colors. Known for its thick construction and soft, lived-in feel, this t-shirt offers a premium look that improves with every wash. It’s available in 60+ colors and sizes S–4XL, making it a top choice for brands seeking durability with character.

Durability & Long-Term Performance: How Blank Apparel Holds Up Over Time

A well-made blank t-shirt or style should hold up over time without losing its shape or appearance. When comparing brands, be on the lookout for fabrics that resist piling, retain color after washing, and have strong seams that don’t stretch or twist.

Shrinkage is an important factor to consider when comparing blank apparel brands, especially for 100% cotton styles. Some t-shirts may shrink after the first wash if they are not pre-shrunk or garment-dyed, which can impact fit and sizing consistency. Checking fabric treatments and wash instructions can help ensure your blank apparel maintains its intended shape over time.

Price Comparison: Budget vs Premium Blank Apparel Brands

Another key component when comparing blank apparel brands is price. Even though CSO offers all of its apparel at wholesale pricing, there is a range in price between brands. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly brand, Team CSO recommends Gildan. Gildan offers a wide range of styles and fabrics at unbeatable prices. If you’re looking for more retail-ready styles at a more premium rate, Team CSO recommends checking out Lane Seven. Lane Seven offers modern styles, inclusive sizing, and a wide selection of colors to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest option or weighing out your options, CSO has a price point for any project. It's truly easy to discover affordable blank apparel at CSO. 

Match Blank Apparel Brands to Your Printing, Embroidery & Customization Needs

Team CSO wants to ensure you’re getting the right t-shirt for your preferred use case. Below, Team CSO has created a chart to match the right blank apparel to your project, decoration method, and end goal. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Blank Apparel Brands

In order to determine the right brand for you and your projects, avoid these commonly made mistakes. The most common mistake is to choose a brand solely based on price. While price is a key and important factor, it shouldn’t be the only factor. Another mistake customers make is ignoring fit, fabric weight, or shrinkage. It’s important to read all the details of a shirt or style before checking out.

A very common mistake is not sampling a t-shirt before placing a large bulk order. Ordering samples before placing a large wholesale order allows buyers to evaluate fabric feel, fit, print quality, and durability firsthand. Testing a blank t-shirt or sweatshirt with your preferred decoration method helps reduce costly mistakes and ensures the final product meets expectations. Sampling is especially valuable when comparing multiple brands or fabric types.

Time to Shop from CSO’s 90+ Brands!

There’s no brand here at CSO that truly outshines the other - our 90+ brands truly have something for everyone. By comparing quality, feel, durability, and price, you can properly determine which brand is best suited for your projects and goals. With its unbeatable pricing, wide and well-stocked selection, CSO makes it easy to find the right styles every time.