When it comes to printing band t-shirts, the right blank tee can make all the difference. Your fans aren’t just buying a piece of fabric, they’re buying a memory, a way to represent your music, and a shirt they’ll want to wear again and again. Choosing the wrong shirt can result in fading prints, uncomfortable fits, or poor durability. The right choice, however, ensures your band merch feels retail-ready, prints crisp and vibrant, and becomes a walking promotion for your music.
Below, we’ll cover what makes a great t-shirt for band printing, the top blanks to consider, and how to maximize both quality and affordability.
What to Look for in Band T-Shirt Blanks
1. Fabric Type
The fabric is the foundation of your print quality. 100% ring-spun cotton is the industry standard because it’s smooth, soft, and holds ink well during screen printing or DTG printing. Cotton/poly blends or tri-blends can be used for a softer feel or vintage look, but print vibrancy may be reduced.
2. Weight and Durability
Midweight to heavyweight t-shirts (5–7 oz/yd²) are ideal for local band t-shirts because they feel substantial and last longer after multiple washes. Fans expect their tour tees to be durable keepsakes, not flimsy throwaways.
3. Fit and Comfort
Modern retail-style fits like Bella + Canvas or Next Level are popular because of their softer, slimmer cuts. Meanwhile, classic options like Gildan Ultra Cotton remain favorites for affordable merch orders where cost per piece matters more than fashion-forward fits.
4. Pre-Shrunk and Garment-Dyed Options
Pre-shrunk cotton ensures sizing consistency, while garment-dyed blanks (like Comfort Colors) give a broken-in, vintage vibe. These are especially appealing for bands looking to create merch with character.
5. Cost and Scalability
Budget always matters. Ordering wholesale or working with a local print shop can bring down costs. If you’re just starting out or testing designs, print-on-demand services are a low-risk way to offer merch without holding inventory.
Popular Blank T-Shirts for Band Merch
Here are some of the most trusted and widely used t-shirt blanks for printing band t-shirts:
1. Bella + Canvas 3001 (Unisex Jersey Tee)
- Ring-spun cotton, soft feel, wide color selection.
- Perfect balance of affordability and retail-quality merch.
2. Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton Tee
- Tough, cost-effective, and widely available.
- Great for bulk custom t-shirts when the budget is tight.
3. Comfort Colors 1717
- Heavier, garment-dyed, and soft-washed for that vintage look.
- Excellent choice if you want your band merch to have personality.
4. Next Level 3600 (Cotton Crew)
- Softer fashion fit with great print surface.
- Popular among bands aiming for boutique-quality drops.
5. American Apparel 2001
- Slimmer cut and premium softness.
- Works well for higher-end influencer merch or limited edition runs.
Beyond T-Shirts: Expanding Your Merch Line
While printing band t-shirts is the most common starting point, fans often want more ways to support their favorite artists. That’s where expanding into promotional products like hoodies, embroidered hats, tote bags, and stickers can increase revenue and brand reach. Working with the right partner ensures your designs translate well across apparel and accessories.
Trusted Partner
When it comes to high-quality, retail-ready drops, Logoblanks is a trusted production partner. Whether you’re building local band t-shirts, launching influencer merch, or preparing for an upcoming tour, Logoblanks provides the tools and expertise to get it done. They specialize in band merch, streamer merch, and esports/gaming merch, offering a full range of products including custom t-shirts, hoodies, embroidered hats, beanies, tote bags, stickers, and drinkware. With Logoblanks, you get professional results that fans will wear proudly.
Conclusion
Choosing the best blanks for printing band t-shirts isn’t just about fabric—it’s about connecting with fans through quality, comfort, and style. By selecting the right shirt and working with trusted partners like Logoblanks, you can create band merch that looks great, wears well, and keeps your music top of mind.