So I have been searching and searching for the right organic t-shirts to use for my new line. I planned on dying my own T's to get the colors I wanted since it is so difficult to find a good selection of colors in organics but I also want a comfortable shirt. After receiving all of my samples I have narrowed it down to two, both having pro's and cons.
The first company is Econscious.
Pros: Soft ring spun cotton
The cut I have been looking for
Cons: Limited Colors and they are all darks which I did not really want
Sewn using polyester thread so I am unable to dye using reactive dyes
A little heavier than I wanted
The second company, Organic Apparel
Pros: Sewn with cotton thread so I am able to dye any color
A decent cut
Light weight
Good Price
Cons: The neckline kind of drives me crazy
Not ring spun cotton so not as soft as Econscious
So what would you do? Would a person purchase a shirt based on color and design rather than the cut of a shirt? Am I just being to picky? Thanks for your help.
So what would you do? Would a person purchase a shirt based on color and design rather than the cut of a shirt? Am I just being to picky? Thanks for your help.
There are a million T-shirt sellers out there. Being picky about your product is the only way to set yourself apart. There are plenty of people (some here on this board) who have their own shirts custom made because they can't find exactly what they are looking for.
As for which shirt to use, it depends on your line. Are you going to be selling to retailers? On the web? Who is your target market?
As for which shirt to use, it depends on your line. Are you going to be selling to retailers? On the web? Who is your target market?
I have thought about having shirts made to my specs but as a new business with a limited budget that will not allow for thousands of shirts to be made at this time, I have to turn toward blanks from large manufacturers. I will be selling retail on-line with a goal of wholesaling to retail brick and mortar businesses. My market is 25- 45 year old Caucasian males with an annual income of $40,000 to $70,000 who are actively involved in outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, etc..
Last edited by Solmu; August 2nd, 2007 at 03:13 AM.
Reason: fixed quoting
If your goals include selling in B&M stores, cut and softness will definitely be a big deal.
Maybe there are some options that you missed in your initial survey? For example, have you checked out Ecoweave? I found out about them recently when I came across one of their shirts in a thrift store. They offer organic cotton, but they are also the only company I know of that offers recycled cotton T's, which are actually far more environmentally friendly. I'm not necessarily recommending them, as I don't have any experience with them. Just making sure you've exhausted all of your options.
AustinJeff, Thanks for the links. I am definitally looking for every option available. Just when you think you have looked everywhere or exhausted every option, someone else is there with some more valuable information. That's what I love about this forum, there is always someone willing to help.
Re: My T-shirt Dilemma - which organic shirt to use?
Quote:
So what would you do? Would a person purchase a shirt based on color and design rather than the cut of a shirt? Am I just being to picky? Thanks for your help.
I would pick the softer shirt or keep searching.
Other places sell organic shirts like HTNaturals, HaeNow, AmercianApparel, Article1, Continental Clothing etc.
But I wouldn't get "too" picky about the shirt. People are generally buying the design. In my opinion, with a limited budget, it's not worth spending extra money getting custom garments when there are good alternatives already out there.
As you grow, you can get more custom.
Remember that you will be 1000 times more picky than your end customer is ever likely to be.
It's good to be selective when trying to find the right garment and the right printer, but don't let it hold up your progress to the point where you stop your momentum.
Re: My T-shirt Dilemma - which organic shirt to use?
I have used Continental Clothing & they have great eco friendly garments. The are certified "Carbon Neutral" & generate their own electricity through wind turbines. They do have a european fit which tends to be smaller, so i would use a size up to assure a comfortable fit
This is a discussion about My T-shirt Dilemma - which organic shirt to use? that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
My T-shirt Dilemma - which organic shirt to use? 
