How to Choose Blank T-Shirts for DTF and DTG Printing

For DTF and DTG printing businesses, a blank T-shirt is more than just a base garment. It is an important part of the finished product.

The right blank apparel can help you deliver a consistent look, comfortable fit and reliable customer experience. But choosing a T-shirt only by price can create problems when you begin printing or handling repeat orders.

Before buying blank T-shirts in bulk, consider these five important factors.

The fabric should suit the printing method and the design you plan to produce.

DTG printing applies ink directly onto the garment, so fabric composition and surface characteristics matter. DTF transfers are applied using a transfer film and heat press, but the garment’s surface and construction can still affect the finished appearance and feel.

Before placing a bulk order, test the blank garment using your own printing process. Check the print appearance, feel and performance after handling or washing it according to your usual process.

**DRIBBLE Sports offers samples with a minimum order quantity of 1 piece**, so you can assess the garment before committing to a larger order.

A colour name does not always represent one exact shade. Navy blue, red and other colours can have multiple tones. The shade you choose should match your artwork and your customer’s expectations.

White and other light-coloured garments may suit some designs, while black, navy and other dark colours offer different possibilities for custom artwork.

DRIBBLE product photos are intended to show the garment’s colour, but the displayed shade may vary by approximately 5% on average. Screen settings, lighting and how colours appear on different devices can affect what you see.

For important colour-matching requirements, check a physical sample before confirming a bulk order. Also confirm that the selected shade is available in the sizes your customer needs.

Blank T-shirts are available in different fabric weights, such as 180, 210 and 240 GSM. They also come in different fits, including regular fit and oversized or drop-shoulder styles.

The right option depends on the customer and the intended use. A T-shirt for everyday merchandise may have different requirements from one designed for a clothing brand or a premium event.

Before choosing, consider:

- The fit and silhouette your customer wants

- The garment’s GSM, fabric weight and feel

- The intended use, such as everyday wear or event merchandise

- Whether the same fit is available across the required sizes

A sample helps you assess the garment’s feel and fit before committing to a larger quantity.

For print businesses, repeatability matters. A garment that works well for one order should also be checked for consistency when reordered.

Before confirming bulk quantities, ask about:

- Available sizes and colours

- Product specifications

- Current stock availability

- Whether the same product can be reordered

- The supplier’s process for handling size or quality concerns

Keep a record of the garment you tested, including its colour, size and product specification. This makes it easier to compare future orders and manage repeat customer requirements.

A sample test can help reduce uncertainty before you produce a complete order.

Print your intended design, inspect the finished result and follow your usual wash or handling test. Confirm that the garment suits your customer’s requirements before moving to bulk production.

This is especially useful when you are working with a new garment, colour, fit or printing setup.

**What should I check before buying blank T-shirts for DTF printing?**  

Check the garment’s surface, fit, colour, comfort and consistency. Test the transfer on a sample using your own heat-press process.

**Are blank T-shirts for DTG and DTF printing the same?**  

A garment may be suitable for both methods, but suitability depends on its fabric, construction, printing setup and design. Test the garment before bulk production.

**Can I order a sample before buying blank T-shirts in bulk?**  

DRIBBLE Sports offers samples with a 1-piece MOQ, allowing you to check the garment before placing a larger order.

**Why can the colour of a T-shirt look different from its product photo?**  

Screen settings, lighting and device displays can affect how a colour appears. For colour-sensitive orders, check a physical sample before confirming bulk quantities.

**Where can print businesses source blank apparel?**  

Print businesses can source plain garments from wholesale apparel suppliers. Compare product specifications, available colours and sizes, stock consistency and the supplier’s ability to support repeat orders.

## Source blank apparel for your next print order

DRIBBLE Sports supplies plain blank apparel for businesses working in custom merchandise and apparel. If you are sourcing garments for DTF, DTG or other custom-printing requirements, review the available products and confirm the specifications, colours, sizes and quantities needed for your order.

**Planning a bulk order?** Start with a sample, assess the garment using your own printing process, and then discuss your ready-stock requirements with DRIBBLE Sports.