Best Shirts for Screen Printing & DTF – Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Next Level & More
Choosing the best shirts for screen printing can make or break your project. Whether you’re planning a company giveaway, team uniforms, or launching a merch brand, the right garment matters just as much as the ink. This guide covers top shirt brands, fabric types, and tips to help you pick the perfect blank for your custom screen printed apparel.
Choosing the right shirt is only part of the process. For fabrics, printing methods, pricing, and more, check out our Custom T-Shirts Guide.
Table of Contents
Why Your Shirt Choice Matters in Screen Printing & DTF Printing
Screen printing works best on flat, consistent surfaces with minimal stretch. The shirt you choose impacts:
- Print Quality – Smooth, ring-spun cotton delivers sharper detail.
- Durability – Some blends hold up better through repeated washes.
- Perceived Value – A cheap shirt can make a great design feel less premium.
- Customer Satisfaction – Fit, softness, and style all influence whether people actually wear the shirt.
Top Shirt Brands for Screen Printing & Best Shirts for DTF Printing
Here are the most popular and trusted brands used by decorators and printers across the industry:
👕 Gildan
Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton)
- 100% preshrunk cotton
- Boxy fit, rugged feel
- Best for: Budget-conscious promos, workwear, giveaways
- Affordable Shirts for Screen Printing & DTF
Gildan 64000 (Softstyle)
- Ring-spun cotton, softer feel
- Slimmer fit, great for retail-style tees
- Best for: Bands, startups, small businesses looking for value + comfort
👕 Bella+Canvas
Bella+Canvas 3001 (Unisex Jersey Tee)
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
- Lightweight, soft, premium feel
- Side-seamed for a retail fit
- Best for: Merch brands, boutique retail, influencer drops
- Soft t-shirts for screen printing
👕 Next Level
Next Level 3600 (Premium Cotton Tee)
- Combed ring-spun cotton, slightly heavier than B+C
- Great shape retention and print surface
- Best for: Brands that want softness and durability
👕 Other Notables
Tultex 202
- Budget-friendly alternative to Next Level and B+C
- Good softness and printability
American Apparel 2001
- Trendy, fitted, fashion-forward
- Slightly pricier but stylish appeal
Cotton vs Blends – What’s Best for Printing?
100% Cotton
- Best for bold, solid color prints
- Works well with plastisol and water-based inks
- Slight shrinkage unless preshrunk
50/50 Blends (Cotton/Poly)
- Softer, moisture-wicking
- Slightly trickier for water-based inks
- Great for athletic or casual wear
Tri-Blends (Cotton/Poly/Rayon)
- Super soft and drapey
- More vintage, heathered look
- May require special ink treatments
Choosing the Right Shirt for Your Project
| Goal | Recommended Shirt | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Giveaway | Gildan 5000 | Cheap, sturdy, tons of colors |
| Retail-Quality Brand Tee | Bella+Canvas 3001 | Soft, modern fit, premium feel |
| Workwear or Uniforms | Gildan 5000 or 2000 | Durable and reliable |
| Soft Yet Budget-Friendly | Gildan 64000 or Tultex 202 | Great print surface at low price |
| High-End Merch Drop | Next Level 3600 | Clean, soft, well-made |
Local Expertise – Serving Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton & Parkesburg
At Print Habit, we stock and print on all the top blanks — and we guide you through every option. Our expert team helps you:
- Match the right shirt to your budget
- Choose inks that complement the fabric
- Get a fast, accurate proof before printing
We’re local, fast, and always available for in-person help or delivery. Looking for local t-shirt printing near you? These are the same blanks we use for small businesses, schools, and events across Chester County.
Ready to Start?
Still not sure? Explore screen printing here →
How Can We Help?
📩 Request a Custom Quote
✍️ Upload design or Use Our Online Designer
📞 Call or Text 610-508-9993
📧 info@printhabit.com
FAQs – Best Shirts for Screen Printing
Gildan 5000 or Gildan 64000 are budget-friendly and dependable.
Bella+Canvas 3001 and Next Level 3600 are great for retail-style merch.
Yes — but we always recommend using blanks we source to guarantee results. We also have distributor relationships with all major suppliers and very competitively priced blanks.
Yes, but they require adjusted print techniques. We can advise based on your artwork.
Ready to design custom t-shirts? Request a free quote and start your order today.
Explore More About Custom T-Shirts
Your complete resource on custom t-shirts — styles, fabrics, printing methods & costs.
Your local partner for fast, high-quality custom t-shirt printing and logo shirts.
Compare the most popular tshirt brands like Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Hanes, Next Level & American Apparel. See how they stack up for bulk orders, fashion, and custom printing.
Crew necks, v-necks, polos, oversized & more — the most popular types of custom t-shirts explained.
Compare t-shirt material types: cotton t-shirts, polyester performance shirts, blends & eco-friendly t-shirts.
Find the best shirts for screen printing and DTF transfers — from affordable Gildan to premium Bella+Canvas blanks.
Compare places to make custom t-shirts: local shops, custom t-shirts online & hybrid providers.
Affordable, durable Gildan 5000 t-shirts – one of the best option for events, schools & businesses.
Custom event t shirts for fundraisers, teams, and promotions. Compare fabrics, printing, and costs for bulk or small runs.
Screen printing, DTF, sublimation & more — compare t-shirt printing methods to find the best option for your design, fabric, and budget.
Compare DTF vs screen printing — costs, durability, print quality & when each method is the best choice for custom t-shirts.
Learn how to wash, dry, and store custom printed t-shirts to keep screen prints, DTF, sublimation, and heat transfers looking fresh and lasting longer.
How to wear t-shirts for casual, business casual, streetwear, festivals, and by season or age group.
Ready to design custom t-shirts? Request a free quote and start your order today.
Helpful Guides to Getting Great Print Results
If you’re looking for more than just the right blank, explore our custom tees and more in Coatesville — perfect for screen printing apparel for teams, events, and small businesses.