Whether you run a print shop, own a clothing brand, or need custom apparel for your team or event, buying t-shirts in bulk is a smart and cost-effective strategy. In 2025, the Canadian wholesale t-shirt market is thriving — with demand coming from all corners: creators, resellers, nonprofits, startups, and corporate teams alike.
But with so many choices in fabric, fit, color, and brand, how do you know which t-shirt to buy?
This in-depth guide breaks down everything you need to know before you place your wholesale t-shirt order — from understanding different fabric types and popular styles, to comparing suppliers, predicting trends, and making smart bulk buying decisions.
Why Buy T-Shirts in Bulk?
1. Save Big with Wholesale Pricing
Buying t-shirts individually from a retailer or marketplace often costs $10–$25 per shirt. In contrast, buying in bulk directly from a wholesale supplier can reduce your per-shirt cost to as low as $2–$6 depending on the quantity and brand.
For example:
A Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton Tee can cost $12 retail but under $4 in bulk. Buying 100 shirts could save you $800 or more. Whether you're reselling at retail price or printing for clients, the profit margin on bulk shirts is unbeatable.
2. Consistency Across All Orders
When you buy wholesale, you're typically ordering identical shirts from the same batch — ensuring that every shirt has the same texture, cut, stitching, and color tone. This is especially critical for:
- Branding and promotional items
- Matching uniforms for staff or events
- Apparel resale in your own online store
Consistency builds trust with customers, clients, and teams.
3. Customization Flexibility
Blank t-shirts are a blank canvas for creative businesses. They're ideal for:
- Screen printing
- Heat transfer vinyl (HTV)
- Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing
- Embroidery
Buying blank tees in bulk gives you full control over branding and customization at scale — without having to order finished products from expensive vendors.
4. Always Be Ready to Sell or Deliver
Having bulk stock on hand means you’re ready to fulfill custom orders, launch collections, or serve clients immediately — no waiting for restocks or international shipping delays. For businesses, that’s a serious advantage.
Understanding T-Shirt Fabrics: Which Material Should You Choose?
1. 100% Cotton: A Classic Staple
Cotton is the most popular fabric for wholesale t-shirts, and for good reason.
Pros:- Soft, breathable, and comfortable
- Easy to print on with multiple methods
- Available in a wide range of weights (lightweight to heavyweight)
- May shrink after washing (unless preshrunk)
- Wrinkles more easily than blends
Best for: Resellers, casualwear brands, charity events, everyday wear.
Related: 10 Best Cotton T-Shirts To Buy in Bulk [Deals for 2025]
2. Cotton-Polyester Blends (e.g. 50/50, 60/40)
Blended t-shirts combine the softness of cotton with the durability and shape retention of polyester.
Pros:- Less shrinkage and wrinkling
- Lightweight and breathable
- Good for activewear and everyday use
- May not print as vibrantly as 100% cotton
- Slightly synthetic feel depending on blend ratio
Best for: Workwear, athletic teams, fast-moving promotional items.
3. Ring-Spun Cotton: The Premium Cotton
Ring-spun cotton is made by spinning and twisting cotton fibers for a finer, stronger yarn — resulting in a smoother, softer t-shirt.
Pros:- More luxurious feel
- Longer-lasting
- Higher perceived value for retail brands
Best for: Fashion-forward clothing brands, premium merch, boutique resale.
4. Tri-Blends: Ultra-Soft + Stylish
A tri-blend fabric typically contains cotton, polyester, and rayon. The result? A lightweight, stretchy, and vintage-feel shirt that customers love.
Pros:- Incredibly soft and comfortable
- Slight stretch and great drape
- Popular in lifestyle and streetwear markets
- Pricier than basic cotton
- Slightly harder to print on
Best for: Influencer brands, lifestyle stores, retail-quality apparel.
Best T-Shirt Colors to Stock in Bulk
Choosing the right colors for your bulk order is crucial — not just from a design standpoint, but also from a demand and sales velocity perspective.
1. Black T-Shirts
Black is the undisputed leader in wholesale t-shirt sales. Its universal appeal, slimming effect, and ability to hide stains and wear make it the go-to color for both casual and professional use.
- Matches everything
- Hides stains, sweat, and wear
- Looks great with white or bright-colored prints
Best for: Screen printers, streetwear, band merch, event uniforms.
