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The blank garment you choose is just as important as the print itself. A great design on a cheap, boxy tee feels like a missed opportunity. At French Press Custom, we stock over 50 blank brands — but three dominate the conversation: Bella+Canvas, Gildan, and Next Level.
Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.
The Bella+Canvas 3001 has become the default choice for anyone who wants a quality custom tee. There is a reason every online merch brand uses it.
Merch brands, band tees, retail products, events where the shirt quality reflects your brand, corporate gifts for employees who will actually wear them.
Wholesale: $4.00 - $6.50 depending on color and size
Gildan is the most printed-on brand in the world, and the 5000 Heavy Cotton is their flagship. When budget matters more than fabric luxury, Gildan delivers.
Promotional giveaways, large corporate events, budget-conscious school orders, construction crews, situations where cost per unit matters most.
Wholesale: $2.00 - $4.00 depending on color and size
Next Level sits between Bella+Canvas and Gildan in price but offers a distinctly fashion-forward fit that appeals to younger demographics.
Streetwear brands, fitness apparel, younger demographics, fashion-conscious clients who want a fitted look, Instagram-friendly merch.
Wholesale: $3.50 - $5.50 depending on color and size
| Feature | Bella+Canvas 3001 | Gildan 5000 | Next Level 3600 | |---------|-------------------|-------------|-----------------| | Weight | 4.2 oz | 5.3 oz | 4.3 oz | | Cotton type | Ringspun combed | Open-end | Ringspun combed | | Fit | Retail modern | Traditional boxy | Fashion fitted | | Construction | Side-seamed | Tubular | Side-seamed | | Softness | 9/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | | Durability | 8/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | | Price | $$$ | $ | $$ | | Colors available | 100+ | 80+ | 50+ | | Sizes | XS-4XL | S-5XL | XS-3XL | | Best print method | Screen, DTG, DTF | Screen | DTG, Screen |
The garment-dyed vintage tee. Heavyweight (6.1 oz), relaxed fit, pre-shrunk. Colors are muted and earthy. Hugely popular for sorority, fraternity, and coastal lifestyle brands. Higher cost but the look is unmistakable.
Australian brand making waves in the US market. Premium quality, modern fit, curated color palette. Growing fast among streetwear and direct-to-consumer brands.
Heritage fit with the iconic "C" logo patch on the sleeve. Perfect when you want built-in brand cachet alongside your custom design.
At French Press Custom, we print on all of these blanks (and dozens more). Here is our general guidance:
The best way to decide is to feel the blanks in person. We are happy to send you samples of each option so you can compare before committing to a full run. Call us at (562) 758-5110 or request samples through our quote form.
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