Our Primary Garments

I've seen all sorts of styles, washes and fabric treatment (or mistreatment!), fabric weights, material finishing, and so on during my time in fashion.  As a result, I've learned to trust certain "blank" garments that I believe are the best to use for the largest number of people.  I will detail just the four blank garments that I will use heavily in this store, so you are aware of the fit and durability decisions that went into choosing these.

Tops - Bella + Canvas 3001:  Almost all the tees will be of this style.  This has the best pattern for a blank tee that I've ever worn.  It's just a bit slimmer due to its unisex fitting, but not fitted so that it's too tight.  Unless you really like things baggy, then you can feel confident ordering your size.  This tee is preshrunk, has shoulder tape from cap sleeve to cap sleeve to help maintain shape, and has side seams.  This is better than many tees that are tubular (meaning no side seam) because it helps minimize fabric torquing, where the tee twists around your body.

The weight is what we in the industry call a 30 single (it's actually 32 single, referencing yarn thickness), so unlike a lot of the thicker tees you see at tourist shops or lower quality tee shirt stores, this is more similar to what I call a boutique tee weight.  It may feel tighter than you’re used to after the first wash, but the fabric “gives” more the longer you wear it and break it in.

If you like breathable tees, then most of the solid colors offered are 100% cotton colors or for the heather grey, a 90/10+ cotton/polyester blend. There are some heathered tees as options as well to give you a variety of color options.

Heavyweight Tops - Gildan 5000:  The only other blank tee that I like as a primary tee is the Gildan 5000.  I call the heavyweight because the yarn used is thicker than the Bella Canvas 3001, but it’s still a very standard tee shirt weight.  This is also preshrunk, so there won't be any fit and finish issues. The fit is true to size, but looser around the torso and arms and what you'd think of as the typical tee shirt.  I really like this as an everyday wear, when I know I'll be doing a little more work or when I know it may be a bit cooler.  It does feel coarser on the skin, but the tradeoff is that it's a more sturdy tee.  I selected many solid colors which are 100% cotton unless it's a heather grey which will be 90% cotton and 10% polyester.  

Sweatshirts and Hoodies - Gildan's Sweatshirt 18000 and Hoodie 18500  This is what I'd consider your standard sweatshirt/hoodie--good weight and feel, and for a sweatshirt or hoodie I'm fine with a 50/50 poly/cotton blend.  It will be warmer due to the polyester, which is just what an outerwear should be.  Due to it's 50/50 nature, I have chosen to do less printing with this sweatshirt dur to the longevity of the printing.  Because the outside face of these two garments are poly/cotton, the printed design on these styles may not last as long as on the Cotton Heritage Premium sweatshirt and hoodies.  The price reflects that difference.

Premium Sweatshirts and Hoodies - Cotton Heritage Premium Sweatshirt M2480 and Hoodie M2580:  I chose this brand because the outside fabric material is 100% cotton, while the inside fleecing is 65/35 poly/cotton.  The cotton exterior material will allow the printed design to adhere more effectively and last longer than if was a poly/cotton blend.  Cotton Heritage's basic "fit" is just slightly slimmer than the Gildan garments, so it's perfect for those who like a more snug fit.  I'd suggest going up one size if you want the durability of the print, but like a loose fit that is typical of most sweatshirts and hoodies.  It won’t run too long of you upsize, and your mileage may vary as to how baggy or loose you want your sweatshirts/hoodies to be