One question we often get is what makes a “great quality” tee shirt. The short answer is that depends on what the wearer wants. So, a great quality tee shirt is a very subjective thing.
What’s the most important factor for a “great quality” t-shirt?
When it comes to determining what makes a great quality tee shirt, it really comes down to personal preference. What might be great quality for one person, may not necessarily be the same for someone else. The definition of great quality can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as fabric, fit, durability, and even brand reputation. Ultimately, it’s all about finding a tee shirt that meets your own standards of what constitutes great quality. So, don’t be afraid to explore different options and choose the tee shirt that ticks all the boxes for you.
Commercial quality tees are a cost-conscious option.
A commercial quality, Gildan 5000 tee is a 5.3 oz cotton, (except for heathers and safety colours, which are a mix of polyester and cotton) are inexpensive. This line is great where budget is the most important factor. The Gildan 5000 prints well and is just a basic tee.
Stepping up a notch saves money in the long run with great quality.
A slightly better quality would be Gildan Ultra or Hanes Authentic at 6oz/yd. These t-shirts have a tighter weave, feel heavier and will wear longer than the basic Gildan 5000. The Ultra and Authentic are only slightly more expensive than the basic tee.
Soft and fitted tees in tons of colours may make a “great” tee.
If a ring-spun cotton, soft and light tee is desired, there is the Gildan Softstyle. This is a more fitted shirt with a tight weave and very soft surface, but thinner, at 4.3 oz./yd. Next Level has a similar tee that drapes differently with a more traditional cut, but still fitted. If a lightweight, super-soft t-shirt is what the wearer wants, these are great choices and are only a little bit more than the Ultra or Authentic. Bella+Canvas and Next Level also offer many colour and style options for bot unisex and women’s sizes.
Tri-blends are a premium option for quality t-shirts.
Then there are triblends that will be more premium with a better drape, but those aren’t 100% cotton. Triblends are a mix of cotton, polyester and rayon, typically. Tri-blend tees are more resistant to wrinkling and feel very smooth because of the mix of materials. Bella+Canvas and Next Level have some very nice styles both for unisex, women and kids in these fabrics and a broad range of heather colours.
What about “streetwear” tees?
Shaka Wear is an option for super-heavyweight “streetwear” quality tees, but unless the client can order in sufficient minimums of a dozen or more, this brand won’t be an accessible option. Instead, the Gildan Hammer line and Hanes Beefy T are great alternatives. Both lines are 6 oz/yd, nicely finished and ring-spun cotton. They print well, whether for digital printing or screen-print, and because of the weight, are decent candidates for embroidery.
Mix ‘n match projects – will tees match, colour-wise?
When selecting apparel from these popular brands, it’s essential to understand that while both offer a variety of colors, the shades may not always align perfectly due to differences in fabric composition and dyeing processes. Comparing specific colors from each brand can help ensure consistency for your custom apparel projects.
For instance, a Hanes Authentic Navy versus a Gildan Ultra Navy, will be virtually indistinguisable, but the blacks from these brand are different. A tri-blend will look different than a 100% cotton shirt due to how the dye is linked in the fabric. One brand’s “Kelly Green” will be different from the other’s “Irish Green”. So, mixing and matching between brands and styles is never a sure thing. On the other hand, there’s nothing stopping the client from using one brand’s purpple, another brand’s royal blue and so forth.
So, what makes a “great tee”
The answer to the question of what makes a great tee is stacking what’s most important to the client. There are tons of options that will work for just about any budget and appropriate for business, event and retail use. Still unsure? Contact us and we’ll be glad to help.