Sacramento Custom Apparel Guide
Best Shirts for Screen Printing in Sacramento
Picking the right blank shirt affects print quality, customer satisfaction, and your total cost more than most people realize.
Quick Answer
- For events + budget: durable classic cotton blanks.
- For brands: premium combed cotton for softer feel + cleaner print.
- For workwear: heavier tees that hold shape and survive washes.
How to choose the best blank (fast)
Ask yourself
- Is this for a brand or a one-time event?
- Do you want soft feel or maximum durability?
- Is fit important (retail fit vs boxy)?
- Will you reorder regularly?
Avoid common mistakes
- Choosing the cheapest blank for a premium brand
- Not ordering a sample first
- Not confirming if the shop accepts customer-supplied garments
Blank shirt “tiers” (what buyers mean)
| Tier | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Events, promo, teams | Durable, thicker feel, more “basic” fit |
| Mid | Small brands, staff tees | Softer feel, better fit options, good value |
| Premium | Retail merch, streetwear | Best hand-feel + fit, consistent colorways |
Print-quality tips (what shops wish buyers knew)
- Darker garments often need underbase ink for opacity (may add cost)
- Heavier shirts can make prints feel more premium
- Ask about ink type (plastisol vs water-based) if feel matters
- Order a sample if you’re launching merch
Next steps
If you tell a shop your budget, they can recommend blanks that match your goal (event, brand, workwear).
FAQ
Do I have to buy shirts from the print shop?
Not always, but many shops prefer using their distributors for consistency and to avoid misprints on customer-supplied garments. Ask first.
What’s the best budget shirt?
Budget favorites are often heavy cotton blanks like classic tees. They’re durable and economical for events and work shirts.
What’s best for a streetwear feel?
Look for heavier-weight tees or premium combed cotton options for structure and a cleaner print presentation.