Decoding T-shirts | Guide to Choosing the Perfect T-Shirt
Jun 17th 2025
Not all T-shirts are created equal. Whether you're ordering custom tees for your team, picking workwear that can handle a construction site, or simply want the softest shirt for everyone’s comfort, the key lies in understanding what to look for in fabrics and product descriptions. Here's your comprehensive guide to selecting the right T-shirt for every situation.
T-Shirt Selection Guide
| Category | Description | Recommended Brands |
| Outdoor & Endurance |
Best for: Construction work, landscaping, heavy-duty activities Key Features: • High cotton weight (5.5 oz and above) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Built to resist tearing and snapping |
|
| Color Match |
Best for: Corporate events, brand merchandise, promotional items Key Features: • Wide range of available colors • Consistent color accuracy • Consider material differences in color display |
• Gildan Unisex Heavy Cotton T-shirts (G5000) |
| Comfort & Softness |
Best for: Children's clothing, everyday wear, sensitive skin Key Features: • Blends offer a premium retail feel while minimizing shrinkage and itchiness • Look for blended materials (2-3 fibers) 60% cotton/40% polyester blend |
• Gildan Youth Softstyle Midweight T-Shirt |
| Athletics |
Best for: Sports teams, races, exercise, high-activity wear Key Features: • Polyester material (blended or pure) • High wicking properties • Breathability and cooling effects |
|
| Women's Cut |
Best for: Female team members, events, tailored fit preference Key Features: • Semi-fitted contour design • Designed for a flattering fit with a variety of neckline and sleeve options • Look for "ladies" or "women's" in descriptions |
Important Considerations Before You Order
- Printing white ink on dark shirts often requires multiple layers to achieve full coverage, which can result in a slightly stiffer feel on the fabric.
- Tone-on-tone printing (same color ink as shirt) creates a subtle, sophisticated look but can be difficult to see
- Different materials react differently to inks, so consider how your design will interact with your chosen fabric
- Costs vary even within categories based on quality levels, quantity and set-up. Check on our website for cost information.
The "best" T-shirt is the one that perfectly matches your specific needs. By understanding these categories and what to look for in product descriptions, you'll be able to confidently select T-shirts that not only meet your needs but exceed expectations.