Printing · Guide 2026
Blank T-shirts for printing: which blank suits which print method?
Not every plain tee prints the same. Fabric, weight, surface and seams all change how a DTF transfer, a screen print or a vinyl name turns out. This guide matches blanks to print methods, lists what to check before you order and shows what a bulk order costs.
For DTF, screen printing, vinyl and DTG the safest blank is a 100 % cotton T-shirt of approx. 150 to 195 gsm with a smooth surface. Tubular tees without side seams print more evenly. Sublimation is the exception: it only works on light polyester. At Marmalade Co. a Fruit of the Loom T-shirt costs €6.95, €6.26 each from 5 pieces, with DHL delivery for €7 to Ireland and 10 EU countries, not currently to the UK.
Matching products
Fruit of the Loom T-ShirtUnisex, cotton, XS to XXXL€6.95from 5 pcs €6.26 eachDelivery to Ireland & EU €7.00 · 2-3 working daysView deal-10 % from 5 pcs
Fruit of the Loom Long Sleeve T-ShirtLong sleeve cotton tee€8.95from 5 pcs €8.06 eachDelivery to Ireland & EU €7.00 · 2-3 working daysView deal-10 % from 5 pcs
Fruit of the Loom HoodieHooded sweatshirt for print and embroidery€20.95from 5 pcs €18.86 eachDelivery to Ireland & EU €7.00 · 2-3 working daysView dealWhat makes a T-shirt good for printing?
A good print blank has three things going for it: a fabric the ink or transfer can bond to, a smooth and tightly knitted surface, and a shape that lies flat on a press. Brand names matter less than those basics.
For most people that means a 100 % cotton T-shirt in a mid weight. It takes almost every method, it is comfortable and it is widely available in many colours. Polyester only becomes the better choice when you want to sublimate.
Which blank suits which print method?
Each method has its own demands on the fabric. This table sums up what works well:
| Print method | Best blank | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| DTF transfer | Cotton, blends or polyester, any colour | Very textured or ribbed fabrics |
| Screen printing | Cotton or cotton-rich blends, approx. 150 to 195 gsm | Very thin, stretchy fabrics |
| DTG | 100 % cotton, smooth surface | High polyester content; dark shirts need pretreatment |
| Heat transfer vinyl | Cotton, blends, polyester | Fabrics that cannot take approx. 150 to 160 °C |
| Sublimation | Light polyester | Cotton and dark colours |
| Embroidery | Heavier tees, polos, hoodies | Thin tees (puckering) |
Unsure about the method itself? The full comparison of costs, quantities and durability is in screen printing vs DTF vs DTG.
What should you check before ordering blanks?
- Fibre content. Look for 100 % cotton if you plan DTG. Heather greys usually contain polyester.
- Weight (gsm). Approx. 145 gsm feels light and summery, approx. 165 is the everyday middle, approx. 195 feels sturdy. More in heavy cotton T-shirts.
- Seams. Tubular tees without side seams give an even print area.
- Colour range. For group orders you want the same colour in every size.
- Size range. Check that XS to XXXL is available and compare the chest measurements, see the T-shirt size guide.
- Total price and delivery. Is VAT included, what does delivery cost and does the shop ship to your country?
Are Fruit of the Loom tees good for printing?
Fruit of the Loom has made garments since 1851 and has been part of Berkshire Hathaway since 2002. Its classic T-shirts are among the most common print blanks in Europe, largely because they are tubular, come in many colours and are priced for bulk.
The range covers several weights, roughly from the Original at approx. 145 gsm and the Iconic at approx. 150 gsm to the Valueweight at approx. 165 gsm and the Heavy Cotton at approx. 195 gsm. Lighter tees suit summer events and DTF, heavier ones suit screen printing and merch that should feel substantial.
What do blank T-shirts cost in bulk?
At Marmalade Co. a plain Fruit of the Loom T-shirt costs €6.95 incl. VAT, available in 15 colours from XS to XXXL. The quantity discount applies automatically:
- 1 to 2 pieces: €6.95 each
- 3 to 4 pieces: 5 % off
- From 5 pieces: 10 % off, €6.26 each
DHL delivery is €7 flat per order, dispatched within 0 to 1 working day and delivered in about 2 to 3 working days. Delivery covers Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The shop does not currently deliver to the United Kingdom. Marmalade Co. sells blanks only, so printing is up to you or a local printer.
| Product | 1 pcs | 10 pcs | 50 pcs | 100 pcs | 250 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Shirt | €13.95€13.95 each | €69.55€6.96 each | €319.75€6.40 each | €632.50€6.33 each | €1,570.75€6.28 each |
| Hoodie | €27.95€27.95 each | €195.55€19.56 each | €949.75€19.00 each | €1,892.50€18.93 each | €4,720.75€18.88 each |
| Long Sleeve T-Shirt | €15.95€15.95 each | €87.55€8.75 each | €409.75€8.20 each | €812.50€8.13 each | €2,020.75€8.08 each |
Plain cotton tees in 15 colours, XS to XXXL. €6.26 each from 5 pieces, delivered to Ireland and the EU.
View blank T-shirts →How do you prepare blanks for printing?
- Do not pre-wash with fabric softener, it can stop inks and transfers from bonding.
- Press the blank for a few seconds before applying DTF or vinyl to remove moisture and creases.
- Test one shirt first, especially with a new transfer film or a new colour.
- Follow the transfer manufacturer's temperature, time and pressure settings.
Afterwards, wait approx. 24 hours before washing. Wash inside out at 30 to 40 °C, skip the fabric softener and avoid the tumble dryer. Prints last noticeably longer that way.
Which colours print best?
White and light colours are the easiest: every method works and colours look true. Dark shirts need an opaque white underbase, which DTF and vinyl include by design, screen printing adds as an extra layer and DTG needs pretreatment for. Sublimation does not work on dark shirts at all.
For groups, pick one colour that works with your design and keep it the same across all sizes. That keeps the shirts looking uniform in photos. Order one or two spare blanks in the most common sizes, as they are handy for test prints and late sign-ups.