DTG printing is all about detail and color. But here’s the secret: it doesn’t matter how advanced your printer is if the blank tee isn’t up to the job. The right fabric makes your artwork sharp and vibrant. The wrong one? Faded colors, rough textures, and wasted inventory.
So, what makes a great DTG blank? Smooth, ring-spun cotton is the gold standard. A higher thread count means a cleaner surface, and pre-treatment sticks best to cotton. Flat, uniform fabrics will always outshine anything ribbed or textured. In short, the blank is your canvas.
Choosing the Right Fit: The Standouts
With so many blanks on the market, it helps to know which ones consistently deliver. These are the favorites that printers and brands keep coming back to.
The BELLA+CANVAS 3001C is soft, smooth, and eco-friendly, made with Airlume combed cotton and available in a wide range of colors. It’s the top choice for retail-quality prints and premium collections.
Known for its fitted cut and dense fibers that make designs pop, the Next Level 3600 blank’s clean, modern look makes it especially popular with fashion-forward brands and boutique shops. This blank is often compared to the BELLA+CANVAS 3001c with a slightly lower price tag.
For those prioritizing affordability, the Gildan Softstyle 64000 is hard to beat. It’s reliable, widely available, and ideal for bulk orders where cost matters, but quality still needs to hold up.
If the label is just as important as the print, the American Apparel 2001 delivers with its fine jersey cotton, slim fit, and strong brand recognition. It’s a natural fit for premium customers who want both style and name appeal.
Finally, the Comfort Colors 1717 stands out for its heavyweight cotton and garment-dyed, vintage finish. Perfect for streetwear and retro-inspired lines, it’s the go-to blank when personality and character are part of the design.
| SKU / Style | Fabric | Weight | Key Features | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BELLA+CANVAS 3001C | 100% Airlume combed & ring-spun cotton (32 single) | 4.2 oz | Super-soft, eco-friendly, smooth weave, wide color range | Premium retail prints needing detail and vibrancy |
| Next Level 3600 | 100% combed ring-spun cotton (32 single) | 4.3 oz | Modern fit, lightweight, consistent quality | Fashion brands and boutique apparel |
| Gildan 64000 Softstyle | 100% ring-spun cotton (30 single) | 4.5 oz | Cost-effective, softer than basic Gildan, widely available | Bulk orders with budget focus |
| American Apparel 2001 | 100% combed ring-spun fine jersey cotton (30 single) | 4.3 oz | Slim fit, smooth finish, strong brand recognition | Premium brands and high-style retail |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | 100% ring-spun cotton | 6.1 oz | Garment-dyed, vintage feel, relaxed fit | Streetwear and retro-inspired collections |
Choosing the right blank is such a personal decision. While any of the above work well for DTG printing, the best choice depends on your top priority. Here are a few things to consider:
- On a budget? Go with Gildan Softstyle.
- Want retail consistency? BELLA+CANVAS delivers every time.
- Looking for style? Next Level and American Apparel give you that fashion cut.
- Building a retro vibe? Comfort Colors nails it.
Where to Buy
When it comes to sourcing blanks, you have plenty of wholesale distributors and direct options to choose from. Each has its own strengths. Your choice will often depend on whether you’re prioritizing variety, reliability, or direct brand relationships.
- SanMar: BELLA+CANVAS, Next Level, Gildan
- AlphaBroder: Wide variety, including Comfort Colors
- TSC Apparel: Bulk orders for both premium and budget options
- BELLA+CANVAS Wholesale: Direct, eco-friendly, and reliable
SanMar carries a strong mix of popular brands like BELLA+CANVAS, Next Level, and Gildan, making it a go-to for decorators who want trusted staples in one place. AlphaBroder offers one of the widest selections in the market, including Comfort Colors, a favorite for that vintage, washed look.
TSC Apparel is well-suited for bulk orders and gives you access to both premium and budget-friendly blanks, making it easy to scale with your business needs.
For those who want a more direct-to-brand experience, BELLA+CANVAS Wholesale is an excellent option. Not only do you get a reliable supply straight from the source, but you’re also tapping into their eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
The Bottom Line
A DTG printer can only work with the canvas you give it. Premium blanks mean brighter colors, sharper detail, and prints that last. For everyday runs, Gildan gets the job done. For standout pieces, BELLA+CANVAS or Next Level are worth the investment. And when style is the priority, Comfort Colors brings the character.
Pick wisely, and every print feels like it belongs on display.