The Ultimate Guide to Blank Shorts: Mesh, Fleece, Nylon & More

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The Ultimate Guide to Blank Shorts: Mesh, Fleece, Nylon & More

If you've ever typed "blank shorts" into your browser and found yourself 17 tabs deep wondering what the heck the difference is between mesh and nylon, or why fleece shorts cost more than some hoodies... you're not alone.

At Blank House, we carry a curated collection of blank shorts that actually make sense for printing, for comfort, for resale, and for real wear. Whether you're outfitting a team, building a brand, or just need shorts that hit right every time, we're breaking it all down here.

Let’s get into it.

Mesh Shorts: The Undisputed MVP

Featured Styles:

Mesh shorts are the go-to for a reason. They’re breathable, lightweight, and built to move. The ones we carry at Blank House check all the boxes: elastic waistbands, adjustable drawstrings, and zipper pockets for that street-to-gym functionality.

Best For:

  • Basketball teams, rec leagues, or anyone printing athletic gear

  • Streetwear drops with a sporty vibe

  • Summer merch that won't overheat your customers

Print Compatibility:

  • Screen print, embroidery, and DTF.

Real Talk: 

These shorts fly off shelves when styled right. Zipper pockets give them extra value. The Above-the-Knee version and the retro 88.5 stripe version are perfect for trending silhouettes.

Fleece Shorts: Cozy Meets Cool

Featured Styles:

Fleece shorts are the unsung hero of modern streetwear. Soft, slightly structured, and built for logos, they offer major bang for your branding buck. Our picks range from heavyweight fleece to breathable French terry.

Best For:

  • Streetwear brands with a cozy, premium aesthetic

  • Puff prints, embroidery, or screen prints with bold color

  • Seasonal merch drops or lounge sets

Print Compatibility:

  • Embroidery, screen print, puff ink, DTF, and DTG

Real Talk: 

The Woodland pair brings a clean, classic gym short look with white drawstrings, while the French Terry 8484 version is breathable enough for spring/summer sets.

Nylon Shorts: Lightweight & Loud

Featured Styles:

Nylon shorts are lightweight, quick-drying, and built for bold statements. The Rebel Minds bent stripe version is all about that retro windbreaker energy, while the Space City shorts feature an exclusive custom design.

Best For:

  • Activewear collections or stylish summer fits

  • Festival drops and graphic branding

Print Compatibility:

  • Screen printing and DTF (ideal for polyester/nylon fabrics)

Real Talk: 

Nylon doesn’t play well with puff or embroidery, so it’s best to stick to clean screen prints and heat-friendly transfer options.

 

Washed & Dyed Shorts: Laid-Back with Personality

Featured Styles:

From crystal wash to acid dye to all-over prints, these shorts were made to stand out. They’re soft, bold, and built to be worn as-is or paired with minimal branding.

Best For:

  • Brands that want a pre-washed, broken-in feel

  • Smaller logos, woven labels, and embroidered tags

Print Compatibility:

Embroidery only (due to fabric texture and dye process)

Real Talk:

These have strong personalities — so keep graphics minimal. Let the dye and wash speak for itself.


Denim & Jorts: Streetwear with Edge

Featured Styles:

Sometimes you just want a blank that isn’t so... blank. Our jorts bring structure and rugged detail with patchwork or bold stripe tape accents. These are best styled with oversized tees or vintage jerseys.

Best For:

  • Lifestyle brands with a statement aesthetic

  • Custom embroidery, woven labels, or no-print fashion

Print Compatibility:

  • Embroidery only (or wear 'em blank and let the wash do the talking)

Real Talk:

Perfect for boutique brands or curated capsule drops. These are the kind of shorts that don’t need much else to look good.

 

Final Recap: Which Blank Shorts Are Right for You?

Whether you're printing for a brand or outfitting a squad, here's the quick breakdown:

  • Want something breathable and sporty? Go mesh.

  • Want cozy with streetwear appeal? Go fleece.

  • Want bold, lightweight, and quick-dry? Go nylon.

  • Want structure and statement? Go jorts.

  • Want dye-washed or personality-packed pieces? Go acid wash or crystal wash.

Choose your fabric based on the vibe of your drop, the print method you're using, and how your customers will actually wear them.

 

FAQs: Blank Shorts Edition

What are the best blank shorts for screen printing?

Mesh, fleece, and nylon shorts are great for screen printing, as long as you use the right pressure and print surface. Avoid screen printing on washed/acid wash styles due to texture.

Can you embroider on mesh shorts?

Yes! You just need a stabilizer and the right backing. Zipper mesh shorts tend to have a sturdier weave, which helps.

Do fleece shorts shrink in the wash?

Most fleece shorts at Blank House are preshrunk or pre-washed, but always wash cold and tumble dry low to be safe.

What's the difference between nylon and mesh shorts?

Mesh is more breathable with open holes—great for sports. Nylon is smoother, slicker, and better for statement fits.

Which blank shorts should I use for a streetwear drop?

Fleece, jorts, and washed styles (like Space City or Acid Wash) are all solid picks depending on the look you're going for.

Do acid wash shorts fade?

Slightly over time, but that’s the vibe. It adds character. Stick to embroidery or subtle prints so they age well.

Can I order these blank shorts wholesale?

Yes! All Blank House shorts are available for bulk orders. Perfect for creators and teams alike.

How do I choose the right inseam length?

Shorter inseams (5-7”) give a modern, sporty look. Longer (9-12”) lean classic or relaxed. Product pages include inseam info.


Need help picking the perfect shorts for your project? Send us an email at hello@blankhouse.com or shoot us a DM on our Instagram. We’re happy to guide you to the right fit.

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