The Ultimate Guide to T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Hoodies by Gildan, Bella + Canvas and Comfort Colors
What to Know and How to Choose Between the Most Popular T-Shirts, Sweatshirts and Hoodies
Shopping for clothes online? Chances are you will encounter many of the same base t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies across various clothing companies and sellers. Gildan. Comfort Colors. Bella + Canvas.
So what are the differences between these seemingly similar items?
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When it comes to choosing the perfect blank apparel for print on demand (POD) clothing, there are a few important things to consider. From print quality to the fabric composition, to wearability and more, each t-shirt, sweatshirt and hoodie has different features that cater to different preferences and needs.
The Differences Between Popular Print-on-Demand Shirts
Left: Bella + Canvas 6400. Right: Gildan 880.
Women's T-Shirts
Two of the most popular women's t-shirts that we use at 1923 Main Street are the Bella + Canvas 6400 and the Gildan 880. Both are excellent quality shirts, but they are not exactly the same.
Bella + Canvas 6400: Known for its lightweight soft feel and flattering fit, the Bella + Canvas 6400 is crafted from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. It has a very lightweight fabric that makes it ideal for warmer weather (like hot Florida days) or for layering under coats or jackets. Plus, the Bella + Canvas 6400 uses a premium quality fabric, which helps with vibrant print results for graphic tees (and for comfort).
Gildan 880: The Gildan 880 offers a more relaxed fit and is a quality shirt made from 100% cotton. It's slightly heavier than the Bella + Canvas 6400. This means that it is generally a more durable product for heavy wear and offers a more structured silhouette due to the extra weight. The Gildan 880 is a great and practical choice for everyday wear.
Bottom Line, Women's T-Shirts:
Consider the fit and fabric preference. If you prioritize softness and a fitted look, opt for the Bella + Canvas 6400. For those seeking a slightly more budget-friendly option with a relaxed fit, the Gildan 880 is one to consider.
Left: Bella + Canvas 3001. Middle: Comfort Colors 1717. Right: Gildan 64000.
Unisex T-Shirts
We use a lot of unisex t-shirts at 1923 Main Street and there are a few products that we tend to use most often because we view them as excellent options.
These are our most popular POD t-shirts, including the differences between them.
Bella + Canvas 3001: This is a very popular shirt that is well known for its fit and soft feel. Similar to the 6400 model above, the Bella + Canvas 3001 is made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. It comes in a variety of color options, giving it good versatility and style. Once again, the benefit of the Bella + Canvas 3001 lies in its lightweight fabric, perfect for all-day comfort and vibrant print results.
Gildan 64000: Made from 100% preshrunk cotton, the Gildan 64000 is the epitome of durability and a classic fit. It's slightly heavier than the Bella + Canvas 3001, providing a more structured t-shirt look and wear. The benefit of the Gildan 64000 is its classic t-shirt weight, coupled with affordability and wide range of available colors.
Comfort Colors 1717: Made from 100% ringspun cotton, the Comfort Colors 1717 is another very popular t-shirt. It offers a relaxed fit and garment-dyed softness. The Comfort Colors 1717 is known for its lived-in feel and vintage look. This t-shirt is a great combination of ultimate comfort and a unique aesthetic. The benefit of the Comfort Colors 1717 lies in its distinct style and cozy wear, making it a favorite among those seeking a laid-back vibe for their prints. However, it comes at a price of costing slightly more than the other options here.
Bottom Line, Unisex T-Shirts:
All of these are great t-shirts and you can't go wrong with any of them. When faced with a choice, consider your style preference, the fit and your intended use. If a relaxed fit and vintage appeal are more important to you, the Comfort Colors 1717 is worth considering. For a classic fit and budget-friendly option, Gildan 64000 is a reliable choice, while Bella + Canvas 3001 offers a trendy "retail" fit and softer feel.
Left: Cotton Heritage M2580. Right: Gildan 18500.
Unisex Hoodies
There are two main hoodies that are used quite often. We love them both (and so will you), but they do have their differences.
