Launching or scaling a custom apparel business?
The secret to standout designs starts with the right blanks—plain shirts ready for your DTG prints, DTF transfers, embroidery, or vinyl. But with endless options, how do you pick winners that feel great, print perfectly, and fly off shelves?
In this guide, we reveal ColDesi's top 5 most popular shirts, breaking down feel, fit, color, price, and decoration compatibility. From budget-friendly basics to premium blends, find the tees that boost your creativity and profits—let's get decorating!
Do you own a custom clothing company? Or… you’re looking to start one? No matter what stage you are at, you need blanks — plain pieces of fabric on which you can embroider or print designs.
It’s no secret that different types of blanks are available; you can purchase anything from blank masks and blank caps to jackets and accessories. But it would be too much to cover in a single article, so today we’ll just focus on the Apparel Decorator's Top 5 Go-To Shirts.
1. District Perfect Weight Tee (DT104)
Coming in at an average price of $4.50, this checks all the boxes. The fabric is 100% cotton, making it feel super soft to the skin. It allows your skin to breathe, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
Best For: DTG printing, DTF transfers, white toner transfers, heat transfer vinyl, and spangles.
• Feel: Soft
• Color: Richest Black
• Fit: True-to-Size
• Price: ~ $4.50
2. Port & Company Essential Tee (PC61)
Voted "most popular" by groups, teams, clubs, and schools across America. For over 20 years, Port & Company has been reliable. At around $3.50, it is worth every penny.
Note: The black color is slightly more muted than the District tee, and the fit is slightly oversized/cozy.
• Feel: Rougher/Sturdy
• Color: Muted Black
• Fit: Oversized
• Price: ~ $3.50
3. BELLA + CANVAS Unisex Heather (3001CVC)
This is not your standard solid black tee—it has a heathered (speckled) look. Made from a durable cotton/poly blend, it is incredibly soft. It features a "Retail Fit," meaning it is more fitted than the boxy Port & Company shirts.
Pro Tip: Because it is a blend, it is great for HTV and Transfers, but requires care with DTG.
• Feel: Very Soft
• Color: Heathered Black
• Fit: Retail / Fitted
• Price: ~ $6.50
4. Next Level Unisex CVC Tee (NL6210)
Similar to the Bella+Canvas, this is a CVC blend. However, the fit is slightly more relaxed (comparable to the District tee) and the price point is slightly lower at around $6.00.
Comparison: The black is more muted than the deep rich black of the District Tee.
• Feel: Soft
• Color: Muted Black
• Fit: True-to-Size
• Price: ~ $6.00
5. Gildan Heavy 100% Cotton (G5000)
Ranking fifth doesn't mean it's "worse"—it means it serves a specific purpose: Value. At roughly $3.00, this is the budget king.
It is 100% cotton, but thicker and rougher than the others. This sturdy fabric makes it ideal for DTG, Heat Transfer Vinyl, and opaque transfers.
• Feel: Rough/Heavy
• Color: Muted Black
• Fit: Oversized/Boxy
• Price: ~ $3.00
Summary Comparison
| Brand | Fit | Feel | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| District DT104 | True-to-Size | Soft | $4.50 |
| Port & Co PC61 | Oversized | Sturdy | $3.50 |
| Bella+Canvas | Fitted | Very Soft | $6.50 |
| Next Level | True-to-Size | Soft | $6.00D. Sola |
| Gildan 5000 | Boxy | Heavy | $3.00 |
