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5 Must-Have Shirts for Sublimation Prints

Sublimation printing has become famous among fashion apparel and accessories printing methods. However, not all shirts are the same when achieving those rich and long-lasting prints, which are everyone’s desires. You must have come across a stunning design and color combination on the graphics, but terrible when it deals with the fabric. Well, how do you avoid that disappointment? Many people would like to ask: What is the best way to create those perfect eye-catching designs that look elegant and comfortable after washing?

It’s all about choosing the right shirt.

Yes, your choice of shirt determines the quality of your sublimation project. But it is the question of choice: Which is the most effective among thousands of different programs available on the market? Flip-flop: Cotton or blended polyester fabrics, or try stretch clothing instead? But what is the touch? Can one get comfortable and brightly coloured T-shirts simultaneously?

In this guide, we’ll be showing you 5 shirts from Apparelbus that not only enhance the visibility of your designs but look comfortable on you as well. It helps beginners and even veterans of sublimation printing to choose the best product for their next undertaking. We will discuss what makes these shirts special, the perfect shirts for sublimation and how to achieve the best results every time.

So, have you had enough of simply sublimating? Now, without any further ado, let us take a closer look at the top shirts for print that will help your designs pop.

The 5 Best Shirts for Perfect Sublimation

  1. Bella + Canvas 3001C Unisex Jersey T-Shirt

Bella + Canvas 3001C Unisex Jersey T-Shirt can be recommended for sublimation printing. It is rather popular among users because it uses high-quality fabric with an excellent fit. Several customers have shown a preference for this shirt because it is comfortable, lasts longer, and is very classy.

Detailed Features:

  • Fabric Composition

The Bella + Canvas 3001C T-shirt is printed on 52% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton and 48% polyester. This particular mix is quite important since the polyester section plays an essential role in connecting to the sublimation ink, which creates bright and durable prints. The fabric used in the Airlume combed cotton makes it very comfortable and enjoyable to wear throughout the day.

  • Airlume Cotton

Airlume cotton is slightly better than regular cotton as it's combed and ring-spun to eliminate undesirable materials. This makes the fabric's rough surface smooth and delicate, giving better and more apparent prints of the designs. Although this material does not accept sublimation ink, the softness of this cotton provides better printing solutions in general.

  • Fit and Comfort

The shirt has a new retail fitting, which is neither too ghastly tight nor too loose for the body, thus accommodating for use by different human agents. It has a crew neck with the manufacturing company's label that can be easily removed, enhancing the jacket's comfort and branding. Due to the fabric's delicate nature and slightly restrictive outline, the product is perfect for everyday wear and following trends.

  • Colour Options

Bella + Canvas 3001C can be done in various ways, with versatile colors available. Yet, white, heather, and as options are perfect for sublimation because they allow sublimation inks to show themselves at their brightest.

  • Durability

Nonetheless, the 3001C appears to be quite soft yet is rather sturdy and stands up to normal use and laundering well. A high polyester content ensures that prints do not fade away with time, and the quality of the cotton gives the shirt the right shape.

Why choose Bella + Canvas 3001C?

This shirt combines comfort with high-quality sublimation prints. Made with cotton and polyester blend fibers to provide a soft but durable canvas to showcase designs on, making this ideal for fashion forward brands and custom apparel businesses.

  1. Gildan 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt

The Gildan 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt is one of those that many sublimation printers prefer to work with, especially when they require a cheap yet high-quality T-shirt for mass production. Gildan is famous for affordable products with good-quality fabric, which is why this shirt is perfect for printing for beginners and professionals.

Detailed Features:

  • Fabric Composition

The Gildan 64000 is made from the combination of 65% polyester and the 35% ring-spun cotton fabric. Due to a higher polyester content, it is ideal for sublimation than other blends of fabrics available in the market. The materials used in the production of polyester fibers can absorb the sublimation ink, producing clear and bright images. At the same time, ring-spun cotton makes the fabric on the shirt very soft, making the user comfortable.

  • Affordability

Another important fact of the Gildan 64000, which may be one of the key success factors, is GREAT PRICE. It's perfect for enterprises that seek to create hundreds of sublimated shirts without spending much. Although this shirt is cheaper than the first one, it doesn't mean the quality is poor, making it affordable.

