Best Tees for Screen Printing, Heat Press & Brand Merch Drops

Launching a brand? Starting a side hustle? Creating custom tees for a team, label, or local shop? Whether you’re using screen printing, heat transfer vinyl (HTV), or DTG, your results start with the right blank t-shirt. A crisp design can’t fix a shirt that fades, stretches, or pills. That’s why we’re breaking down the best t-shirts for screen printing, heat press, embroidery, and small-batch merch—based on cotton quality, construction, and wearability.

🧵 What Makes a T-Shirt Good for Printing?

Not all cotton is equal—and not every tee is ready for ink or heat. Here’s what to look for:

• Smooth, tight-knit surface: Less texture = better ink adhesion
• Pre-shrunk fabric: Prevents post-print sizing issues
• Stitched hems: Looks cleaner and holds better with press applications
• Weight balance: Lightweight (4 oz) is better for volume prints; heavyweight (10 oz) is better for limited drops and streetwear
• Shoulder structure: For oversized fits, dropped shoulders add silhouette balance

🧼 Screen Printing vs. Heat Press – Which Tee Wins?

🏆 Best Upstanding Tees for Merch & Printing

1. Basic Cotton T-Shirts – 4 oz

• 100% combed cotton
• Breathable + perfect for heat transfer and large batches
• Great for summer drops and events
  → Also available in 3-Pack & 5-Pack

2. Pima Cotton T-Shirts – 7 oz

• Ultra-smooth, premium surface for high-end screen prints
• Perfect for limited-edition merch
• Lux feel + high customer retention

3. Heavyweight Cotton Tees – 10 oz

• Bold structure ideal for embroidered patches, puff prints & streetwear collabs
• Great for smaller runs where quality > quantity
  → Also in 3-Pack

4. Oversized Cropped T-Shirts – 7 oz

• Raw hem + boxy streetwear fit
• Perfect for small streetwear brands and fashion-forward drops
• Distinct silhouette that stands out from basic blanks

💡 Merch Tip: Consistency = Brand Identity

Choose one or two tee types as your base, so your customers know what to expect. Whether you’re reselling or building a custom label, consistency builds trust—and keeps returns low.

🛠️ For Small Businesses & Creators

If you're just starting, grab multi-packs of blank tees like:

• 5-Pack Color Bundle – Variety Cotton
• 2-Pack Pima Cotton – Premium Quality
• 3-Pack Oversized Tees – Drop Shoulder Fit

Perfect for testing designs, samples, and promo giveaways.

❓ FAQs – Printing & Merch Tees

Which tee is best for long-lasting screen prints?
We recommend the Pima Cotton Tee. Its tight weave gives the cleanest print and holds detail over time.

Can you heat press onto lightweight cotton?
Yes—our Basic 4 oz Tees work great for heat press, especially with quality HTV. Just keep temps controlled.

What’s the best tee for a new clothing line?
Start with the Neutral 3-Pack Cotton Set or Pima 2-Pack to test both comfort and printability.

Is heavyweight cotton harder to print on?
Not at all—but it may absorb more ink. Great for puff ink, embroidery, and bold streetwear graphics. Try the 10 oz Heavyweight Tee.

Do your tees shrink after printing?
No—our cotton shirts are pre-shrunk. Just follow proper heat settings during printing and post-print wash care.