How to Choose Blank Garments for Printing
By The Velocity Wear Team
The print gets the attention, but the blank garment underneath decides how your apparel really looks, feels and lasts. A flawless design on a thin, badly fitting tee still feels cheap, while a simple logo on a heavyweight, well-cut hoodie feels premium. Choosing the right blank is the foundation of every great custom piece. Here is what to weigh up before you commit.
Fabric — the feel customers judge first
Fabric composition shapes comfort, durability and how the garment prints. Each blend has trade-offs, so match the fabric to how the piece will be worn and washed.
- Cotton — soft, breathable and prints crisply, the classic choice for tees.
- Polyester — durable and quick-drying, ideal for sportswear and sublimation.
- Cotton-poly blends — balance softness and durability with less shrinkage.
- Organic and recycled fabrics — for brands selling on sustainability.
Weight tells the quality story
Fabric weight, measured in grams per square metre, is the clearest signal of quality a customer feels in their hands. A light tee around 150 GSM is fine for budget giveaways but can feel flimsy and show print backing through. A premium tee sits nearer 180 to 220 GSM, and a quality hoodie ranges from roughly 300 to over 400 GSM. Heavier usually feels more premium, but also costs and ships for more.
Fit and cut for your audience
Fit defines the style as much as the print does. A boxy, oversized cut reads as modern streetwear, while a slim or fitted cut suits a fashion or fitness brand. Make sure the blank you choose comes in a consistent size range across the run, and check real measurements rather than trusting the label, since sizing varies wildly between manufacturers.
The print surface matters
Not every blank prints equally well. A smooth, tightly woven, flat surface gives the cleanest, sharpest print, while heavily textured or ribbed fabrics can break up fine detail. Colour matters too — some methods need an underbase on dark garments, and very stretchy or technical fabrics can affect how prints sit and flex over time. Always match the blank to your chosen decoration method.
“Customers feel the blank before they read the print. Choose the garment as carefully as the design.”
Balancing quality and budget
- 1Define the role first — giveaway, staff kit or retail-quality product.
- 2Set a target weight and fabric that matches that role and price point.
- 3Order a blank sample before committing to a full run.
- 4Check sizing, feel and how your method prints on the actual fabric.
- 5Standardise on a few proven blanks so quality stays consistent.
Choosing the right blank is far easier with a manufacturer who guides you. Velocity Wear helps you pick the ideal fabric, weight and fit for your project across hoodies, tees, caps and more, with a low 20-piece minimum and worldwide delivery. Reach out for a free quote and a blank recommendation tailored to your brand.