Hey everyone,
I love the graphic designs on Shirt.Woot, but I wanted to start a discussion about the garment blanks being used across the style lineup.
Right now, the standard 100% cotton options are the Gildan 5000 (5.3 oz) and the Port & Company PC61 (6.1 oz). While these heavyweight blanks are durable, they are nearly 50% heavier and denser than standard retail fashion tees, which usually sit around a much lighter and more breathable 3.7 oz to 4.2 oz.
Especially in the warmer months, wearing these heavy fabrics feels incredibly hot. Furthermore, because the same graphic setups are shared across Tees, Crewnecks, and Hoodies, the resulting Direct-to-Garment (DTG) print requires a heavy layer of white under-ink to keep colors vibrant. On a heavyweight tee, this creates a solid shield on the chest that completely blocks air circulation. A lighter, retail-weight option would make these designs much more wearable during the summer!
On a related note regarding styles, the current menu only offers a Women’s V-Neck, which uses a tight, contour-cut junior silhouette. Men who prefer a v-neck style are entirely left out of the mix unless they awkwardly size up in a women’s cut. Adding a standard Unisex/Men’s V-Neck would be a fantastic addition to the lineup.
I know that 100% cotton is the gold standard for DTG ink adherence and that past lightweight blanks (like American Apparel or Anvil) had shrinkage or sizing complaints. However, has there been any recent testing on modern lightweight, ringspun 100% cotton options that give that breathable retail feel without sacrificing print quality or supply chain consistency?
I’d love to hear if the community feels the same way, or if any staff can chime in on if alternative blanks or a unisex v-neck are ever considered anymore.
Thanks!