Picking the right tee is not only about the size chart. Fabric, fit, colour, and weight (GSM) all change how the shirt feels, how long it lasts, and how your custom print looks. This guide breaks down the basics in plain language—whether you are ordering one shirt or outfitting a team. T Shirts Australia is the home of this advice today (formerly The Custom T Shirt Shop).
Table of contents
- T-shirt materials
- Fabric blends
- Fit types
- Colour choice
- Sizing and size charts
- Fabric weight (GSM)
- Brands at a glance
- Quick checklist
- Ordering custom tees in 2026
T-shirt materials
Cotton
Cotton is the default for many everyday and promotional tees: breathable, familiar, and usually easy to print. Finer cotton processes generally feel softer and can give a smoother surface for print. If you are choosing blanks before printing, you can also compare styles in blank T-shirts, then move into custom printed apparel when you are ready.
Types you will see
- Open cotton: economical; can feel coarser when new and often softens with washing.
- Carded cotton: cleaner yarn than open cotton; a common middle ground for price and comfort.
- Ring-spun cotton: softer, stronger yarn; popular for retail-quality basics.
- Combed cotton: extra fibre alignment and cleaning; very smooth, often excellent for detailed prints on the right garment.
- Organic cotton: grown under organic rules; a good option when sustainability and skin sensitivity matter.
Polyester
Polyester excels when you need moisture management, quick drying, and shape retention—think training, events in heat, or high-movement wear. It is often used in blends rather than always on its own.
Bamboo and cellulosics
Bamboo-based fabrics are chosen for a soft hand feel and breathability. Treat them like any specialty fabric: check care, print method, and the supplier’s product notes before you commit to a bulk order.
Fabric blends
Blends exist to combine strengths: cotton’s comfort with polyester’s resilience, or add stretch with fibres such as elastane.
CVC
CVC (Chief Value Cotton) is usually a cotton-heavy cotton–poly blend. It is widely used for tees that need to stay economical while resisting shrinkage and wear better than some pure-cotton options.
Tri-blend
Tri-blend (typically cotton, polyester, rayon) is famous for a soft, lightweight feel and a slightly different drape. It is a favourite for premium-feel retail merch when the look matches your brand.
Stretch
Small amounts of elastane can improve stretch and recovery. Higher stretch often suits fitted silhouettes or active use, but balance it with how warm or structured you want the shirt to feel.
Fit types
- Regular: the “standard” tee shape—works for most people and most prints.
- Relaxed: more room in the body; great for comfort-led or outdoor uniforms.
- Boxy / oversized: fashion-led; more fabric to work with for large front graphics.
- Fitted: closer to the body; popular for gym or athletic looks—check sleeve and body length.
- Tall: extra length without necessarily going wider—helps if standard lengths ride up.
- Cropped / shorter body: some styles run shorter; ideal if you dislike excess length.
If a shirt “does not suit you,” often it is fit, not your shape. Trying a different block (regular vs relaxed vs oversized) changes the silhouette more than going up one size.
Colour choice
- White and black are reliable bases for artwork and branding.
- Bold colours suit events, sports, and high-impact brands.
- Pastels can read more subtle or seasonal—great for retail-led designs.
Think about ink colour vs shirt colour (contrast and legibility) and whether the shirt is for work, retail resale, or one-off gifts.
Sizing and size charts
- Open the size chart on the product page—do not assume “medium” is the same across brands.
- Lay a favourite tee flat. Measure half-chest (underarm to underarm) and length (high shoulder to hem).
- Allow for tolerance: manufacturing variance is normal (often around ±2.5 cm).
- For groups, collect sizes early and add a few extras in common sizes (often M–L) for late joiners.
Fabric weight (GSM)
GSM = grams per square metre. Very roughly:
- Light (for example ~130–150 GSM): breezy; can feel more “summer.”
- Mid / heavy (for example ~180+ GSM): more substance; can feel more “uniform” or premium depending on construction.
Higher GSM is not automatically “better”—it is about the right weight for climate, drape, and use.
Brands at a glance
T Shirts Australia carries multiple blank lines so you can match budget, fit block, and fabric. Examples you will see across the range include AS Colour, LAVOS, Blank Athletics, Winning Spirit, and Sportage—always confirm current styles on the live product pages.
Browse custom printed T-shirts and apparel when you are ready to pair a blank with your artwork.
Quick checklist before you order
- Who wears it, and in what conditions (office, trade site, sport, retail)?
- Fabric: cotton, poly, blend, or specialty?
- Fit: regular, relaxed, oversized, or fitted?
- Colour: contrast with your artwork?
- Size: measured against the chart, not guessed?
- Weight: GSM suited to season and brand feel?
Ordering custom tees in 2026
Most customers now shortlist a fabric and fit first, then choose a print service that matches their deadline—same day, express, or standard—on the product page. Artwork is usually a high-resolution PNG, PDF, or vector file; very fine text and tiny details may need simplifying for print on textured cotton.
Sustainability is increasingly part of the decision: organic cotton, reusable totes, and durable blends (for uniforms that last) are practical ways to reduce re-order waste. If you need staff uniforms, event merch, or resale retail, the same checklist applies—pick the blank for the job, then add your print.
Browse options: custom printed T-shirts and apparel.
Conclusion
Choosing a T-shirt is about matching material, fit, colour, and weight to the job. Get those right and your custom print looks more intentional and wears better over time. For the full range, visit Custom Printed T Shirts and Apparel at T Shirts Australia.
Updated from an earlier article on The Custom T Shirt Shop; guidance now maintained on T Shirts Australia.