  • Durability

There are worked buttonholes and solid collar stitching with a 65% polyester and 35% cotton design that does not wear out easily with regular washing. Polyester is used to make the materials durable and the clothes color does not fade easily while the cotton helps keep the shirt crisp and comfortable.

  • Colour Range

The product comes in a wide range of colors; however, it is recommended to print on lighter-coloured garments. Thus, white, light gray and other pale colors give the best result because ink absorbs well on non-white fabrics and creates a clear and handsome design.

  • Versatility

Thus, because Gildan 64000 aims at a classic fit and is slim in feel due to its soft fabric, it is ideal for different uses, ranging from wear in daily activities to promotions. Because of its cost-effectiveness and great production quality, more and more companies today turn to it to fulfill their bespoke apparel orders.

Why Choose Gildan 64000?

Gildan 64000 shirt offers cost-effective yet durable sublimation printing projects at an exceptional value, featuring vibrant print colors thanks to its high polyester content while remaining cost effective enough for large orders or promotional merchandise.

  1. Next Level 6210 CVC Crew

The Next Level 6210 CVC Crew is thus a perfect fit to the ones who want a combination of comfort and quality print. This shirt with soft fabric and the modern cut is adored by the designers that pay attention to the quality and design of the clothes.

Detailed Features:

  • Fabric Composition

The Next Level 6210 is 60% combed ring-spun cotton/40% polyester. The CVC (Chief Value Cotton) fabric ensures that it bears the softness of the cotton and, with the addition of the polyester, makes it easy to print on. This combination enables bright sublimation printing while maintaining a soft touch.

  • Softness and Comfort

The shirt is made of 100% combed ring-spun cotton, which is one of the softest fabrics you will find. This cotton is better than the normal cotton used in the production of other shirts, and that makes this shirt comfortable to wear all day. Still, the shirt is comfortable, which must not be confused with wear resistance; the polyester component gives the proper stiffness and elasticity.

  • Fit and Style

The Next Level 6210 clothing style is modern, slim-fit, and tailored for both men and women. It has a crew neck and side seams that make the shirt's overall feel and build more defined and long-lasting. The latter also enables a tear-away label to be used for convenience in branding with custom tags.

  • Colour Variety

Being produced in several colors, the 6210 is valuable to designers facing choice decisions. Sublimation is best applied to lighter shades of garments so that the ink used in the process can be easily seen and properly registered. When specific sublimation processes are engaged, it also contributes to the concept of a soft, heathered shirt appearance.

  • Longevity

This shirt is made from combed ringspun cotton and polyester. Not only is it comfortable to wear, but it will not shrink or fade after many washes. The prints do not fade, and the shirt continues to hold its form, which makes it one of the best premium sublimation items.

Why Choose Next Level 6210?

The Next Level 6210 CVC Crew is thus a perfect fit for the ones who want a combination of comfort and quality print. This shirt, which is made of soft fabric and has a modern cut, is adored by designers who pay attention to the quality and design of the clothes.

4. Jerzees 21M Dri-Power Sport T-Shirt

For those seeking a shirt that focuses on performance and also displays good sublimation, the Jerzees 21M Dri-Power Sport T-Shirt should come in handy. This shirt, which is suited for athletes and all outdoor lovers, provides maximum moisture management and durability.

Detailed Features:

  • Fabric Composition 

The Jerzees 21M is materialized from 100% polyester, which is the appropriate fabric for dyeing sublimation. The material makes polyester fabric and contains synthetic fibers that combine well with sublimation inks, thus making the images colorful, clear and long-lasting. The construction is 100% polyester, making the shirt very light and air-like, allowing air circulation to the skin.

  • Dri-Power Technology 

Jerzees’ logo is printed on this shirt, and it also utilizes the company’s Dri-Power technology, which helps draw sweat from the body and evaporate it to prevent the wearer from sweating. It makes it even more appropriate for use in sports teams, athletes, bodybuilders, or any other individuals who are involved in numerous and rigorous activities, as well as businesses, organizations or individuals needing ‘work-out’ or ‘exercise’ wear, or any occasion that you require a shirt that can stand up to physical exertion.

  • Durability 

The Jerzees 21M is made to be suitable for active use. The fabric used is also resistant to shrinking and fading, which means the shirt and its prints will look as good as new even after some washes many times. It is also pilling after proofing, which gives it a sleek appearance that augments the shirts for sublimation.

