HOW TO PICK A T-SHIRT

Width is the primary driver of how a t-shirt fits across the body, determining whether it feels tailored or loose. Slim and Modern fits have narrower widths that sit closer to the chest and shoulders, while Regular/Classic offers a balanced, straight cut that neither hugs nor hangs. Relaxed and Oversized fits increase width progressively, creating more drape, movement, and a boxier silhouette with extra room throughout.

Fabric weight plays a major role in how a t-shirt actually sits and moves on the body, even when the measurements are identical. Even thought two shirts can have the exact same size chart…

Lightweight fabric will drape and cling more for a softer, slimmer feel

Heavier fabric holds structure and creates a boxier, more substantial fit.

As weight increases, the shirt feels less fluid and more rigid, subtly changing the perceived fit from fitted to relaxed without altering the actual dimensions.

Fabric type has a big impact on how a t-shirt feels, wears, and ultimately fits on the body.

Natural fibers like cotton tend to feel slightly heavier, softer, and more breathable with a more structured drape.

Synthetic fabrics like polyester are typically lighter, smoother, and add stretch with a more fluid, athletic feel.

“Clinginess” - Lighter synthetics tend to cling and follow contours more closely, while heavier cottons hang away from the body, creating a fuller, more relaxed appearance. Even though measurement may be similar, lighter fabrics may appear slimmer because they have less structure.

Construction features shape how a shirt appears, not just how it measures—here’s how they break down:

Features that create a wider / boxier look

• Dropped shoulders (seam sits lower on the arm)

• Tubular construction (no side seams, straight body)

• Straight cut (no taper through the waist)

• Wider sleeves / longer sleeve openings

These expand the silhouette outward, giving a more relaxed to oversized feel.

Features that create a shorter / cropped look

• Shorter body length (intentionally cropped patterns)

• Higher armholes (visually lifts the body of the shirt)

• Shorter sleeves (especially with wider openings)

• Boxy proportions (wide + short combined)

These compress the vertical feel, making the shirt appear more cropped even if width increases.

Fabric type plays a major role in screen print quality because it determines how ink sits on and interacts with the surface of the garment. Smoother fabrics like combed ring-spun cotton produce the sharpest, most vibrant prints, while rougher cottons can soften edges, and synthetics like polyester can introduce challenges like dye migration or reduced ink adhesion. Blends fall in between, often creating a softer, more muted or “vintage” look, meaning two identical prints can appear noticeably different depending on the fabric they’re printed on.

• Cotton (combed ring-spun): Sharp detail, strong color, best overall print surface

• Cotton (open-end / carded): Slightly fuzzier edges, more ink absorption, less crisp

• Polyester / synthetics: Smooth surface but prone to dye migration, requires specialty inks

• Blends (poly/cotton, tri-blends): Softer prints with a muted, vintage appearance, balanced performance