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Good, Better, Best T-Shirts: Which Tee Is Right for You

By Jared Gavard

 

Choosing the right t-shirt for your custom screen printing or merchandise project impacts everything from how your design prints to how often the shirt actually gets worn. Fabric quality, weight, blend, and construction all play a role in comfort, durability, and overall perceived value.

At JG Graphics, we break it down using a Good, Better, Best approach so you can confidently select the right blank for your budget, audience, and use case.

GOOD T-SHIRTS:

Best for promotions, events, large quantities, and budget-focused projects

Good t-shirts are designed for affordability, durability, and consistency. These styles are ideal when you need dependable blanks that hold up to frequent wear and repeated washing, especially for large runs.

They typically feature open-ended or carded cotton, classic fits, and heavier fabric weights, which makes them excellent for bold screen printing and high-volume orders.

100% Cotton

Port & Company PC61 Essential Tee

  • 6.1 oz, 100% cotton
  • A heavyweight, no-frills t-shirt that is known for its durability and structure. The thicker fabric creates a stable print surface, making it a strong choice for bold logos, workwear, and event shirts that need to last.

District DT6000 Very Important Tee

  • 4.3 oz, 100% cotton
  • A lighter-weight cotton tee with a smoother feel and slightly more modern fit. This is a popular upgrade within the Good tier for customers who want affordability without the stiff feel of traditional cotton tees.

50/50 Cotton-Poly Blend

Gildan 8000 DryBlend Tee

  • 5.5 oz, 50/50 cotton-poly
  • A durable blend that offers moisture resistance and reduced shrinkage. This tee is frequently used for staff shirts, uniforms, and apparel that needs to perform well in active or warm environments.

Tri-Blend

Port & Company PC330 Tri-Blend Tee

  • 4.5 oz, cotton, polyester, rayon
  • A budget-friendly entry into tri-blend shirts. Softer than standard cotton with improved drape, making it a great option for promotional merch that still feels comfortable.

Performance

Sport-Tek ST350 PosiCharge Competitor Tee

  • 3.8 oz, 100% polyester
  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying. This performance tee is ideal for athletic events, outdoor work, and situations where breathability and comfort matter more than softness.

 

BETTER T-SHIRTS:

Best for brand merch, retail-style apparel, and everyday wear

Better t-shirts offer a noticeable upgrade in softness, fit, and print quality. These shirts are typically made with ring spun cotton or premium blends, creating a smoother surface that enhances ink detail and overall comfort.

This tier is ideal for businesses, creators, and brands that want apparel people actually choose to wear beyond the event.

100% Cotton

Next Level 3600 Unisex Cotton Tee

  • 4.3 oz, combed ring spun cotton
  • A popular retail-style tee with a soft feel and modern fit. The combed ring spun cotton provides a smooth printing surface and lightweight comfort, making it one of the most requested blanks for brand merchandise.

Comfort Colors 1717 Garment Dyed Heavyweight Tee

  • 6.1 oz, ring spun cotton
  • Known for its relaxed fit and vintage, worn-in feel. Garment-dyed for rich color and softness, this tee is perfect for lifestyle brands and casual apparel with a laid-back aesthetic.

50/50 and CVC Blends

Next Level 6210 Unisex CVC Tee

  • 4.3 oz, 60/40 cotton-poly
  • A soft, lightweight blend that offers durability with a retail-quality feel. This is a go-to option for brands that want comfort, flexibility, and long-term wear.

Bella+Canvas 3001CVC Unisex Tee

  • 4.2 oz, CVC blend
  • A fashion-forward tee with excellent drape and consistent fit. Known for its smooth surface and print clarity, this style is ideal for elevated merch and brand-forward designs.

Tri-Blend

District DM130 Perfect Tri Tee

  • 4.5 oz, tri-blend
  • Soft, breathable, and lightweight with a modern silhouette. Tri-blend fabric creates a lived-in feel that customers love, making it a strong choice for premium everyday apparel.

Performance

Sport-Tek ST450 PosiCharge Competitor Cotton Touch Tee

  • 4.7 oz, polyester
  • Combines moisture-wicking performance with a cotton-like hand feel. Ideal for brands that want athletic functionality without the slick texture of traditional performance shirts.

BEST T-SHIRTS:

Best for premium merch, retail brands, and elevated apparel collections

Best t-shirts are designed for maximum comfort, refined fit, and premium presentation. These styles feature high-quality cotton, tri-blends, and modern active blends that deliver a polished retail look and feel.

This tier is perfect for apparel that represents your brand at the highest level.

100% Cotton

Independent PRM180PT Premium 180gsm Tee

  • 5.3 oz, premium cotton
  • A structured yet soft tee with a refined silhouette. The heavier weight and premium construction make this an excellent choice for high-end merchandise and minimalist designs.

50/50 and Active Blends

AS Colour 5610 Staple Active Blend Tee

  • 4.7 oz, 60/40 cotton-poly
  • A modern performance-inspired tee with stretch and durability. This shirt balances comfort, movement, and elevated style, making it ideal for active lifestyle brands.

Tri-Blend

Next Level 6010 Unisex Tri-Blend Tee

  • 4.3 oz, 50/25/25 blend
  • Extremely soft with excellent drape and flexibility. This is one of the most popular premium tri-blend options for retail-quality merchandise and long-term wear.

Performance

Nike Swoosh Sleeve rLegend Tee (NKDX8730)

  • 4 oz, performance polyester
  • A top-tier athletic tee featuring moisture-wicking technology and recognizable Nike branding. Ideal for premium team apparel, corporate fitness wear, and high-performance use cases.

How JG Graphics Helps You Choose

At JG Graphics, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all apparel. We guide you through the Good, Better, Best options and recommend the best t-shirt based on your budget, audience, brand goals, and intended use.

Whether you are ordering promotional tees, retail merch, or premium brand apparel, we make sure your shirts feel as good as they look.