Help
Which t-shirt is best for printing?
The right t-shirt depends on how it will be worn, how long it needs to last and your budget. Here is how our most popular styles compare.
Choosing the best t-shirt for printing
The best t-shirt for printing is the one that suits its job. A shirt for a one-day event needs a low price. A shirt for your brand or business needs quality and staying power.
Think about size, fit, weight, material, colour and how it washes. Then use the table below to narrow it down.
Compare
Our t-shirts side by side
Weights are in gsm (grams per square metre). The higher the number, the thicker the fabric.
| T-shirt | Feel and fit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Fruit of the Loom Valueweight) | Our lowest cost tee. 100% cotton, original fit. | One-off events, parties, stag and hen dos |
| Softstyle (Gildan) | Around 150gsm, soft and semi-fitted. | Everyday wear at a fair price, our go-to |
| Iconic (Fruit of the Loom) | Thinner and fitted. | A slim look for casual wear |
| Ringspun Premium (Fruit of the Loom) | Thicker ringspun cotton, around 180gsm, classic fit. | Longer wear, light workwear, gifts, new brands |
| Anthem organic | Organic cotton, about 145gsm, a great cut. | Our top all-rounder, from the gym to a night out |
| Performance (polyester) | Quick drying and sweat wicking. | Running, gym, CrossFit and team sports |
Our recommendations
On a budget: the basic t-shirt
Sometimes you just need a cheap t-shirt for a one-off, such as a promotion or a joke present. The basic tee will not match a premium for quality, and it may run thin. Stick to white for the lowest price, as white is cheapest to print.
Best value: the Softstyle
The Gildan Softstyle is a decent price with good print quality, in white or colours. It is soft and semi-fitted, so it hugs a little more than a classic fit.
Built to last: the premium t-shirt
Premium t-shirts use thicker ringspun cotton and a classic fit: not tight, not baggy. You will notice the quality, and they last longer. The extra weight also makes them good for embroidery.
Best all-rounder: Anthem organic
The Anthem organic t-shirt ticks most boxes. It feels good, fits well around the arms and body, and prints well. At about 145gsm it is light, so it suits warm days or layering. See our organic range.
For sport: performance wear
Performance tops are 100% polyester. They dry quickly and wick sweat away from the body. Browse our sportswear for running, gym and team kit.
Getting the size right
Adult sizes start at XS and go up to 5XL on some styles. Sizes vary between styles, so you could be a medium in one t-shirt and a large in another.
- Original or classic fit: not too loose, not too tight, and not tight on the upper arms
- Fitted styles: shaped to follow the body
- Ladies fit: cut for a shaped look on the wearer
- Fruit of the Loom: tends to run small, so the next size up is often wise
Check the size chart on each product page before you order. Kids sizes are in our kids and baby range.
How to stop your t-shirt shrinking
Some t-shirts shrink more than others. Semi-fitted styles like the Softstyle and Iconic can shrink if washed hot, and they are already close fitting.
- Wash at 30°C and no higher
- Heather colours contain more polyester, which helps them keep their shape
- Consider one size up in semi-fitted styles
- The thicker Ringspun Premium is less likely to shrink and lasts longer
Avoid tumble drying and ironing over the print. More care advice is in our quick tips.
T-shirt questions
Can I see the t-shirts before I order?
Yes. Our Portishead shop has samples you can see, feel and try on. Please call ahead before you visit.
Can you get a style that is not on your website?
Often, yes. We use several suppliers with a huge range of garments. Tell us what you are looking for.
Which t-shirt is quickest to get?
White and black Softstyle t-shirts are always in stock, so they can be printed soonest. Other styles may need ordering in from our suppliers.
Found your t-shirt?
Pick it, add your design and see the price straight away. Or call us and we will help you choose.