Your guide to picking the perfect tee for your next custom merch project.

T-shirts are the bread and butter of branded merch. But with so many options how do you know which one’s right for you?

We’ve broken down some of our most popular t-shirt styles to help you compare them at a glance! Whether you want something affordable, premium, soft, sporty, or fashion-forward, this lineup has you covered.

Best For: Quick Picks Based on Your Goals

Purpose	Best Option	Why
Fundraisers	Gildan Softstyle	Affordable with a soft feel and great for printing vibrant designs.
Retail Brands	Bella Canvas Jersey	Trendy cut and premium softness = customers will actually want to wear it.
Corporate or Business Merch	Next Level CVC	Polished look and comfy fit, great for all-day wear at events or offices.
Fashion-Forward Projects	Comfort Colors or American Apparel	High-end aesthetic with great texture and quality feel.
Kids/Schools	Gildan Youth	Durable, simple, and cost-effective for growing audiences.
Activewear or Sports	A4 Sprint Performance	Built for sweat. Perfect for teams, gyms, or outdoor brands.
Creative or Artistic Brands	Dyenomite Tie-Dye	Every shirt is a conversation piece, ideal for standing out.

1. Gildan Heavy Cotton T-Shirt 

Fabric: 100% preshrunk cotton
Fit: Classic
Features: Double-needle stitching, seamless collar, tear-away label
Vibe: Reliable, durable, budget-friendly

This is your classic, no-frills T-shirt. Great for bulk orders and simple designs, especially when cost matters.

2. Bella Canvas Jersey T-Shirt 

Fabric: 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
Fit: Modern retail fit
Features: Super soft, side-seamed, tear-away label
Vibe: Stylish, comfortable, high-end feel

A favorite for retail brands. Soft, sleek, and cut to flatter; this one feels as good as it looks.

3. Comfort Colors Heavyweight T-Shirt 

Fabric: 100% ring-spun cotton, garment-dyed
Fit: Relaxed
Features: Vintage wash, soft feel, pre-shrunk
Vibe: Lived-in, casual, laid-back

Ideal for brands going for a vintage or relaxed aesthetic. The colors and texture give it that “favorite old tee” energy.

4. Next Level CVC T-Shirt 

Fabric: 60% combed cotton, 40% polyester
Fit: Unisex, modern
Features: Lightweight, breathable, holds shape well
Vibe: Smooth, versatile, everyday comfort

A great mid-tier option that feels premium without the premium price. Easy to wear, easy to love.

5. Gildan Softstyle T-Shirt 

Fabric: 100% ring-spun cotton (varies by color)
Fit: Modern classic
Features: Smooth print surface, tear-away label
Vibe: Soft, print-friendly, dependable

Great for vibrant prints and event merch. A soft, slightly more refined step up from the basic Gildan Heavy Cotton.

6. A4 Sprint Performance T-Shirt 

Fabric: 100% polyester
Fit: Athletic
Features: Moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, quick-dry
Vibe: Sporty, technical, active

Perfect for teams or outdoor events. Keeps wearers cool and dry during action.

7. Dyenomite Tie-Dye Ripple Spiral T-Shirt

Fabric: 100% cotton
Fit: Standard
Features: Unique hand-dyed designs, double-stitched
Vibe: Bold, fun, artsy

If you want to stand out, this is it. No two shirts are alike; perfect for festivals, fundraisers, and creative brands.

8. American Apparel Heavyweight Tee

Fabric: 100% fine jersey cotton
Fit: Classic
Features: High-quality knit, classic crew neck
Vibe: Urban, high-end, polished

A slightly heavier, well-constructed option for brands aiming for quality and fashion appeal.

9. Bella Canvas Women’s Slim Fit Tee 

Fabric: 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
Fit: Slim, flattering
Features: Lightweight, soft, modern colors
Vibe: Feminine, fitted, boutique-ready

Tailored specifically for women, great for brands that want a flattering fit and premium feel.

10. Gildan Youth Heavy Cotton Tee

Fabric: 100% cotton
Fit: Classic youth fit
Features: Durable, double-stitched, budget-friendly
Vibe: Kid-proof, practical

Perfect for schools, camps, or family-themed orders. Built to handle active young wearers.

Final Thoughts
Your T-shirt is often the first impression people have of your brand, make it count. Whether you’re going classic or couture, Merchconnect can help you find the perfect fit for your goals, budget, and audience.Need help choosing? Get in touch with us and we’ll help match your vision with the right shirt.