Are you looking for a promotional item for your next design event? Or just looking to wear some new threads with an awesome graphic tee? Either way, consider buying blank t-shirts instead of branded ones.
You can create designs or even use them as a canvas for your upcoming artistic expression. According to Statista, in 2016, the global custom t-shirt printing market was valued at $1.16 billion.
But you cannot do this if the material is not what you expected. It has to be of good quality and affordable enough for you to get a considerable amount of pieces. You can check out Bella+Canvas for the best quality t-shirts in the US.
So, what are some factors that determine the quality or value of a blank shirt? Read on and find out:
1) Fabric Content
The fabric is the primary material used in making blank shirts. These days, most companies use different types of fabrics for making t-shirts.
Cotton is the most popular fabric used because it is lightweight and breathable. The fiber traps air which helps to keep body temperature stable.
At the same time, this fabric absorbs moisture better than any other type of fabric. While cotton shirts are primarily plain old white tees, there are also different types available in the market today with some notable differences:
Shirts made of cotton can either be pre-shrunk or regular. Pre-shrunk fabrics are treated to resist shrinking during washing and drying.
On the other hand, regular cotton has not been treated with this process, making them prone to shrinkage when exposed to water, heat, and pressure. Pre-shrunk shirts can still shrink when washed and dried several times, but the extent of the change is much lower than regular cotton tees.
2) Weight
The weight is measured in grams per square meter or GSM. This number indicates the thickness of the fabric. It is usually around 160-180 gsm for regular cotton shirts, while it is about 200-250 gsm for heavy ones. It also determines how easy it will be to print designs on the shirt.
The thicker the fabric is, the higher its opacity will be. It means that thick materials block ink better than thin ones. It prevents ink from seeping through to the other side of the fabric while printing, which decreases the vibrancy of colors and makes designs unclear.
3) Thread Count
Thread count is the count of threads used per square inch. It refers to how tight or dense the weave of the fabric is. You can usually tell if it has a high thread count by touching the material to feel very smooth and silky.
It is also more expensive than lower thread counts, which are rougher to the touch. However, it is essential to note that a high thread count does not necessarily mean the shirt itself will be more comfortable to wear.
4) Weight Distribution
The weight of a blank shirt can be distributed in two ways: even and side-to-side. Side-to-side weight distribution means the weight is loaded on one side of the shirt. The side with more weight will extend out from the wearer’s shoulders.
In contrast, even weight distribution has equal weight on both sides of a shirt. It also gives off a flatter appearance and does not extend too much from a person’s body.
5) Type of Neck and Sleeve Binding
Virgin and ring-spun cotton are two common types of binding that you can find on t-shirts. You can check out Bella+Canvas for these bindings. The difference is how they were spun – and the quality – during manufacturing.
Virgin cotton spins better than ring-spun because it has not been treated or bleached after harvesting. It also uses longer fibers to spin, which results in a softer and smoother feel. However, this downside is that it takes up more space, so it costs more to print on.
6) Composition of the Yarn
The yarn used in making t-shirts is usually composed of 100 percent cotton, polyester, or a mix of both. While 100 percent cotton is widespread, it can shrink after every wash. It makes it harder for printing because more space will be left on the blank shirt once it shrinks after washing.
Blank shirts made of polyester are less likely to shrink. The shirts maintain their size and shape even after several washes and retain the vibrancy of colors, which makes printing more accessible.
7) Weight Distribution
Shirts with even weight distribution are likely to create tiny pleats or ripples on their surface. They are also not as smooth to the touch as side-to-side weight distribution.
8) Type of Dyed Fabric
Instead of being dyed all over, some t-shirts are only dyed on the front and back portions. It makes the material stretch around the neckline and sleeves, resulting in a tapered look instead of an exact shape.
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