When it comes to creating custom apparel, the blank garment you choose can have a significant impact on the final result. From vibrant screen-printed graphics to detailed direct-to-garment designs, selecting the right blank tee is the foundation of every successful printing project.
Whether you're a screen printer, clothing brand owner, promotional products supplier, school, sports team, or business looking for branded merchandise, choosing from the best brands for T-shirt printing ensures better print quality, improved durability, and greater customer satisfaction.
With so many options available, finding the best plain T-shirt brands for printing can be overwhelming. Factors such as fabric composition, garment weight, fit, colour selection, and printing compatibility all influence which blank apparel brand is best suited to your needs.
At T-Sport, we supply some of Canada's most trusted T-shirt brands for printing, helping businesses and creators find the perfect blanks for their custom projects. Here are the top five brands that consistently deliver outstanding results.
What Makes a Great T-Shirt for Printing?
Before choosing a brand, it's important to understand what printers look for in a quality blank garment:
- Smooth fabric surfaces for sharper print detail
- Consistent sizing and construction
- Durable stitching that withstands repeated washing
- Extensive colour availability
- Compatibility with multiple decoration methods
- Reliable inventory for bulk orders
1. Gildan:
Gildan is a prominent name in the t-shirt industry, offering a wide range of styles suitable for printing. Known for their affordability and durability, Gildan t-shirts are a popular choice among businesses, event organizers, and individuals looking for cost-effective options. Gildan's extensive color palette ensures vibrant prints, while their comfortable fabrics make them ideal for everyday wear. Whether you need basic tees, long sleeves, or hoodies, Gildan provides reliable options for all your printing needs.
Popular Gildan products for printing:
- Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton – budget-friendly classic cotton tee
- Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton – heavier fabric, great for vibrant screen prints
- Gildan 64000 Softstyle – softer, modern fit ideal for DTG printing
- Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hoodie – top choice for custom hoodies in Canada
2. M&O:
M&O is another brand highly regarded for t-shirt printing. They focus on producing premium-quality garments that are soft, lightweight, and offer an excellent canvas for prints. M&O t-shirts are known for their exceptional color and shape retention even after multiple washes, ensuring long-lasting and vibrant designs. The brand's attention to detail and commitment to the best fabrics make their products an excellent choice for those seeking a superior printing experience.
Popular M&O products for printing:
- M&O 4800 Ringspun Cotton Tee – smooth surface perfect for DTG
- M&O 6500 Premium Cotton Tee – durable and soft for retail-quality printing
3. Next Level:
Next Level is a brand favored by many for its fashionable and comfortable t-shirts. Their products are known for their buttery-soft feel and a wide range of trendy styles. Next Level offers a variety of blends, including tri-blends and triblends with polyester, making them perfect for achieving intricate and detailed prints. With their emphasis on fashion-forward designs and premium fabrics, Next Level t-shirts are a go-to option for those who value style and quality in their printed garments.
Popular Next Level products for printing:
- Next Level 3600 Premium Fitted Tee – one of the most popular blanks for DTG
- Next Level 6210 CVC Crew – soft poly-cotton blend for long-lasting prints
- Next Level 6051 Tri-Blend Hoodie – lightweight and perfect for trendy custom designs
4. Fruit of the Loom:
Fruit of the Loom is a well-established brand with a long history of producing high-quality apparel. Their t-shirts are known for their affordability, wide availability, and consistent quality. Fruit of the Loom offers a wide variety of t-shirt styles, including classic, heavy cotton, and performance blends, catering to different printing needs. These t-shirts are designed with a comfortable fit and provide a smooth surface for printing, ensuring excellent results.
Popular Fruit of the Loom products for printing:
- Fruit of the Loom 3930 Heavy Cotton Tee – classic heavyweight shirt for bulk printing
- Fruit of the Loom Sofspun Tee – softer, modern fit for retail-quality projects
5. Jerzees:
Jerzees is another brand that has gained recognition for its reliable and high-quality t-shirts. Their shirts are constructed using a blend of cotton and polyester, providing a balance of comfort, durability, and printability. Jerzees offers a range of styles, including both basic and performance shirts, catering to different printing requirements. Their t-shirts are well suited for screen printing, embroidery, and other customization techniques, making them a popular choice among t-shirt printers.
Popular Jerzees products for printing:
- Jerzees 29M Dri-Power Active Tee – moisture-wicking, lightweight, great for sports teams
- Jerzees 996M NuBlend Hoodie – one of the top custom hoodie options in Canada
- Jerzees 29LS Long-Sleeve Tee – versatile for seasonal printing projects
Conclusion:
Choosing the right blank t-shirt is the foundation of every successful printing project. In Canada, the top 5 brands for t-shirt printing — Gildan, M&O, Next Level, Fruit of the Loom, and Jerzees — have all proven themselves as reliable, high-quality options for businesses, schools, sports teams, and fashion brands.
By understanding the strengths of each brand and their best-selling products, you’ll be able to deliver custom apparel that looks professional, feels great, and lasts longer.
So, explore our options, unleash your creativity, and start t-shirt printing that reflects your unique style.
