So you’ve got an awesome design in mind and you’re ready to print some custom tees—nice! But before you hit “go,” there’s one important decision to make: what kind of shirt are you printing on?
At Red Bird Press, we know that the T-shirt you choose can make or break the final product. It affects everything from how your design looks to how comfortable the shirt is (and whether people will actually wear it). Let’s walk through what you should consider, so you can pick the perfect tee for your custom print.
Not all tees are created equal
It might seem like a T-shirt is just a T-shirt… until you start digging into the options. From fit and fabric to weight and style, there’s a lot to choose from—and it can get overwhelming fast.
Some shirts are super soft and lightweight, perfect for retail or lifestyle brands. Others are built tough for workwear or outdoor use. Choosing the right one depends on your audience and how the shirt will be used. Thinking about comfort, durability, and feel right up front will save you time (and headaches) later.
Fabric choices: What’s best for your project?
The fabric you choose plays a huge role in how your shirt feels and how your design shows up. The three most common types are:
- 100% Cotton: Soft, breathable, and classic. Great for screen printing and super comfy.
- Cotton/Poly Blend: A bit more durable, holds shape better, and often has a smoother surface for printing.
- Tri-Blends: A mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon. These are ultra-soft and have a vintage feel, but sometimes absorb ink differently.
Each has its pros and cons, so think about the vibe you want your shirt to have. Want something cozy and lightweight? Tri-blend might be your winner. Going for bold, bright colors that pop? 100% cotton is often best.
Fit and style – what works for your group
Next up: how the shirt fits. This is especially important if you’re ordering for a group or selling to customers.
- Unisex fits are the most common and generally work well for everyone.
- Fitted or fashion-cut tees are more tailored and great for retail or stylish events.
- Boxy or relaxed fits can be fun and trendy, depending on your audience.
If you’re printing for an event or company, sticking with a versatile, comfortable fit is usually your best bet. But if you’re going for a more curated look—say for a boutique or brand—exploring fashion fits can really elevate the product.
Color matters more than you think
The shirt color you pick doesn’t just affect the style—it directly impacts your design. For example, dark shirts often need a white underbase layer in screen printing, which can affect texture and cost. Lighter shirts typically give you a softer feel and let your design shine more naturally.
Also consider contrast: a black design on a dark gray shirt might look subtle (or get lost entirely), while white ink on that same shirt will pop. Want your logo or artwork to really stand out? Think about colors that make it pop—not just your brand colors, but ones that complement them too.
How to match shirt type with your design
Some designs just don’t play well with every shirt. Highly detailed artwork, gradients, or full-color prints need smoother fabrics and might do better on blends or tri-blends. Bold, simple logos? They’re super versatile and look great on just about anything.
Also, if you’ve got a specific placement in mind—like sleeve prints, oversized front designs, or wrap-around prints—the structure of the shirt matters. Let us know what you’re thinking, and we can steer you toward the shirt that works best for your design style.
Choosing between unisex, women’s, and youth sizes
Don’t forget about sizing! A good fit for your audience makes a big difference in whether your shirt ends up worn or forgotten at the bottom of a drawer.
If you’re doing a mixed group—say a school or community event—it’s smart to offer a mix of unisex and youth sizes. For women’s cuts, be mindful that they run smaller and often have shorter sleeves and a more fitted shape.
We can help guide you on sizing charts, popular choices, and how many of each size you might want based on your audience.
Tips from the pros: Our favorite go-to tees
At Red Bird Press, we’ve printed on just about every shirt out there. A few of our all-time favorites?
- Bella+Canvas 3001 – Soft, modern fit, great for almost any project
- Gildan Softstyle – Budget-friendly with surprisingly smooth prints
- Next Level 6210 – A great blend for comfort and style
- Comfort Colors – Perfect for that washed, vintage look
Of course, every project is unique—so if you’re not sure what to choose, just ask! We’re happy to recommend options based on your design, budget, and timeline.
Wrapping it up…
The shirt you choose is just as important as the design you print on it. Whether you’re creating tees for your business, team, or an upcoming event, taking the time to pick the right style, fit, and fabric will make your custom shirts something people actually want to wear.
Got questions? Reach out to the team at Red Bird Press—we’ll help you find the perfect shirt and make sure your design looks amazing on it. Let’s make something great together!