Related: Top 5 Black Blank T-Shirts You Can Buy in Bulk
2. White T-Shirts
White tees are the foundation of promotional apparel. Their crisp, clean background provides an ideal canvas for full-color prints, logos, and branding elements.
- Clean, minimalist appeal
- Works for men and women
- Cost-effective in bulk
Best for: Events, promotional giveaways, heat transfers.
Related: 10 Best White T-Shirts for Men to Buy Online
3. Neutral & Trending Colors (2025)
As the market matures, color preferences evolve. In 2025, we’re seeing increased demand for earth tones, neutral palettes, and vintage dyes.
Color trends are shifting in 2025 toward neutral tones and muted colors:
- Heather Grey – A versatile alternative to white or black, ideal for unisex or corporate use.
- Navy Blue – Professional yet modern, excellent for uniforms or branded apparel.
- Olive Green – Popular among eco-conscious brands and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Sand & Bone – Minimalist and upscale, well-suited for fashion retail.
- Vintage Dyes – Pigment-dyed shirts with a lived-in, washed look cater to premium lifestyle brands.
Pro tip: Stock up on trending colors and the always-in-demand black/white/grey trio.
T-Shirt Styles & Fits: What to Offer in Bulk
The fit and structure of a t-shirt can greatly affect its appeal — both in terms of fashion and function. Understanding the different style categories helps ensure you’re stocking the right cuts for your target audience.
1. Classic Fit
Also known as a regular or standard fit, this style is characterized by a boxy, relaxed shape that suits a wide range of body types.
- Loose, relaxed, and traditional
- Best for mass orders and unisex sizing
- Compatible with most body types
Best For: Mass giveaways, corporate uniforms, and any scenario where sizing needs to be simple and consistent. It's the most commonly ordered fit for events and promotional use due to its forgiving shape and wide compatibility.
2. Fitted / Fashion Cut
Fashion tees feature a more tailored fit, with narrower sleeves and a tapered waistline, offering a silhouette that contours to the body.
- Tapered sides, slimmer sleeves
- Modern silhouette popular in retail
- Great for younger or style-conscious buyers
Best For: Retail and fashion brands, influencer merch, boutique streetwear, and any brand targeting a younger, more style-aware demographic. These shirts often come with a premium perception, perfect for direct-to-consumer ecommerce.
3. Heavyweight Tees
Heavyweight t-shirts typically feature 6 oz or heavier fabric, offering a more structured, durable feel that many streetwear and workwear buyers prefer.
- 6 oz or more fabric weight
- Feels more premium and durable
- Popular in urban and streetwear scenes
Best For: Workwear, print-on-demand brands, custom merchandise for resale, and streetwear labels. The heavier weight also enhances print sharpness and gives the product a higher-end look and feel.
Also Read: 10 Best Plain T-Shirts for Men [Limited Edition]
Top Brands to Consider
1. Gildan
A globally recognized Canadian brand known for delivering dependable basics at competitive prices. Gildan is widely used in screen printing, embroidery, and promotional apparel.
- Affordable, reliable, and ideal for all bulk orders.
- Popular models: 5000 (Heavy Cotton), 64000 (Softstyle), 8000 (DryBlend)
- Great for both print shops and resale
2. Fruit of the Loom
An established brand synonymous with comfort and affordability. Known for their ultra-soft basic tees and long-lasting quality.
- Trusted name with ultra-soft cotton.
- Excellent budget option
- Great print surface and color range
3. Next Level Apparel
Next Level is a premium brand catering to fashion-forward consumers and brands seeking retail-quality t-shirts. Their use of ring-spun cotton and tri-blends sets them apart in softness and modern fit.
- Modern cuts and ultra-soft blends.
- Premium tri-blends and ring-spun cotton
- Ideal for fashion-forward resale
4. Team365
Team365 specializes in performance-focused apparel, offering moisture-wicking, breathable garments designed for teams, athletics, and corporate outings.
- Focused on athletic and performance tees.
- Moisture-wicking, anti-microbial
- Ideal for sports teams and outdoor events
Final Thoughts
Buying wholesale t-shirts in Canada in 2025 offers incredible value and flexibility for businesses of all sizes. From choosing the right material to selecting the ideal supplier, every step matters in creating a winning apparel strategy.
At Tsport.ca, we help Canadian customers buy better — with wholesale prices, fast shipping, and expert service. Whether you're stocking up for an event, starting a clothing line, or printing merch, our team is here to support your next bulk order.
Questions? Contact us or explore our T-Shirts Collection today.
