How to Choose the Right Shirt for Your Custom Apparel Project
One of the most common questions we hear at Stonebridge Print Co. isn’t about printing—it’s about the shirt itself.
“Which shirt should I choose?”
With so many brands, fabrics, colors, and styles available, finding the right garment can feel overwhelming. The good news is that there isn’t a single “best” shirt—there’s only the shirt that’s best for your project.
Whether you’re ordering shirts for your business, school, church, sports team, fundraiser, or family reunion, this guide will help you choose with confidence.
Start With Your Purpose
Before choosing a shirt, ask yourself a few simple questions:
- Who will be wearing it?
- How often will it be worn?
- Will it be used for work or casual wear?
- Is it for an event or everyday use?
- What’s your budget?
Your answers will help narrow down the best options.
Understanding Shirt Fabrics
100% Cotton
Cotton is one of the most popular choices for custom apparel.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable
- Breathable
- Great for everyday wear
- Excellent print quality
Best For:
- Family reunions
- Churches
- School events
- Casual apparel
- Retail merchandise
Polyester
Polyester is lightweight and moisture-wicking.
Pros:
- Dries quickly
- Wrinkle resistant
- Great for active lifestyles
- Holds its shape well
Best For:
- Sports teams
- Fitness apparel
- Outdoor events
- Work uniforms
Cotton/Poly Blends
Blended shirts combine the comfort of cotton with the durability of polyester.
Pros:
- Soft feel
- Less shrinking
- More wrinkle resistant
- Comfortable for daily wear
Best For:
- Employee uniforms
- Business apparel
- Community organizations
- Clubs and teams
Choosing the Right Weight
Shirts come in different fabric weights.
Lightweight Shirts
- Cooler in warm weather
- Softer feel
- Popular for everyday wear
Great for:
- Summer events
- Promotional giveaways
- Retail apparel
Midweight Shirts
The most versatile option.
Perfect for:
- Businesses
- Churches
- Schools
- Teams
- Everyday custom apparel
Heavyweight Shirts
Thicker fabric with a premium feel.
Great for:
- High-end merchandise
- Workwear
- Cooler weather
- Long-lasting apparel
Choosing the Right Fit
Today’s shirts are available in several fits.
Classic Fit
- Relaxed
- Traditional sizing
- Comfortable for most people
Excellent for large group orders.
Modern Fit
- Slightly more tailored
- Contemporary appearance
- Popular for businesses
Athletic Fit
- Closer-fitting
- Designed for active lifestyles
Ideal for sports and fitness apparel.
Picking the Right Color
The color of the shirt can dramatically affect how your design looks.
Light Shirts
Perfect for:
- Bright logos
- Dark artwork
- Clean, classic appearance
Popular colors include:
- White
- Sand
- Ash
- Sport Grey
Dark Shirts
Excellent for:
- Bold graphics
- Bright colors
- Modern designs
Popular choices include:
- Black
- Navy
- Charcoal
- Forest Green
- Maroon
Consider Your Audience
Different projects often call for different types of apparel.
Small Businesses
Many businesses choose soft, comfortable shirts employees enjoy wearing every day.
Schools
Spirit shirts often benefit from durable, comfortable garments that students can wear throughout the year.
Churches
Church apparel is frequently worn at outreach events, mission trips, and volunteer activities, making comfort and durability important.
Sports Teams
Performance fabrics are often a great choice for athletic activities and outdoor events.
Don’t Forget the Printing Method
The shirt and the printing method work together.
At Stonebridge Print Co., we specialize in DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, which produces vibrant, detailed designs on a wide variety of garment types and fabric blends.
If you’re not sure which shirt pairs best with your artwork, we’re happy to help you choose.
Our Recommendation
If you’re unsure where to start, a soft, midweight shirt is an excellent all-around choice for many custom apparel projects.
It offers a comfortable feel, works well for businesses and organizations, and provides a great canvas for vibrant DTF prints.
Every project is unique, though, so we’ll always help you find the garment that best fits your goals, budget, and audience.
Need Help Choosing?
You don’t have to make the decision alone.
When you request a quote from Stonebridge Print Co., we’ll help you select the right shirt based on:
- Your budget
- Your artwork
- Your order quantity
- Your audience
- How the shirts will be used
Our goal is to make ordering custom apparel simple, stress-free, and enjoyable.
If you’re ready to get started, contact Stonebridge Print Co. today and let’s create apparel you’ll be proud to wear.