Why We Print Every T-Shirt on the Bella + Canvas 3001

18 April 2025 · 5 min read

Every print-on-demand supplier has a T-shirt catalogue. Most stock five or six different blanks at different price points. We stock one: the Bella + Canvas 3001. Here's why we made that choice and what it means for your custom print.

The Fabric: Airlume Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton

The 3001 is made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton at 4.2 oz/yd². "Combed" means short fibres have been removed before spinning — the yarn is denser and smoother. "Ring-spun" means the fibres are twisted as they're spun, creating a stronger, finer thread. The result is a fabric that feels noticeably lighter and softer than standard jersey cotton, and holds its shape through repeated washing better than most alternatives.

For DTG printing, the fibre structure matters a lot. Loose, uneven fibres absorb ink inconsistently — you get blotchy coverage and rough edges on fine details. Tightly spun, even fibres give the ink a consistent surface to bind to. The Bella+Canvas 3001's construction is one reason it's become the de facto standard for quality custom printing globally.

Fit: Unisex Relaxed, Not Boxy

The 3001 uses a unisex silhouette with a slightly relaxed chest and tapered body — comfortable without looking like a sack. It sits between a "fitted" fashion tee and a traditional boxy tee. The shoulder seam is set slightly off the natural shoulder, which is why it works across a wide range of body types.

Available in sizes S through 3XL. The size runs true to size or slightly large. If you're between sizes, size down for a closer fit. Our size guide has the exact measurements in centimetres for Indian sizing.

Print Performance

The 3001's tight surface gives DTG prints sharper edges and more saturated colour reproduction than cheaper alternatives. More importantly, because it's pre-treated at our facility before printing, ink adhesion is excellent — prints don't crack, fade excessively, or peel after normal washing. Post-curing (heat-setting the ink after printing) further locks in durability.

Why Not Offer Cheaper Options?

We get this question. A cheaper blank cuts ₹100–200 from the base cost, but it also means looser fibres, less consistent pre-treatment, and lower ink adhesion. The result is a print that looks good in a photograph and starts fading after a few washes. We'd rather charge a fair price for something that lasts.

The 3001 is available in over 60 colourways globally. We currently offer a curated selection of the most popular neutral and classic colours — if you need a specific colour, contact us and we'll check availability.