Resources, Apparel

    Garment Weights & Fabric Guide

    Fabric weight, content, and feel make or break a merch program. Use this guide to choose the right blank for your project, or to translate between what your supplier called a 'midweight tee' and what that actually means.

    T-Shirt Weight Categories

    4.2–4.5 oz

    Lightweight

    Feel:
    Soft, breathable, drapes well
    Common blanks:
    Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600, American Apparel 2001
    Best for:
    Premium soft-feel tees, fashion-forward programs, retail-style merch

    Less opaque than heavier weights; light-colored prints on dark garments may need under-base.

    5.0–5.5 oz

    Midweight

    Feel:
    Substantial without being heavy; classic tee feel
    Common blanks:
    Gildan 5000, Port & Company PC54, Hanes 5250
    Best for:
    Volume-driven programs, giveaways, classic corporate tees

    The reliable middle ground. Lower cost than premium soft-feel.

    6.0+ oz

    Heavyweight

    Feel:
    Substantial, structured, durable
    Common blanks:
    Comfort Colors 1717, Gildan G500
    Best for:
    Premium feel programs, garment-dyed tees, heritage brand looks

    Higher cost; warmer to wear; preferred for fashion/premium positioning.

    Fleece & Sweatshirt Weights

    7–8 oz

    Lightweight Fleece

    Feel:
    Lighter hand for layering
    Common blanks:
    Bella+Canvas 3719, Next Level 9000
    Best for:
    Spring/fall fleece, layering, fashion fleece

    Less warmth than heavier fleece.

    8–9 oz

    Midweight Fleece

    Feel:
    Classic hoodie weight
    Common blanks:
    Gildan 18500, Independent Trading SS4500
    Best for:
    Standard hoodies, most corporate fleece programs

    The default. Good warmth, good print/embroidery substrate.

    10+ oz

    Heavyweight Fleece

    Feel:
    Premium, substantial
    Common blanks:
    Champion S700, Independent Trading IND4000, Lane Seven LS14001
    Best for:
    Premium positioning, outdoor brands, retail-quality programs

    Higher cost; substantial feel; best for cooler climates.

    Fabric Types

    FabricFeelBest forConsiderations
    100% CottonSoft, breathable, classicSoft-feel programs, garment-dyed looksShrinks more than blends; wrinkles more.
    100% PolyesterSmooth, moisture-wicking, durablePerformance/athletic programs, sublimation decorationDoesn't accept some decoration methods well (e.g., water-based screen print); preferred for DTF and sublimation.
    Cotton/Polyester Blend (50/50, 65/35)Balance of softness and durabilityGeneral-purpose programs, volume runsReliable, cost-effective; reduces shrinkage vs. 100% cotton.
    Tri-Blend (cotton/polyester/rayon)Softest commercially available; vintage feelPremium fashion programs, brand merchandiseHigher cost; takes decoration well but expect slight color shift on prints.
    Performance Fabric (dri-fit, etc.)Light, breathable, moisture-wickingAthletic, outdoor, summer programsHeat-sensitive, decoration methods that require high heat (sublimation excepted) may not work.

    How to choose

    Start with the program's positioning. Volume corporate giveaway, midweight 50/50 blend. Premium employee program, tri-blend or heavyweight ringspun cotton. Athletic/performance, polyester performance fabric. Heritage / retail-style, garment-dyed heavyweight cotton. The decoration method also matters, water-based screen print needs cotton, sublimation needs polyester, embroidery works on almost anything heavier than 4oz.

    Not sure what fabric fits your program?

    We'll recommend blanks based on your positioning, budget, and decoration method.

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