Blog / What Should You Check Before Ordering Blank T-Shirts in Bulk?
What Should You Check Before Ordering Blank T-Shirts in Bulk?
Ordering blank shirts in bulk saves time and money, but only if you choose the right shirts. Quality, fit, color accuracy, and stock levels can vary across brands, so taking time to compare your options helps you avoid misprints, returns, and delays.
Start With the Purpose of Your Order
Your project type determines the kind of blank tee you need. Merch brands often prioritize softness and premium feel, while event shirts or giveaways may lean toward mid-range or budget-friendly options.
Learn more about transfer types and printing needs here
Are you printing for resale or short-term use?
Resale items benefit from ringspun cotton, blends, or premium cuts. Short-term use may only require basic midweight tees.
Do you need premium, mid-range, or budget blanks?
Premium tees elevate brand perception, while budget blanks help control costs for large events.
Compare Fabric Feel, Thickness, and Stretch
Fabric determines comfort and print performance. Thicker shirts feel more structured, while lightweight tees are soft and breathable. Stretch also affects how well designs lay on the surface.
Browse fabric options here

Does the shirt hold shape after stretching?
A good blank should bounce back instead of stretching out or warping.
Is the fabric smooth enough for fine-detail prints?
Smooth ringspun cotton and blends deliver sharper DTF, HTV, and screen-printed details.
Look at Brand Reputation and Bulk Consistency
Consistency is everything in bulk orders, especially when sizing, dye lots, and printability must match across hundreds of shirts.
Brand deep-dives:
Does the brand have strong size consistency across colors?
Some brands vary slightly between shades. Consistent sizing ensures a predictable fit for large groups.
Which brands stay stocked all year?
Gildan, Hanes, Jerzees, and Bella+Canvas are known for steady stock across sizes and colors.
Check Color Accuracy, Dye Lots, and Shade Variations
Colors can shift slightly between batches, especially when ordering across multiple warehouses or restocks.
Are the colors true to the online swatch?
Order one or two shirts first to verify accuracy.
Does the brand warn about shade variations?
Brands often list colors that run differently across lots, helpful when matching team or company colors.

Review Size Range and Fit Options for Large Groups
Bulk orders should work for everyone, from youth sizes to extended adult sizes. and the fit should stay consistent.
Explore fit tips here
Do extended sizes match the cut of regular sizes?
Some brands alter sleeve or body shape in plus sizes. Consistency matters for group orders.
Will the fit work for mixed-age or mixed-gender groups?
Unisex tees are usually safest for varied audiences.
Check Stock Levels, Ship Speed, and Warehouse Locations
Stock and fulfillment speed can make or break deadlines. A good supplier should offer fast shipping and multiple warehouses.
Can you get replacements quickly if something is off?
Quick restocks help with last-minute changes or sizing swaps.
Does the supplier ship from multiple warehouses for faster delivery?
Jiffy’s multi-warehouse system helps orders arrive quickly depending on your region.
Look at Price Breaks and Long-Term Cost Savings
Bulk pricing tiers help lower cost-per-shirt, but you should also factor in shipping, returns, and test samples.
Learn more here
Do higher price tiers lower the cost-per-shirt enough?
Compare 12-pack, 72-pack, and case-level pricing to see which gives you the best value.
Are you factoring in returns, misprints, and samples?
Testing and small replacements add to the total cost, plan ahead.
Order Samples and Run Real-World Printing Tests
Before committing to hundreds of shirts, test how the fabric behaves under heat, ink, pressure, and washing.

Does the print sit flat or create texture issues?
Some fabrics require a lower temperature or different pressure to achieve a smooth finish.
Does the shirt shrink or twist after washing?
A wash test reveals shrinkage, fading, and seam twisting, common issues with low-quality blanks.
FAQ
What should I check first before ordering blank tees in bulk?
Start with fabric, brand quality, and your intended use-case.
How do I know if a blank shirt is good for DTF printing?
Look for ringspun cotton or smooth cotton-poly blends.
Do all brands run true to size in bulk orders?
No, always check brand-specific size charts and order samples.
How do I check color accuracy before buying?
Compare samples to online swatches and check dye-lot notes.
Is it worth ordering samples before committing to large quantities?
Yes, samples can save you from misprints, shade mismatches, and costly reorders.