Bella+Canvas 3001
1. Brand Background & Positioning
Bella+Canvas is a well-known US brand with the slogan “premium basics”. They focus on producing high-quality tees with smooth fabric, eco-friendly production, and a modern retail fit. In POD, this shirt is considered the gold standard thanks to its great print quality and wide availability across major platforms.
2. Technical Specs
- Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd²
- Material: 100% Airlume combed & ring-spun cotton, 32 singles (soft, low-fuzz)
- Variants: Heather/CVC 52/48, some colours 90/10
- Fit: Side-seamed, retail fit
- Tear-away label, reinforced shoulder-to-shoulder stitching
3. Key Advantages for POD Sellers
- Very smooth print surface → DTG/DTF prints look sharp and vibrant.
- Retail fit → trendy, works well as unisex.
- Wide range of colours and blends → easy to expand product line.
- Commonly used across top POD platforms (Printful, Printify, Teespring, etc.).
4. Points to Consider
- Lighter fabric (4.2 oz) → customers who prefer thicker tees may find it thin.
- Some heather colours contain polyester → DTG settings may need adjustment.
Comfort Colors 1717
1. Brand Background & Positioning
Comfort Colors, under the Gildan group, is known for its garment-dyed tees (dyed after sewing), giving a unique vintage washed look. The brand focuses on casual, retro, relaxed fit styles, very popular in the US.
2. Technical Specs
- Fabric weight: 6.1 oz/yd² (heavier than Bella 3001)
- Material: 100% ringspun cotton, soft-washed & garment-dyed
- Fit: Relaxed/unisex, roomy and comfortable
- Construction: Tubular body (no side seams)
- Preshrunk to reduce shrinkage after washing
3. Key Advantages for POD Sellers
- Unique vintage/retro look → strong appeal for niches like beachwear, tour merch, streetwear.
- Thick but soft after wash → gives a premium feel.
- Garment-dyed colours have depth → stands out from standard tees.
- Well-loved by US customers, easy to sell in lifestyle segments.
4. Points to Consider
- Garment-dyed colours not 100% uniform → actual shirts may differ slightly from mockups.
- Relaxed tubular fit → not as fitted as retail side-seamed styles.
- Heavier (6.1 oz) → can mean higher shipping costs and longer print/dry times.
Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton Tee)
1. Brand Background & Positioning
Gildan is one of the most widely used t-shirt brands worldwide, known for affordability and mass production. The Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton is a basic tee positioned in the budget, bulk order segment, often chosen by POD sellers and print shops to keep costs low.
2. Technical Specs
- Fabric weight: 5.3 oz/yd²
- Material: 100% cotton carded open-end (coarser texture, less smooth than ringspun)
- Fit: Tubular body, classic rib collar
- Shoulder-to-shoulder taping, double-needle hem
- Some heather colours: cotton-poly blend
3. Key Advantages for POD Sellers
- Cheapest option among the three → good for margins or bulk sales.
- Medium weight fabric (5.3 oz) → not too thin, still sturdy.
- Available on almost every POD platform → easy to fulfil.
- Seen as the standard budget tee for events, team shirts, and low-cost merch.
4. Points to Consider
- Rougher fabric surface (open-end cotton) → DTG prints not as sharp as Bella or Comfort.
- Tubular body fit → boxier, less flattering.
- Doesn’t give a premium feel, customers used to Bella/Comfort may find it lower quality.
Quick Takeaway
- Bella+Canvas 3001: best if you want sharp print quality, retail fit, and wide colour options.
- Comfort Colors 1717: best for vintage/retro styles, heavier fabric, lifestyle niches.
- Gildan 5000: best choice for low cost, bulk orders, events, and basic merch.