Cotton Heritage M2580: The Cotton Heritage M2580 hoodie is a premium hoodie that's made from a blend of cotton and polyester, offering warmth and comfort. Its fleece interior adds cozy insulation, making it perfect for cooler weather. The benefit of this hoodie lies in its premium fabric blend, ensuring durability and cozy wear.
Gildan 18500: Also made from a cotton and polyester blend, the Gildan 18500 hoodie offers a roomy fit and soft feel. Its air-jet spun yarn ensures minimal pilling, maintaining a smooth surface for printing. The benefit here is its affordability without compromising on quality. It has a more structured feel to it and feels less like a sweater.
Bottom Line, Unisex Hoodies:
These are both great hoodies. Price may be a consideration, as the Cotton Heritage comes with more of a premium price tag. Beyond that, consider the climate and desired level of warmth. If you need a hoodie for particularly cold weather or outdoor activities, opt for Cotton Heritage M2580. For a truly versatile and budget-friendly option, the super popular Gildan 18500 is a very popular hoodie and a solid can't-go-wrong choice. Another point to consider is the waistband. The Cotton Heritage has a much thicker waistband, while the Gildan has a more streamlined and classic hoodie waistband (as you can see in the photo above).
Left: Gildan 18000. Right: Cotton Heritage M2480.
Unisex Sweatshirts
Similar to hoodies, there are two main sweatshirts that we use and that are found at a large number of clothing companies.
Cotton Heritage M2480: This cotton and polyester blend sweatshirt offers comfort and durability. Its ribbed cuffs and waistband provide a snug fit, while the fleece interior keeps you warm. The benefit lies in its premium fabric blend and construction, ensuring long-lasting wear.
Gildan 18000: Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, the Gildan 18000 sweatshirt features air-jet spun yarn for a softer feel and reduced pilling. It has a very classic sweatshirt fit and it is slightly more affordable, making it a popular choice for everyday wear. Its main benefits are versatility and a budget-friendly price point.
Bottom Line, Unisex Sweatshirts:
Consider the level of warmth that you want and the how you will wear it. If you need a sweatshirt for cold outdoor activities or cooler weather, the Cotton Heritage M2480 is a good choice. For a more structured sweatshirt feel, coupled with a classic sweatshirt style and more budget-friendly price-point, the Gildan 18000 is a great pick. Similar to the hoodies, the waistbands are also a key point of differentiation here, as you can see in the photo above.
How to Pick the Best Fit and Style When Shopping Print on Demand (POD) Apparel
With all of the apparel items we have covered in this post — t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies — the good news is that you really can't go wrong with any of these items.
At 1923 Main Street, we use all of these products (among others) because they are very well made items from top quality apparel companies. The key to making the right choice is in knowing and understanding the slight differences among similar items and which type of product you may prefer. All shirts are not created equal.
We also make sure to note in all 1923 Main Street product listings the exact item we are using as a base, because we believe that an informed customer is a good customer. In cases where we cut and stitch the garments directly (swimsuits, yoga leggings, dresses, skirts and all-over-print tops), we do not use a base, so no apparel item is noted.
When considering options or choosing between different blank apparel t-shirts, hoodies or sweatshirts, it’s important to consider factors such as fabric composition, fit/cut, print quality and the intended use (if you have a specific use). When you have a good understanding of the unique features and benefits of each shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie, you can make an informed decision based on your own preferences.
Thankfully, here at 1923 Main Street we do most of the decision-making for you. Still, we believe that the more you know about each item, the more you will understand the differences and how a particular top will fit.
When creating a new product, we consider the design, intended use and the graphic or stitching in order to select the optimal base item for each new product. So you can be confident that a lot of thought has gone into why a specific shirt is printed on a specific item. Everything at 1923 Main Street is created with thoughtful intent putting the consumer first.
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Thank you for visiting the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. We hope that you have found this post useful. Please feel free to contact us or reach out on social media @1923MainStreet with any feedback, comments or questions. We love to hear from you.
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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic