Discuss the wholesale blanks industry: Factory direct, custom labels. You can also use this forum to locate a wide variety of wholesale products including t-shirts, hoodies, mousepads, coffee mugs and other imprintable products.
After investigating the forums through search after search, and researching American Apparel through both their local retail store and website- I've come to a fork in the road.
I'm looking for soft garments to base our designs on, but prefer the clothing offered by American Apparel due to several reasons (low-cost as wholesale, slim fit, sweatshop-free). The thing is, I have yet to be able to find a shirt they offer that is soft, solid color, and somewhat thin knit. The closest I've found is the 50/50 style, yet that style is somewhat hampered in the cloth used, although I prefer it's fit much more than that of the Fine Jersey Tee- which unfortunately is the tee available in the most colors.
I am looking for a shirt that can fulfill those three requirements (soft touch, available in multiple solid colors, and thinly knit). Does anyone know of an AA garmet that meets these standards? If not AA, does anyone know of another company's garment that would meet? I've already looked into Article1 and Alternative Apparel, but their color selection seems pretty dismal to me.
You've pretty much summed it up. Alternative Apparel are better for garments, American Apparel are better for colours. I'd say those things are their specialities.
While bamboo is indeed super soft, I think you'll have even more difficulty finding colours there.
You've pretty much summed it up. Alternative Apparel are better for garments, American Apparel are better for colours. I'd say those things are their specialities.
While bamboo is indeed super soft, I think you'll have even more difficulty finding colours there.
All I can think of when I hear your response is... new business venture anyone?
All I can think of when I hear your response is... new business venture anyone?
Maybe. There's definitely some demand out there, but I'm guessing just not enough (yet, anyway). Alternative and American are already established, so it would be a lot easier for them to expand colours or styles than for other companies to come in and do both.
Alternative have been growing nicely too, so I am hoping we'll see them expand their colour range soon (although I'm not holding my breath).
Maybe. There's definitely some demand out there, but I'm guessing just not enough (yet, anyway). Alternative and American are already established, so it would be a lot easier for them to expand colours or styles than for other companies to come in and do both.
Alternative have been growing nicely too, so I am hoping we'll see them expand their colour range soon (although I'm not holding my breath).
Yeah, I tend to always look into improving things. I'm a futurist (I'm pretty sure that's not even a legitimate term.). It could be something cool to look into.
I mean, it's either that, or we either petition Alternative to produce more colors, petition American Apparel to make thinner-knit shirts than they already do, or petition for someone here in these forums to take the hint and get something going.
American Apparel # 2001 0202AM is what I used for a recent job and they loved the soft and light feel of the garment along with the younger trim fit.
I got them at TSC Apparel..........
John
__________________ Big Daddy Screenprinting -Affordable contract Heat Press Services & Low Volume Screen Printing up to 4 spot colors with no setup or screen fees
hi there, are the shirts for men or women? you might like to look at the Bella range, it has the qualities you are looking for, But may be a greater price than average. I have not trialled the men's tees, but they do have them, and the ladies shirts are very very soft. Gina
ps what company did you use that was quite low cost?
While the Bella mens range aka Canvas is very soft and comprable to AA and Alternative, the cut and fit is still a 'regular' t-shirt rather then slim fit.
What I dont like about Bella is there inconsistent 'Made in USA" garments. Some colors are made in the USA while others are made in Phillipines, Bolivia, India, etc yet they still charge the same price!
While the Bella mens range aka Canvas is very soft and comprable to AA and Alternative, the cut and fit is still a 'regular' t-shirt rather then slim fit.
What I dont like about Bella is there inconsistent 'Made in USA" garments. Some colors are made in the USA while others are made in Phillipines, Bolivia, India, etc yet they still charge the same price!
Sounds like an interesting situation. I was curious about the fit as well after investigating their website. Thanks for the input!
Soft Shirts from American Apparel 
