Differences in Fabric
A lot of people don’t even think about the different types of t-shirt fabrics available. If you’re not well versed in fabric choices you might just assume a t-shirt is a t-shirt is a t-shirt. It’s not true. Cheap t-shirts are typically made of either really thin or really thick fabric. However, high quality t-shirts are actually going to be on thinner, softer side because of ring spun cotton, but they have a heavier feel to the touch. The thin t-shirts we’re talking about are thin because they are cheaply woven. Cheap, thin shirts can also be transparent which is not going to be popular with women. Thick, cheap shirts are typically tubular meaning they do not have side seams and are more likely to lose their shape after washing. So look for shirts with side seams. This is usually a sign of a better constructed tee overall.
Shrinkage
We’ve all had it happen. You buy a t-shirt because you love it, but once it’s washed a few times, it’s either too short or too tight. Before you pick a t-shirt product, check the label to understand what type of material it’s made of and if it’s been preshrunk. Preshrunk material is more likely to remain true to size. 100% cotton is an American staple but since cotton is a plant fiber, it has a tendency to shrink when exposed to heat. If you’re concerned about shrinkage, wash only in cold water and lay flat to dry. This will also extend the life of your t-shirt and the print. A poly blend fabric is unlikely to shrink and in many cases can be softer and more durable than 100% cotton. However when applying decoration such as digital print embellishment, cotton tees are the best because of the fibers ability to absorb.
Customer Supplied Goods
Being in the screen printing industry for decades, we understand there may be opportunities to purchase bulk t-shirts at steep discounts. While it may seem like a bargain, if you intend to embellish with print, you may not be able to. The best t-shirt printers have a lot of knowledge concerning printability. Not all retail shirts are intended to be embellished by screen printing or digital printing methods. When in doubt, contact us prior to purchase to understand the risks of the t-shirt product you intend to buy.
Sustainable T-Shirts and Printing
You want to do right by the environment and live a greener life. We do too. You may think that sustainable t-shirts are too expensive but we actually offer two great options. Check out the Hanes ComfortBlend EcoSmart T-Shirt which is definitely on the affordable side, plus the Alternative Apparel Organic Cotton Basic Crew which is a bit more expensive but a popular brand. Our sustainable products require a minimum order of 6 t-shirts.
When to Choose Screen Print or Digital Print
Being in the screen printing industry for decades, we understand there may be opportunities to purchase bulk t-shirts at steep discounts. While it may seem like a bargain, if you intend to embellish with print, you may not be able to. The best t-shirt printers have a lot of knowledge concerning printability. Not all retail shirts are intended to be embellished by screen printing or digital printing methods. When in doubt, contact us prior to purchase to understand the risks of the t-shirt product you intend to buy.
