Heavy Cotton
- Print Quality: ★★★☆☆
- Cost Level: $ (most budget-friendly)
- Best For: workwear, giveaways, outdoor events
Guide to T-Shirt Quality: Heavy Cotton, Softstyle, Jersey, Tri-Blend & More
Not all T-shirts are created equal. Fabric type, weight, and construction dramatically affect comfort, print quality, durability, and cost. Whether you’re ordering shirts for your business, school, event, or online store, choosing the right garment matters. Here’s a clear breakdown of the most popular T-shirt fabric categories—and how they perform when printed here at We Make T-Shirts.
Quickly compare comfort, durability, print quality, cost, and best use case for each shirt type so you can pick the right blank for your next order.
Best for: Workwear, giveaways, outdoor events, uniforms, budget-friendly orders
Feel: Structured, sturdy, slightly thicker
Examples: Gildan 2000, Port & Company PC54, Hanes Beefy-T
Heavyweight cotton has been the go-to T-shirt for decades. These shirts are durable, hold up well to repeated washes, and feel more substantial. They aren’t the softest option—but they’re reliable, affordable, and perfect for designs that need bold, solid prints.
Pros:
Strong and durable
Great for bold prints
Cost-effective for large orders
Cons:
Not as soft
Slightly boxier fit
Can feel warm in summer
Best for: Retail-style shirts, schools, fundraisers, customer-facing staff, online stores
Feel: Smooth, modern, softer than heavy cotton
Examples: Gildan Softstyle 64000, Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600
Softstyle shirts use ringspun cotton, which is smoother and finer than standard carded cotton. You’ll notice the difference the second you touch them—they're softer, lighter, and generally feel more “premium.” They're our most popular choice for everyday printing.
Pros:
Very soft and comfortable
Smooth surface = sharper print quality
Great for both simple and full-color designs
Cons:
Slightly higher cost
Lighter feel may not suit all work environments
Best for: Retail brands, youth apparel, fashion-forward designs
Feel: Light, stretchy, breathable
Examples: American Apparel 2001, Bella+Canvas 3004
Jersey knit cotton has a refined, modern fit and an ultra-smooth surface. These shirts are extremely comfortable and drape nicely—great for lifestyle brands or anyone wanting a high-quality feel without moving into blends.
Pros:
Soft, smooth surface
Modern fit
Great for high-quality prints
Cons:
Not as thick as heavy cotton
Shows body shape more (slimmer fit)
Best for: Sports, team shirts, activewear, moisture-wicking needs
Feel: Smooth, lightweight, slightly silky
Examples: Gildan DryBlend, Jerzees 50/50, Sport-Tek blends
A blend of cotton and polyester gives you a little bit of everything: softness, durability, wrinkle resistance, and moisture-wicking performance. These are perfect for active teams or anyone needing shirts that wash and wear well with minimal shrinkage.
Pros:
Less prone to shrinking
More breathable and quick-drying
Great for athletics and large events
Cons:
Color vibrancy can be slightly lower on DTG
Slightly synthetic feel for some people
Best for: Premium merch, boutiques, vintage-style prints, comfort-first apparel
Feel: Ultra-soft, lightweight, vintage drape
Examples: Bella+Canvas 3413, Next Level 6010, District Perfect Tri
Tri-blends combine three fabrics—typically cotton, polyester, and rayon—for the softest T-shirt you can buy. They offer a vintage look, amazing comfort, and a more fitted silhouette. Because they’re so soft, the print integrates into the shirt for a slightly muted, retail-style print.
Pros:
Softest shirts on the market
Premium look and feel
Vintage-style prints look incredible
Cons:
Color saturation is softer (by design)
Higher cost
Thinner fabric—not ideal for heavy or solid prints
Best for: Sports teams, outdoor workers, summer events, fitness
Feel: Lightweight, silky, moisture-wicking
Examples: Sport-Tek ST350, A4 performance tees
Made with polyester designed to wick sweat and dry quickly, performance shirts are great for sports and hot weather. Prints stay bold using modern decoration methods like DTF, vinyl, or screen printing (depending on the job).
Pros:
Excellent for heat and sweat
Won’t shrink
Lightweight and breathable
Cons:
Not as “soft” as cotton
May feel synthetic
Picking the right T-shirt makes a big difference in how your design looks, feels, and holds up over time. At We Make T-Shirts, we help customers choose the perfect garment for their brand, school, or event—whether you want something affordable, soft, premium, or performance-driven.