  • Fit and Comfort 

Meant to be worn while performing some sports activities, the Jerzees 21M stretches perfectly to address issues of flexibility. This shirt is fairly billed and has a round neck, which means it can be worn to sports as well as casual occasions. The shirt is made of lightweight fabric, making it comfortable to wear, especially when it is hot.

  • Colour Options 

The Jerzees 21M comes in all colors, including white and light grey, which is ideal for the process of sublimation. These lighter shades help to properly show the distinguishability of the sublimation inks when printed, thus producing bright and rather attractive designs.

Why Choose Jerzees 21M? 

Choose the Jerzees 21M Dri-Power Sport T-Shirt when searching for an exceptional performance T-shirt without compromising print quality, such as moisture-wicking properties, durability or vibrant printing potential - perfect for sports teams, fitness enthusiasts or outdoor activities!

5. Hanes 42TB Nano-T T-Shirt

This shirt is recommended for those who want a lightweight, breathable shirt ideal for sublimation printing. Interestingly, Hanes is one of the most reliable brands associated with quality and comfort, and the same can be said about the Nano-T.

Detailed Features:

  • Fabric Composition

This product is made from 100% polyester, perfect for sublimation since it can bind well with the white color and size S, M, L, and XL slim dyes. Polyester synthetic fibres are highly useful in this case and make the prints highly vivid and long-lasting since the dye reacts with the material used in polyester fabric production. This helps to make your designs as vibrant and long-lasting as you desire.

  • Nano-T Technology

The Nano-T construction is light, non-restricting, and has a smooth fabric texture on one’s skin. This shirt is entirely made of synthetic polyester, but it has a kind of soft feel on the skin; in other words, it is comfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time. The fabric used in making this product is also very light; thus, it can be worn in warm weather or even under another outfit.

  • Fit and Style

The Hanes 42TB is a modern-designed T-shirt with a finer, slimmer athletic fit than other regular T-shirts available in the market. That makes it perfect for anyone who wants to make bespoke clothing look more modern. The shirt has a crew neckline, and the brand label at the bottom right corner is not found on it, making it comfortable to wear.

  • Color Availability

Several colors of the Hanes 42TB are currently available in the market, and lighter colors are recommended for sublimation. White and light gray should be best used since they do not restrict the capabilities of the sublimation inks to deliver sharp images of the prints.

  • Durability

Although the Nano-T has a very light feel, the product is sturdy and can withstand normal usage. This material also keeps the prints well-defined and visible, and the fact that it does not shrink or wrinkle makes the shirt last longer.

Why choose Hanes 42TB Nano-T T-Shirt?

Hanes 42TB Nano-T T-Shirt is ideal for sublimation printing applications in hot climates due to its soft, breathable fabric and modern fit design. Ideal for light sublimation printing with dye sublimation printers.

The Bottom Line

Selecting the right shirt for sublimation printing is crucial for the best and most long-lasting output. Thus, all the five shirts we have described at length, starting with Bella + Canvas 3001C, Gildan 64000, Next Level 6210, Jerzees 21M, and ending with Hanes’ 42TB Nano-T have their advantages concerning a client’s needs. Whether you care about comfort, print quality, and product durability or are looking for the most budget-friendly sublimation solution, there is something for you out there.

That way, when selecting a shirt from Aparelbus, you ensure that your designs are not only bright in color but also long-lasting. These shirt types will give you the right content blend and form, making them perfect for those who desire to create well-crafted personalized clothes. Go all out today to get free shipping on orders over $250, whether you're buying wholesale with customization or buying blank! 

Frequently Asked Questions


The top sublimation printers are the Epson SureColor and Sawgrass Virtuoso, which provide excellent quality and sharp images that are ideal for t-shirts and apparel.


Sublimation printing requires the fabric to be a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend, but Comfort Colors t-shirts are 100% cotton, so it would make sense to make the price slightly cheaper, for this type of printing, polyester or polyester blends are required.


Yes, polyester shirts are the best for sublimation because the dye penetrates the polyester fiber then forms a very strong bond which results in high-quality prints.


A good sublimation sweatshirt blank should be 100% polyester or High Polyester Blend for sharp and durable prints without any crack on the surface of the blank.


T-shirt sublimation results in crisp and more striking prints that can last long without fading or chalking but it only applies to polyester-based clothes and light-colored T-shirt fabrics.

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