Why the Garment Matters as Much as the Print
Here’s something a lot of people don’t think about when ordering custom screen-printed apparel: the shirt itself matters just as much as the design on it. The garment you choose affects how the print looks, how it feels when you wear it, and how long it holds up after dozens of washes.
At Ink Brigade, we work with a wide range of garment brands so we can match the right blank to every project. Whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly for a big event giveaway or a premium retail-quality tee for your brand, we’ve got options. Let’s break down the most popular choices.
Garment Brand Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at the brands we use most often. Each one has its strengths, and the best pick depends on your goals, your audience, and your budget.
| Brand | Style | Best For | Feel | Price | Print Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
3001 | Premium retail feel | Ultra soft, lightweight | $ | Great with all ink types and transfers | One of our most popular premium tees |
 |
3600 | Soft everyday wear | Soft, fitted | $ | Great with all ink types and transfers | Great middle ground |
 |
1717 | Vintage/relaxed look | Thick, garment-dyed | $$ | Most colors require a specialty ink base that’s a bit more expensive. | The trendy choice right now |
 |
AL2100 | Eco-conscious brands | Soft very smooth print surface | $$ | Their cotton tee gives us one of the smoothest print surfaces we’ve seen! | Organic |
 |
5001 | Modern streetwear | Midweight, structured | $$ | Great with all ink types | Australian brand, growing fast |
 |
SS4500 | Hoodies/sweatshirts | Heavy, cozy | $ | Great with all ink types | The go-to premium hoodie |
 |
5000 | Budget-friendly | Variety of weight and fit options | $ | Good with all ink types and transfers | Classic workhorse |
How to Choose the Right Garment
The right garment really comes down to what the shirts are for and who’s wearing them. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Events, giveaways, and large groups – Go with a budget-friendly option like the Gildan 5000. You’ll get a solid product at a great price point, especially in larger quantities.
- Retail, brand merch, and online stores – Step up to Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600, or AS Colour 5001. These are the garments people actually want to wear again and again. If you’re selling shirts, the quality of the blank matters a lot.
- Trendy, vintage, or lifestyle brands – Comfort Colors 1717 is having a huge moment right now. The garment-dyed, relaxed fit gives off that perfectly broken-in feel that people love.
- Eco-friendly and sustainability-focused – Allmade AL2100 is made from a blend of 100% organic cotton, and gives us an excellent print surface.
- Hoodies and outerwear – Independent Trading SS4500 is one of our top picks for a hoodie at a great pricepoint. Midweight, and built to last.
Fabric Types, Briefly Explained
You’ll see a few different fabric compositions across these brands. Here’s what they mean in plain English:
- 100% Cotton – The classic choice. Cotton takes ink beautifully including specialty inks options like water-based and discharge inks. It’s breathable, durable, and gives you the most vibrant print results.
- Tri-Blend (cotton/polyester/rayon) – Super soft with a slightly heathered look.
- 50/50 (cotton/polyester) – A durable, wrinkle-resistant blend. These work best with plastisol inks. They’re a solid choice for athletic or performance-style shirts.
How does fabric affect print quality? In short: cotton is king for the softest, most vibrant prints and allows for the most versatility in ink options.
Not Sure? Just Ask Us.
Picking the right garment can feel overwhelming when you see all the options out there. But that’s exactly why we’re here. Our team helps customers choose the right blank every single day, and we’re happy to send you samples, talk through the pros and cons, and make a recommendation based on your project.
Don’t see what you want on our site? Just ask us!
Need help picking the perfect garment?
Tell us about your project, and we’ll recommend the best blank for your needs and budget.
Or call us at 503-451-0001 | sales@inkbrigade.com