How to Choose the Right T-Shirt for Screen Printing, DTG, and Sublimation

When it comes to custom T-shirts, the final print quality doesn’t just depend on your printing machine—it depends heavily on the fabric you print on.

As a wholesale buyer, print shop owner, or clothing brand, knowing which T-shirts work best for screen printing, DTG (Direct-to-Garment), or sublimation can save you thousands of rupees in production errors, reprints, and returns.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best T-shirt materials for each print method, how GSM affects print quality, and what to look for before placing a bulk order.

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Why Fabric Type Matters in T-Shirt Printing

Not all T-shirts are created equal. A poor fabric match can cause:

⭐️ Cracked or peeling prints

⭐️ Inconsistent color vibrancy

⭐️ Poor wash durability

⭐️ Ink bleed or fading

This is especially risky when ordering T-shirts in bulk. At RadisonApparel.com, we help our wholesale customers avoid these issues by supplying GSM-tested, print-friendly T-shirts tailored to each printing technique.

Best T-Shirts for Screen Printing

Screen printing works by pushing plastisol or water-based ink through a mesh screen directly onto the fabric. The ink sits on top of the fabric, making absorption and adhesion crucial.

What to Look For:

100% cotton is ideal, especially combed cotton for a smoother surface.

Go for medium GSM (160–180 GSM)—thick enough for print stability but breathable.

Avoid fabrics with too much texture or slub—they can cause uneven prints.

Why It Matters:

Cotton absorbs ink well and holds the design during washes. Open-ended cotton is cheaper but rougher. For premium printing, choose combed cotton.

If you’re searching for “wholesale T-shirts for screen printing,” always check fabric smoothness and preshrunk finish.

Best T-Shirts for DTG (Direct-to-Garment)

DTG printing sprays ink directly onto the fabric, much like an inkjet printer. It requires ultra-smooth, tightly knit fabric for sharp detail.

What to Look For:

100% combed cotton with ring-spun yarn

Fine-gauge knit with minimal fuzz or pilling

GSM between 160–180 for balance and softness

Avoid:

Polyester or poly-cotton blends—they repel water-based DTG inks and cause ink bleeding.

Why It Matters:

DTG needs the ink to sink into the fibers. Rough or uneven fabric will cause jagged prints, fuzzy edges, or poor vibrancy.

Best T-Shirts for Sublimation

Sublimation printing is a heat-transfer method that turns dye into gas and infuses it into synthetic fibers.

What to Look For:

100% polyester or high-poly blends (at least 65% polyester)

Light-colored or white fabric for color accuracy

Smooth knit to lock in the sublimated dye

Avoid:

100% cotton—sublimation ink won’t bond with natural fibers.

Dark-colored garments—the print won’t show up clearly.

Why It Matters:

Sublimation doesn’t print on the fabric—it prints into it. Only synthetic fabrics hold the dye properly.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Considerations

HTV printing involves cutting designs out of vinyl and heat pressing them onto fabric. It’s versatile and used for short runs or personalization.

What to Look For:

Works well on cotton, polyester, or blends

Choose mid-weight GSM for easier heat transfer

Pre-shrunk tees recommended for wash durability

HTV is the most forgiving when it comes to fabric type but may peel over time on very stretchy or low-GSM knits.

Choosing the Right Fabric = Better Prints, Fewer Headaches

Selecting the right T-shirt for your print method avoids:

Ink misalignment

Faded colors after first wash

Vinyl that cracks or peels off

At Radison Apparel, we test our fabrics under real printing conditions to help you match each order to your business needs—whether you’re screen printing for a college event, running a DTG-based print-on-demand store, or sublimating sportswear.

Trusted by Print Shops, Custom Brands & Bulk Buyers Across India

DTG-tested combed cotton tees (160–240 GSM)

100% polyester blanks for sublimation

Low-MOQ orders starting at 15 pieces

Consistent GSM and shrinkage control

Want flawless print results?

Order GSM-verified, print-ready T-shirts from Radison Apparel today.

✅ Start a bulk order here → radisonapparel.com/shop
✅ Need samples first? Request them → sales@radisonapparel.com
✅ Have questions? Chat with our fabric experts or call +91-9043267615

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Final Tip

Always test your print method on a small batch first. If you’re unsure, our support team can recommend the perfect fabric based on your print style, brand needs, and price point.