Choosing the right blank T-shirt is one of the most important decisions for any custom apparel or printing business. Great artwork needs a great canvas, and not all shirts are created equal when it comes to print quality. In this guide, we explore the best plain T-shirts for print quality, including recommendations for screen printing, DTG, DTF, and heat transfer methods. We also cover what makes each shirt a top choice, so you can match the right blank to the right job.
Why Blank T-Shirt Quality Matters
Before we dive into specific products, let’s understand why quality blanks are crucial:
- Print clarity: A smooth, even surface means sharper designs
- Durability: High-quality fabric holds print better over time
- Comfort: Soft, well-constructed shirts sell better and feel premium
- Colour consistency: Predictable results across batches
If you choose the wrong blank, even the best design can look dull, faded, or blurry after printing.
What to Look for in High-Quality Plain T-Shirts
Here’s what makes a shirt ideal for printing:
- Ring-spun cotton: Smoother surface → cleaner prints
- High thread count: Better feel and print hold
- Minimal texture: Avoids ink pooling or distortion
- Consistent weight: Typically 4.3–6.5 oz for standard printing
- Side seams: Better fit and structure
Top Blank T-Shirts for Excellent Print Quality
Below are some of the best blank tees on the market today for optimal print results.
1. Bella+Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey Tee
This is often called the industry standard for custom printing. Its smooth surface and high-quality cotton make it perfect for detailed prints.
Best For: DTG, screen printing, DTF, heat transfer
Fabric: 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
Why It’s Great:
- Very soft yet strong fabric
- Excellent print surface for colour precision
- Wide range of colours and sizes
A budget-friendly favourite that still delivers good print quality. The ring-spun cotton is softer than basic tees and holds ink nicely.
2. Gildan 64000 Softstyle Tee
Best For: Screen printing, DTG, heat transfer
Fabric: 100% ring-spun cotton
Why It’s Great:
- Comfortable feel
- Easy to screen print
- Good choice for bulk orders
3. Next Level 3600 Premium Fitted Tee
A popular choice for fashion-forward brands due to its fit and print surface.
Best For: DTG, screen printing, embroidery
Fabric: Ringspun cotton blend
Why It’s Great:
- Modern retail fit
- Smooth, even surface for detailed artwork
- Works well for brand merchandise
4. Stanley/Stella STTU169 Iconic Tee
A premium, eco-friendly choice that’s perfect for brands focused on sustainability.
Best For: DTG, DTF, screen printing
Fabric: Organic cotton
Why It’s Great:
- Environmentally conscious production
- Soft texture ideal for vibrant prints
- Excellent durability
5. Anvil 980 Lightweight Tee
A lightweight tee with great printability, especially for full-colour designs.
Best For: DTG, heat transfer
Fabric: Ring-spun cotton
Why It’s Great:
- Comfortable and breathable
- Crisp surface for detailed prints
- Great for summer collections
6. Comfort Colours 1717 Heavyweight Tee
A heavyweight blank perfect for bold prints and garments with structure.
Best For: Screen printing, puff, speciality inks
Fabric: Heavy ring-spun cotton
Why It’s Great:
- Durable fabric that holds up over time
- Great for bold and vibrant screens
- Popular with streetwear brands
How to Match Blank Shirts to Printing Methods
Screen Printing
- Best shirts: Comfort Colours 1717, Gildan 64000
- Why: Thick ink adhesion and smooth surface for bold colours
DTG Printing
- Best shirts: Bella+Canvas 3001, Stanley/Stella
- Why: Soft cotton and minimal texture make colours pop
DTF Printing
- Best shirts: All of the above
- Why: Works well on varied fabrics
Heat Transfer Vinyl
- Best shirts: Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Anvil
- Why: Smooth surface and balanced fabric yield clean transfers
Final Tips for Better Print Results
- Pre-wash your blanks to remove sizing and shrinkage
- Match the shirt colour to your design to avoid contrast issues
- Check fabric weight, heavier shirts handle inks differently
- Test print small runs before a full production batch
The best plain T-shirts for print quality combine comfort, durability, and a smooth surface. Choosing the right blank makes your printing look cleaner, more vibrant, and more professional. Whether you’re screen printing bold graphics, DTG printing detailed artwork, or applying vinyl, the shirts above are proven winners.