The To-Do about Basic Tees
T-shirts are consistently one of the highest selling promotional products due to their low cost, longevity and versatility. Years ago, the options were pretty minimal - basic and affordable or trendy and costly. In recent years however, many more styles and brands have entered the market and these days there are a lot of choices. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which will be the best fit. To help you figure out which t-shirts are best for your next project, here is a brief breakdown of the most popular brands.
Gildan® - Basic, cheap, and oh so popular
It's true that some things will never change, so I'm starting out with an oldie but goodie. The Gildan® 6.1 oz. 100% cotton t-shirt is by far our biggest seller. While not the absolute cheapest t-shirt out there, it is a great value for the money. Beyond its low-cost and durability, this heavyweight shirt has a massive range of styles (Men's, Ladies' and Youth), colors (70) and sizes (XS-5XL) available. It truly has an option that will work for any uniform program or special event.
Hanes® (More specifically the Beefy-T®) - A better basic with a loyal following
When I think of Hanes® there are two different things that immediately come to my mind. On the retail side I think of undershirts and tanks, rolled and sold in packs of 3. On the promotional side I immediately think of the Beefy-T®. While Hanes® has a number of other styles available, the Beefy-T® is an old-time favorite that is adored by many and maintains a loyal following. If your recipients already wear this shirt, they will continue to appreciate each new one they get.
American Apparel® - Trendy and expensive
From hippies to hipsters, most people are familiar with the American Apparel® brand. Known for their hip and edgy style, as well as some controversy, most people either love it or hate it. Those who love it are willing to pay more for it, as it continues to carry a pretty high price tag. What that money buys though, is your brand on a USA Made t-shirt that will be worn (and worn often) by people who are members of the love-it club. Depending on the audience, that can definitely be a solid investment.
BELLA + CANVAS - Sweet and stylish
The Bella line has long been a great competitor in the battle for top titles in fashion-forward t-shirts. The quality and style is comparable to that of American Apparel®, however the reputation of the brand is quite different. Clear of any controversy, Bella is a great option for companies who are willing to pay more for the co-branding opportunity but want a cleaner image. While this line has been at somewhat of a disadvantage by catering primarily to women, the addition of Canvas, the Men's complimentary line, has given it the range needed to thrive in the promotional world.
Next Level apparel - A better shirt for a better price
This is perhaps one of my favorite new brands. Next Level has built a long awaited bridge between quality and price. This line offers super trendy options like a tri-blend fabric and burnout tee, for a significantly lower price than the others on the market. Even their most basic t-shirt has a much nicer hand than most and yet the cost is only slightly more. It really offers a phenomenal value.
District® - Made to fit the masses
Previously known as District Threads®, this brand has just started something really unique. Sizing has been one of the biggest challenges for companies with an adult audience who like trendy t-shirts, as they are famously manufactured in junior's sizes. District® has created a solution, by splitting their selection into two separate lines. District® - Juniors and District® - Young Mens encompasses fashion forward, slim-cut styles, geared toward the youthfully minded. District Made™ now offers a stylish selection of men's and ladies' pieces with true adult sizing, for people who prefer a more relaxed fit.
Sport-Tek® - Value plus performance
As a private label brand, Sport-Tek® was created specifically for the promotional industry. As such, they truly understand the needs of the average corporate client and have produced a wonderful line of performance t-shirts designed to fit this niche. In addition to the expansive choice of colors and sizes, they are also very affordably priced.
alo® - High-tech and trendy
If you're looking for something high-performance and fashion-forward, alo® offers superior tees with the retail look you crave. Their colors and sizes are a bit limited (most items only run up to 2XL), but their products are beautiful. If your audience is athletic & trendy and you can afford to spend more, alo® is definitely worth considering.
Gildan® - Basic, cheap, and oh so popular
It's true that some things will never change, so I'm starting out with an oldie but goodie. The Gildan® 6.1 oz. 100% cotton t-shirt is by far our biggest seller. While not the absolute cheapest t-shirt out there, it is a great value for the money. Beyond its low-cost and durability, this heavyweight shirt has a massive range of styles (Men's, Ladies' and Youth), colors (70) and sizes (XS-5XL) available. It truly has an option that will work for any uniform program or special event.
Hanes® (More specifically the Beefy-T®) - A better basic with a loyal following
When I think of Hanes® there are two different things that immediately come to my mind. On the retail side I think of undershirts and tanks, rolled and sold in packs of 3. On the promotional side I immediately think of the Beefy-T®. While Hanes® has a number of other styles available, the Beefy-T® is an old-time favorite that is adored by many and maintains a loyal following. If your recipients already wear this shirt, they will continue to appreciate each new one they get.
American Apparel® - Trendy and expensive
From hippies to hipsters, most people are familiar with the American Apparel® brand. Known for their hip and edgy style, as well as some controversy, most people either love it or hate it. Those who love it are willing to pay more for it, as it continues to carry a pretty high price tag. What that money buys though, is your brand on a USA Made t-shirt that will be worn (and worn often) by people who are members of the love-it club. Depending on the audience, that can definitely be a solid investment.
BELLA + CANVAS - Sweet and stylish
The Bella line has long been a great competitor in the battle for top titles in fashion-forward t-shirts. The quality and style is comparable to that of American Apparel®, however the reputation of the brand is quite different. Clear of any controversy, Bella is a great option for companies who are willing to pay more for the co-branding opportunity but want a cleaner image. While this line has been at somewhat of a disadvantage by catering primarily to women, the addition of Canvas, the Men's complimentary line, has given it the range needed to thrive in the promotional world.
Next Level apparel - A better shirt for a better price
This is perhaps one of my favorite new brands. Next Level has built a long awaited bridge between quality and price. This line offers super trendy options like a tri-blend fabric and burnout tee, for a significantly lower price than the others on the market. Even their most basic t-shirt has a much nicer hand than most and yet the cost is only slightly more. It really offers a phenomenal value.
District® - Made to fit the masses
Previously known as District Threads®, this brand has just started something really unique. Sizing has been one of the biggest challenges for companies with an adult audience who like trendy t-shirts, as they are famously manufactured in junior's sizes. District® has created a solution, by splitting their selection into two separate lines. District® - Juniors and District® - Young Mens encompasses fashion forward, slim-cut styles, geared toward the youthfully minded. District Made™ now offers a stylish selection of men's and ladies' pieces with true adult sizing, for people who prefer a more relaxed fit.
Sport-Tek® - Value plus performance
As a private label brand, Sport-Tek® was created specifically for the promotional industry. As such, they truly understand the needs of the average corporate client and have produced a wonderful line of performance t-shirts designed to fit this niche. In addition to the expansive choice of colors and sizes, they are also very affordably priced.
alo® - High-tech and trendy
If you're looking for something high-performance and fashion-forward, alo® offers superior tees with the retail look you crave. Their colors and sizes are a bit limited (most items only run up to 2XL), but their products are beautiful. If your audience is athletic & trendy and you can afford to spend more, alo® is definitely worth considering.
$uccessful $eedlings:
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Tri-Blend t-shirts unite three standard fabrics to make one stunningly soft garment. A combination of cotton, polyester and rayon, people will not want to take these shirts off. |
Brand new to the industry, Extreme Heather fabric infuses each garment with unique character as well as practicality. It has the look and style of a burnout tee without being transparent. |
Support our country and a healthier planet with 100% organic USA Made t-shirts. Manufactured with the finest American craftsmanship, these shirts are a feel-good option all around. |
