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.
Hello... I currently run a site and sell a mix of Gildan/American Apparel. American Apparel for girls, Gildan for the guys (they seem to like a little thicker tee). I'd like to sell a single brand for both sexes. However, I've found AA tees aren't as durable as I'd like, but girls seem to like the softer AA tees, and it's a brand name well-known and liked among 'hipsters'. I'd like to use just one brand of tee, price isn't an option as long as they aren't more expensive than AA. If even one knows of any brands that are durable, yet soft and stylish, I'd greatly appreciate any advice.
I just compared 15 different shirts from 4 manufacturers and found the Jerzees ZT to be clearly superior in feel. No idea how it will hold up in the long run.
I like the bella styled women's t-shirts, although they don't make mens shirt.
The reason why AA is softer I think is simply because they use ringspun cotton. Almost any t-shirt you buy will be cheaper than AA
There's a new brand out called District Threads that carries both mens and womens shirts in some of the more popular "trendy" styles, so that might be a good alternative.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I forgot to mention in my original post that size was another big issue for me. AA shirts run small, and only go up to XL. I think I might go with Bella for my girl tees as they have a women's 2XL. Though I am curious if the Bella shirts run small like AA?
Funny, the AA website says that their medium/one size "fits approximately 80% of women". I can't see how this is possibly true. I've had friends over to try on shirts, and most are surprised that a medium is too small and go with the Large.
I'm not sure what I'll do about the men. May just stick with Gildan for now.
I was about to switch to Royal Apparel shirts as they looked like a good alternative to AmerApp, are cheaper, had good color selection for guys and girls, and are actually made a few hours away from me in PA. I purchased a sample shirt, and the sizing seems to run small (not a surprise for this style shirt) and the the head hole seems way to small. I had a friend try it on as it was to small for myself. He said he didnt think he would send it back if he ordered it off a website, but would intentionaly avoid ever buying another one again..
I am still trying to find find more manufacturers as most of these do not have enough colors in both the mens and womens for what I need. If anyone can add to this list it would be great.
I've been using Alore (also known as Endless Summeer) for about a month now. They are local to me, made right here in my home town, which helps alot. Their prices are a bit higher than some places I've found online, but the finish and quality is very good. The sizes seem to run large too, which my customers like. They are pre-shrunk and come in men's, women's, and youth sizes. They have other items like rugby styles and hoodies as well.