Wholesale blank clothing for printing

When you’re sourcing “wholesale blank clothing for printing,” you’re looking for a specific category of apparel designed to be decorated. The key factors are printability (smooth surface, good ink adhesion), consistent sizing, and a reliable supply chain.

Here is a breakdown of the best wholesale distributors and the specific blank brands they carry that are perfect for printing.

Top Distributors for Printable Blanks

These companies are the backbone of the custom apparel industry.

The Best Blank Brands for Printing (and Who Sells Them)

Not all blanks are created equal. Here are the top-performing brands for different needs:

1. For Value & Durability (The Workhorses)

• Gildan (Available at S&S, Alpha, Jiffy)

  • Styles: Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton T-Shirt), Gildan 18500 (Hooded Sweatshirt).

  • Why they print well: Dense, durable cotton fabric provides a stable canvas. Excellent for bold, vinyl heat transfers and screen printing. They are the industry standard for a reason.

  • Best For: Event shirts, budget-friendly brand merch, work uniforms.

    

2. For Softness & Modern Fit (The Customer Favorites)

• Bella+Canvas (Available at S&S, Alpha, Jiffy)

  • Styles: Bella+Canvas 3001 (Unisex Jersey T-Shirt), Bella+Canvas 6004 (Women’s Flowy Racerback).

  • Why they print well: Made of lightweight, ring-spun cotton. The smooth, tight-knit fabric is ideal for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, producing vibrant, detailed designs.

  • Best For: Direct-to-consumer brands, soft-style tees, trendy apparel lines.

• Next Level (Available at Alpha, Jiffy, S&S)

  • Styles: Next Level 3600 (CVC Crew), Next Level 6010 (Women’s Sueded Crewneck).

  • Why they print well: Similar to Bella+Canvas, they use soft, pre-shrunk fabrics with a great hand-feel. Perfect for both DTG and screen printing.

  • Best For: Brands competing on quality and comfort, subscription boxes.

    

3. For Premium Fleece & Hoodies

• Independent Trading Co. (Available at S&S, Alpha)

  • Styles: IND4000 (Heavyweight Blend Hoodie), IND5000 (Midweight Zip Hoodie).

  • Why they print well: Known for superior construction, super-soft fleece, and consistent sizing. A favorite among printers for high-quality hoodies and crewnecks.

  • Best For: Streetwear brands, high-end merch, winter apparel.

    

4. For Fashion Cuts & Trends

• Awdis (Available at TSC, Alpha)

  • Styles: Cropped tops, oversized shirts, unique joggers.

  • Why they print well: They focus on contemporary styles and fabrics that are in high demand. Great for brands that want to stand out.

  • Best For: Fashion-focused brands, influencers, niche markets.

    

Critical Checklist Before You Buy for Printing

1. Always Order Samples: Feel the fabric, check the fit, and most importantly, print a test design on it. See how the ink lays down and cures.

2. Understand Your Printing Method:

   • DTG Printing: Works best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends. Smooth, light-colored garments are ideal.

   • Screen Printing: Works on almost anything, but heavier cotton (like Gildan) can handle thick ink layers well.

   • Heat Transfer/Vinyl: Requires a smooth, often polyester-heavy surface for best adhesion.

3. Check the Color Palette: Distributors like S&S and Alpha offer the same style in dozens of colors. Make sure they have the colors your customers want.

4. Account & Pricing: Remember, the major distributors (S&S, Alpha, SanMar) require a business account with your EIN and tax exemption certificate to see wholesale pricing.

   

Quick-Start Guide

• If you’re just starting out: Go to JiffyShirts. Order a sample pack or a few individual shirts from Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Next Level to compare.

• If you’re serious and scaling: Immediately open accounts with S&S Activewear and Alpha Broder. Compare their prices on your core items (e.g., Bella+Canvas 3001 in Black) to get the best deal.

• If you’re selling fashion-forward apparel: Make TSC Apparel your third account to access Awdis and other trendy brands.