NOTE: An updated version of this T-Shirt Guide is available here. It features an up-to-date list of the different styles of t-shirts you can offer in your Artist Shop.
Tees on tees on tees! If you’ve been keeping up with the new product additions in Artist Shops, you already know that we’ve added some awesome new tees to the lineup: extra soft, premium, and heavyweight! There are lots of different styles of t-shirts for you to add to your Artist Shop, and – trust us – tees sell! But from the regular vs the premium to the tri-blend vs the extra soft, what makes each of these styles of t-shirts unique and different from each other? Knowing what sets each tee apart can help you know how to market each style to your customers in social posts. Here’s a handy guide through the different styles of t-shirts in Artist Shops (and for more details on each style, check out the FAQ!)
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You’re a busy human and this is a lot of info. So here’s a super quick comparison between the different styles of t-shirts available for your Artist Shop and what clothing experience it can offer to your customers:
What it offers customers: Aka the “Men’s T-shirt”, “Women’s Fitted T-shirt”, and “Unisex Regular Tee”, this is an everyday crew-neck and go-to wardrobe staple that provides trusty fit & comfort.
Base fee: $15
What it offers customers: Your new favorite tee. This high-quality AS Colour tee feels buttery smooth to the touch and is made with ethically sourced material & manufacturing. Provides a slightly more structured mid-weight material & fit than the regular tee, and is smoother than the regular tee. Plus, your print is left to process on the fabric longer, ensuring your designs print super crisp.
Base fee: $25
What it offers customers: A sturdy tee with a boxier fit. Unlike the other styles, the heavyweight features an expanded size range, going from small to 5XL (in some colors), adding some inclusive sizing to your Shop and offering your customers more variety.
Base cost: $15
What it offers customers: The extra soft tee is the most lightweight tee with a jersey softness and a stylishly relaxed fit. (For the women’s sizes, you may want to tell customers to size down if they want a more fitted look.)
Super lightweight, relaxed fit, jersey-soft material
Base fee: $16
What it offers customers: The tri-blend will forever be a fan favorite. This combo of three fabrics provides a broken-in softness and a dappled, vintage look with a fitted silhouette.
Base fee: $18
What it offers customers: All-over print tees are in. This super modern style allows you to print full designs across the entire tee canvas (ideal for patterns), not just one section. Because the all-over tees are made out of spun polyester, they have a different feel than any of the other tees and your designs print super vividly. And for those who don’t like the polyester feel, there’s also a tri-blend version of this style (the colors have a more faded, vintage look).
minor printing imperfections
.Curious to try out all of these tees? Order samples of your own products at just the base cost and even with free shipping!
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Illustrations by Katie Lukes.
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When it comes to t-shirt trends, things are ever-evolving. It's essential to be "in the know."
We've been customizing t-shirts since 2009, and we know one thing: the heavyweight tee is a timeless classic.
Here's a rundown of what heavyweight t-shirts are, what they're suitable for, and why they could be worth trying out on your next run of custom t-shirts
The main qualifier for heavy t-shirts is a t-shirt that weighs around 6 oz. For reference, your standard t-shirt (such as tees like the Next Level 3600 or Bella + Canvas 3001) weighs approximately 3.7 to 4.3 oz, making a heavy t-shirt almost like wearing a shirt and a half.
Heavyweight t-shirts are typically just sewn with heavier cotton, giving them added weight.
You might assume that heavier automatically means rougher or less soft, but that's not necessarily true. A high-quality heavy t-shirt will still feel soft (especially when you print with our SuperSoft Ink), and it can achieve some things for you that a lightweight t-shirt doesn't.
Wearing a heavyweight t-shirt can serve various purposes depending on personal preference and the situation.
Since the fabric of these shirts is significantly heavier, they also have a sturdier, more structured fit. Soft shirts like polyester/cotton blends or tri-blends are wavy and flimsy looking around the edges. In contrast, heavyweight t-shirts maintain sharper lines and a more structured overall fit while still not looking boxy.
Neither is better than the other –– it's simply a preference. But if this sounds like the specific look you're going for, we recommend checking out a heavy t-shirt.
The thicker fabric on heavier t-shirts makes them versatile and great for layering. Since they're heavier in weight, they're inherently going to be a little bit warmer.
This makes the heavy tee more comfortable for Fall, Winter, and early Spring. It pairs just as well underneath a jacket as on its own.
If you're in a colder climate or going outdoors in cooler weather, a heavyweight t-shirt can provide an extra layer of insulation and help keep you warm. The thicker fabric traps more heat close to your body and provides better insulation against cold temperatures.
Heavyweight t-shirts are typically made with thicker, more robust fabric, which makes them more durable and long-lasting. They can withstand frequent washing and wear without quickly wearing out or developing holes.
The thicker material of a heavyweight t-shirt can also offer protection against minor scrapes, abrasions, or rough surfaces. If you're engaging in activities that involve potential contact with sharp objects or surfaces, a heavyweight t-shirt can act as a barrier and reduce the chances of skin injuries.
Some individuals prefer the look and feel of heavyweight t-shirts for fashion reasons. The thicker fabric can create a more structured and substantial appearance, which appeals to specific styles or aesthetics.
In certain professions or industries, where physical labor or rugged conditions are expected, wearing a heavyweight t-shirt can provide added durability and protection. Construction workers, landscapers, or individuals working in similar fields might opt for heavyweight t-shirts as part of their work attire.
Heavyweight t-shirts might not be ideal for everyone or all situations. A lighter, more breathable fabric might be more comfortable in warmer climates or during physical activities that induce sweat. The choice of t-shirt weight depends on factors such as climate, activity level, personal style, and individual comfort preferences.
Bold and beefy, with just over 6oz of 100% cotton, this tee has been an enduring icon for over 40 years. The Beefy T has a crewneck and tearaway tag and is available in 47 colors and sizes S-6XL.
This heavyweight tee has a boxy, oversized fit with dropped shoulders. It weighs in at a whopping 8.2oz and has a wide, ribbed crewneck. This shirt is also preshrunk to minimize shrinkage and is offered in 10+ colors from sizes S-3XL.
The 1801GD is the heaviest shirt in the Los Angeles Apparel batch but doesn't lose any softness. After the shirt is dyed, it's treated with a natural enzyme wash to give it a natural, broken-in feel from the first wear.
The Canvas 3010 has a unique fit. Modeled after modern streetwear, this heavy tee has a relaxed cut and dropped shoulders, giving it a more modern, on-trend look. It's bold, but if you're going for a modern streetwear look, this t-shirt is worth taking a risk.
No boxing or wrestling experience is required. If you know, you know.
Try one of these heavyweight tees if you want to stay ahead of the apparel game! As mentioned, there are many reasons someone might want to wear a heavyweight t-shirt, so keeping those in mind when placing your next custom apparel order is a good idea. Figure out what’s best for you and your intended wearers!
Want to check out more t-shirt trends? Check out our T-Shirt Trends Infographic or custom t-shirts buyer's guide to see what else is "in" right now.
Also, see how color matching plays a role in creating the highest-quality custom t-shirts! It’s pretty freakin’ cool.
Alright, that’s all for now. We invite you to look around and learn about more super cool custom t-shirt topics- but in the meantime, if you have any questions, we’ve gotchu.