Top T-Shirt Brands for Custom Printing in 2025
Sweating over which blank tee will do your art justice? Relax. We’re about to break down the tshirt brands that actually deliver on print quality, comfort, and that perfect fit your customers rave about. With more than two billion tees sold worldwide each year, picking the right canvas matters—for your budget and your brand’s rep.
Whether you’re launching a streetwear line, gearing up for a school fundraiser, or printing uniforms for your business, the shirt you choose is just as important as the design you slap on it.
A great tee turns your artwork into something people actually want to wear—again and again. And in 2025, your options are bigger, better, and more brand-focused than ever before.
Let’s make sure you choose smart, print better, and never settle for a tee that ends up in someone’s pajama drawer.
Why does brand choice matter when printing shirts?
Ink behaves differently on every fabric. Pick a poor blank and you risk fuzzy edges, crooked sizing, or colors that fade faster than a summer tan. Choose wisely and your design pops, washes well, and keeps customers coming back.
When you match your art to the right tee, you avoid pricey reprints and elevate your brand’s perceived value. Plus, the right blank tee ensures your merchandise isn’t just wearable—it’s re-wearable.
T‑Shirt Brands for Custom Printing
Not all tees are created equal. Fabric weight, stitching, fit, and print compatibility all make a big difference when you’re customizing apparel. Below are the top t-shirt brands dominating the print game in 2025—whether you’re into DTG, screen printing, heat transfer, or embroidery.
1. Bella+Canvas
A crowd favorite in the custom world. Bella+Canvas tees are known for their ultra-soft combed and ringspun cotton, modern retail fit, and smooth surface that’s perfect for DTG and screen printing.
Their consistent sizing, wide color range, and eco-conscious manufacturing process make them a top choice for fashion-forward brands and sustainable printers alike.
2. Next Level Apparel
Stylish, soft, and budget-friendly. Next Level delivers that perfect blend of comfort and style without breaking the bank.
The lightweight cotton and cotton-poly blends make them great for direct-to-garment printing, while still holding up beautifully with vinyl and transfers. It’s a favorite among startups and large print shops alike.
3. AS Colour
Premium feel and durability. AS Colour tees have a cult following for good reason. These shirts feel heavier and more structured, which makes them perfect for high-end retail printing, puff ink, or layered screen printing. The brand is ideal for creatives who care about print quality, longevity, and ethical production.
4. Gildan
Affordable and dependable. Gildan is a go-to for large volume orders—think schools, fundraisers, and promotional events.
Their wide variety of fits, fabrics, and weights gives you flexibility across screen printing and heat press jobs. Gildan’s 5000 and 2000 models are particularly popular for their durability and cost-effectiveness.
5. Comfort Colors
Famous for their garment-dyed, vintage-washed tees. Comfort Colors adds that lived-in softness and beachy aesthetic that’s hard to beat.
The slightly oversized fit and rich hues make them ideal for laid-back, coastal, or nostalgic designs. Screen prints pop thanks to their smooth surface and muted tone options.
6. Hanes
A legacy brand that still delivers. Hanes offers a blend of affordability and comfort, with tees that range from basic to premium.
Their “Perfect-T” and “Nano-T” lines are especially popular for DTG and embroidery. They're versatile, reliable, and easy to source—making them a favorite for schools, nonprofits, and merch lines.
7. American Apparel
Known for its edgy fit and urban appeal. American Apparel tees have a flattering cut, soft cotton/poly blends, and a smooth surface that holds up beautifully to DTG, sublimation, and heat transfer prints. Slightly more expensive, but perfect for retail brands that want a sleek, fitted look.
8. Jerzees
An under-the-radar option with excellent value. Jerzees tees are soft, durable, and highly printable. Their 29M Dri-Power activewear shirt is moisture-wicking, making it ideal for sports teams, outdoor events, or anyone who wants comfort with performance. A strong choice for screen and vinyl printing.
9. Anvil by Gildan
A fashion-forward offshoot of Gildan. Anvil focuses on stylish cuts, soft fabrics, and a retail-ready fit. Their ringspun cotton and tri-blends give your prints a clean, professional finish. Whether you’re doing DTG or custom vinyl, Anvil tees bring a modern edge to any custom project.
10. Fruit of the Loom
Still holding its place in the basics game. Fruit of the Loom continues to offer reliable, budget-conscious options for events, promos, or giveaways.
Their Sofspun line is softer and more form-fitting than the classic offerings, making it a solid pick for basic custom designs without sacrificing comfort.
Each brand has its niche—some are better for high-end designs, others for mass production. The key is matching the tee to your printing method and your audience.
Which are the absolute best t‑shirt brands for DTG vs. screen printing?
Direct to Garment (DTG) printing thrives on smooth, tightly woven tees that allow ink to absorb evenly and stay sharp after multiple washes.
Brands like Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and AS Colour lead the pack with their ringspun cotton and high-quality construction, making them ideal for bright, detailed DTG prints.
On the flip side, screen printing works best with thicker, more absorbent fabric that can handle layers of plastisol ink. Gildan, Comfort Colors, and Hanes are top picks in this space, offering durability and excellent ink retention—perfect for bold designs that need to last through heavy wear and frequent washing.
Gildan
Comfort Colors
Hanes
These hold plastisol ink beautifully and last through dozens of washes.
How to pick the right brand for your custom shirts?
Ask yourself:
What’s the tee for—promo, resale, or internal team use?
What kind of printing are you doing—DTG, screen, heat press?
Who’s going to wear it—trendsetters, corporate employees, college students?
How much can you spend without hurting your margins?
Then, factor in color variety. Some brands offer 12 core shades. Others? Over 60. That matters if you’re trying to match a specific tone or seasonal collection.
The smartest move? Order samples. Wash them, wear them, and test print before committing to bulk orders. Firsthand experience beats guessing every time.
FAQ
Q1: Which tee feels the softest?
Bella+Canvas and Next Level offer the softest feel thanks to premium combed cotton.
Q2: Can I get eco-friendly blanks without breaking the bank?
Yes. Try Allmade or Econscious—affordable and sustainable.
Q3: Do all brands come in plus sizes?
Most top brands go up to 3XL, with some offering 5XL options.
Q4: Which shirts work best for full-color photo prints?
Bella+Canvas 3001 and Next Level 3600 deliver sharp, detailed DTG results.
Q5: Best pick for activewear or athletic fits?
Go for blends like Hanes Cool DRI or Next Level CVC tees for stretch and moisture-wicking.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tshirt brands is more than just following the crowd—it’s about making smart decisions that protect your budget, elevate your merch, and satisfy your customers.
Whether it’s the affordability of Gildan, the fashion-forward cuts of Bella+Canvas, or the softness of Next Level, there’s a perfect blank waiting to show off your art.
Ready to bring your next design to life? Let our custom t-shirt printing service at Tee Vision Printing help you create tees that look good, feel good, and keep your brand looking sharp every time they’re worn.