T-SHIRT BUYING GUIDE
Choosing Blank T-Shirts for Printing and Everyday Wear
Compare four plain white T-shirts for men by fit, fabric weight and coverage. Then check the print surface and order a sample in the exact shade you need.
Compare the catalogue specifications.
| Style | Weight | Composition | Fit & construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| GD01: Gildan SoftStyle® Adult T-Shirt | White 145 gsm, Cols 150 gsm | 100% ringspun cotton.* | Modern classic fit. Narrow ribbed collar. Taped neck and shoulders. Tubular body. High stitch density for smoother printing surface. Tear out label. |
| GD05: Gildan Heavy Cotton™ T-Shirt | White 175 gsm, Cols 180 gsm | 100% cotton.* | Classic fit. Ribbed collar. Taped neck and shoulders. Tubular body. Tear out label. |
| EA001: Ecologie Cascades Organic T-Shirt | 150 gsm | 100% organic cotton. | Fashion fit. Ribbed collar. Unbranded size label at neckline. |
| AT003: AWDis Heavyweight Boxy 240 T-Shirt | 240 gsm | 100% Better Cotton.* | Boxy, oversized fit. PurePrint fabric, the ultimate surface for decoration. Ribbed collar. Unbranded size label. |
Open the product for its selected colour and size price, photographs, size guide and stock status.
Which plain white T-shirt should you try?
For a lighter everyday layer, start with the 145 gsm White Gildan SoftStyle GD01. It uses ringspun cotton and has a modern classic fit. The Gildan Heavy Cotton GD05 offers a heavier fabric in a classic fit. Its White variant lists 170 gsm, while the style summary lists 175 gsm for White. Check the selected size and colour details before ordering. The Ecologie Cascades EA001 gives you a 150 gsm organic cotton option in Arctic White with a fashion fit. Try the 240 gsm unisex AWDis AT003 in Arctic White if you want a boxier silhouette.
Choose a neckline and silhouette
Try the GD01’s narrow ribbed collar under an open shirt or jumper to see how much of the neckband shows. Compare the GD05’s classic fit and tubular body with the boxy oversized AT003. Try both with the layers and trousers you would wear with them, then check where the shoulder and hem sit.
Check coverage in the size you will wear
Compare both the fabric and the fit in daylight. Hold the tee over a contrasting underlayer, then try it on to see how much shows through across the chest and shoulders when you move. Knit density and how tightly the fabric stretches affect coverage as well as GSM. White, Off White and Arctic White are separate supplier shades, so sample the one you plan to reorder.
Read the composition first
Check the exact colour and size specification. A style can use different blends in heather, marl or contrast colours. Cotton, cotton blends and polyester each behave differently under heat and ink. Match the supplier’s fabric details to the instructions for your print system.
Compare fabric weight with the end use
GSM measures grams per square metre of fabric. A lightweight tee can suit a layer under a shirt, while a heavier fabric can give a more substantial feel worn on its own. Compare samples to see how the knit, construction and finish affect the way they drape.
Choose a fit before building your size range
Look for the supplier’s fit description and the selected size guide. “To fit” body measurements are different from garment measurements. Measure a tee that already fits you across the chest and down the body, then compare the dimensions with the guide where garment measurements are available.
Look at the print surface and label
Check the supplier’s feature list for surface details, side seams and labels. A tear-out label can help with a branding project, and care or fibre information may remain. Plan your design area around seams and construction.
Make one sample earn its keep
Test a sample with your chosen process, then follow the care label and decoration instructions to wash-test it. Check adhesion, feel, colour and shape. Keep a note of the garment code, colour, size and process settings so you can repeat the result.
Build your sample shortlist.
These are plain catalogue garments to compare. Open a product to check its current colours, sizes, price and specification.
Find your starting point.
Compare garment photographs, fabric, weight and label details. Order from one garment; UK delivery is £8 plus 20% VAT (£9.60 including VAT), or free over £250 excluding VAT.
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