Pre-Shrunk vs. Pre-Washed Shirts: What’s the Difference for Blank Apparel?

updated by Anne Dorfman on 2/26/2026

If you’re printing custom apparel, building a brand, or just want to avoid surprise shrinkage after washing your blank apparel, then you’ve probably come across the terms “pre-shrunk” and “pre-washed” in your research. Even though these two terms sound similar, they have different meanings. It’s important to differentiate the two terms and figure out which technique best suits your preferred printing technique or project. Let’s dive into the differences between pre-wash and pre-shrunk, so you can choose the right blank apparel for your upcoming projects or wardrobe.

What Does Pre-Shrunk Mean in T-Shirts?

Pre-shrunk t-shirts are manipulated by the manufacturer using a controlled process to shrink the fabric before selling them on the market.

Pre-shrunk materials can be washed and dried after purchasing and the material is usually able to form back to its original shape. Pre-shrunk t-shirts tend to cost a bit more than non pre-shrunk t-shirts due to the extra time and effort it takes during the fabric finishing process. Because pre-shrunk fabrics help maintain consistent sizing after washing, they are especially popular among screen printers, decorators, and apparel brands that rely on predictable garment sizing for custom printing and resale.

Brands like Bella + Canvas proudly incorporate pre-shrinking into their production to ensure their blank t-shirts don’t shrink to ensure you’re getting t-shirts that won’t shrink. At Clothing Shop Online (CSO), we will indicate if a style has been pre-shrunk. For instance, The Premium Cotton T-Shirt from Jerzees (style #570MR) is a wonderfully made and 100% ring-spun cotton t-shirt and has also been pre-shrunk. CSO carefully lists out all of these types of details so you can truly find the right t-shirt for you. Another great pre-shrunk style is style #3001CVC. The CVC Jersey Tee from Bella + Canvas is not only pre-shrunk, but also has a nice, retail fit and inclusive sizing.

What Does Pre-Wash Mean?

Pre-wash is a different technique than pre-shrunk. Pre-washed garments have been washed after being manufactured, but the materials have not necessarily gone through the pre-shrunk process.

That being said, pre-washed cotton garments are more likely to hold their colors better and are known to be absent of chemicals that may have been used during processing. Many consumers prefer pre-washed materials because they are known to still hold shape well during washing but also continue to maintain fabric integrity.

If you’re looking for a place to start when it comes to pre-washed apparel, then look no further. Check out style #299 from Tultex. The Heavyweight Street T-Shirt is pre-washed, made with 100% open-end USA premium cotton, and has a double-needle stitching on sleeve and bottom hem.

In short, the term pre-wash enhances softness and appearance, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that it will hold its shape like pre-shrinking.

Pre-Shrunk vs Pre-Washed Shirts: Key Differences

CSO has created a simple guide and comparison chart to help you determine which technique is right for you.

Some styles are both pre-washed and pre-shrunk. When that’s the case, you get the best of both worlds: consistent sizing and a soft, retail-ready feel. For screen printers and decorators, this combination can offer the ideal balance of softness, durability, and reliable sizing for bulk apparel orders.

Does Pre-Washed Mean Pre-Shrunk?

No. Pre-washed and pre-shrunk are two different garment finishing processes. A pre-washed shirt has been washed after manufacturing to soften the fabric and improve color consistency, while a pre-shrunk shirt has gone through a controlled shrinking process to reduce future shrinkage. Some premium blank t-shirts may be both pre-washed and pre-shrunk, offering improved softness and better size consistency.

Is Pre-Shrunk or Pre-Washed Better for T-Shirts?

For wholesale buyers, choosing the right garment finish often depends on the end use. Screen printers and decorators may prefer pre-shrunk cotton to maintain sizing consistency across bulk orders, while apparel brands building retail collections may lean toward pre-washed garments for their softer feel and premium appearance.

What About Sustainability?

Quality isn’t just about softness or shrink control - it’s also about how your apparel is made. Many customers are seeking out apparel that has been sustainably sourced and made. Discover eco-friendly options that have pre-washed or pre-shrunk at CSO as well as learn all about USA-made and sustainability in wholesale apparel.

For instance, check out style #400 from SoftShirts. The Organic T-Shirt is made out 100% GOTS organic combed ring-spun cotton as well as garment washed and biopolished for lint free, premium softness, and printing. This t-shirt is available in 10+ colors as well as sizes S-3XL.

How to Prevent T-Shirt Shrinkage After Washing

Whether you’re printing custom merchandise, launching a clothing brand, or ordering blank apparel in bulk, properly caring for garments helps maintain sizing and fabric quality. This is especially important for decorators and print shops that want finished products to hold their shape after customers wash them. Learn step-by-step on how to properly prepare your blank apparel for printing, from removing tags to pre-washing at home. Incorporating these extra steps into your prep really elevates the look of any customized t-shirt as well as eliminates many issues while printing.

Shop For Your Blank Apparel Needs at CSO

Whether you’re a screen printer, apparel brand, reseller, or wholesale buyer ordering blank apparel in bulk, CSO offers thousands of styles designed for customization and resale. From pre-shrunk cotton t-shirts to pre-washed premium blanks, you’ll find the right garments for printing, decorating, and building your brand.

The best part? The more you buy at CSO, the more you save! CSO has bulk discounts on all orders starting at just $80. Check out all of our perks and current deals here.

Shrink the Confusion

Pre-shrunk and pre-wash can be confused for the same technique when in reality, they serve totally different purposes. Understanding the differences between pre-shrunk and pre-wash helps you make smarter buying decisions, protect your brand reputation, and deliver exactly what your customers want and expect.