If you’re starting your first brand, printing merch for your school or church, or just looking for something better than the same old stiff blanks — you’ve probably stared at a product page thinking: What even is 7.5 oz cotton? Why does everyone keep saying ‘garment dyed’? Is “boxy fit” good or bad?
Don’t worry. You’re not alone — and that’s exactly why we made this guide.
We’ve rounded up the top 5 blank tees creators are buying (and rebuying) in 2025. Whether you’re just getting into printing or you’ve been done this a few times, this breakdown will help you find the best tee for your vibe, your print, and your budget.
We’re not just listing specs. We’re giving you the real talk. What makes each shirt great, what to expect in terms of fit and feel, and how they actually hold up once they’re in your customers’ hands.
Let’s get into it.
1. LA Apparel 1801GD – 6.5oz Garment Dye Tee
This is the tee for when you want it all.
It’s got weight (6.5 oz). It’s got structure. And thanks to the garment dye process, it also skips that awkward shrinkage step. Made from 100% open-end cotton and enzyme washed for softness, this one has a smooth, sturdy feel that holds up like a champ.
This is the shirt your customers will reach for over and over. It fits like a standard tee with just a touch more width and a slightly higher neckline, giving it a clean, everyday look with an elevated finish.
What you’ll love:
- High neck, standard cut with a clean fit
- Garment-dyed and enzyme-washed = shrink-free and soft from the jump
- Absorbent cotton that plays well with ink, especially for streetwear graphics or vintage-style prints.
- Made in the USA with 100% cotton
- Great for DTG, DTF, screen printing, and embroidery
Real feedback:
"Good quality soft yet sturdy, and doesn't shrink in the wash.” - Anthony L.
Best For:
Brands that want a go-to tee that feels elevated without being flashy.
Shop here →
2. Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight Garment Dye Tee
Want that heavyweight feel and rich color payoff? This is it.
Coming in at 7.5 oz, this is one of the heaviest tees in the garment dye category — and it shows. The fabric is dense, the collar is reinforced, and the color has that washed, pigment-dyed look that screams premium.
Despite the weight, it still feels wearable. The fit is slightly oversized without being extreme. And because it’s garment dyed, you don’t have to worry about shrinkage.
Why creators love it:
- Shrink-free pigment dye with a clean, washed finish
- Spandex-reinforced collar holds its shape (even after multiple washes).
- Streetwear-ready without being too boxy
- Densely knit for crisp screen printing, puff prints, and bold colors.
- Bestselling colors: Moss, Mustard, Oatmeal (but honestly, you can't go wrong with black or white).
Customer said:
"The quality of these shirts are top quality! Giving me the Kanye West vibes!" - Ngozi A.
Best For:
Creators who want that retro-meets-modern vibe with a luxury edge.
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3. Shaka Wear 7.5oz Max Heavyweight Oversized Tee
Boxy. Bold. Built to last.
This one is a favorite in the streetwear space. At 7.5 oz, it’s thick without feeling stiff, and the oversized cut is perfectly cropped for a modern, boxy fit. Heads up: Because it’s not garment dyed, you might see a little shrinkage after the first wash — but nothing that kills the silhouette.
The drop is clean, the fit is generous, and it has that heavyweight drape everyone’s after in 2025.
Why it's a favorite:
- Heavyweight fabric holds its shape—no floppy fits here.
- The shorter hem hits right at the waist for a trendy, clean look.
- 100% USA cotton with clean finish for bold graphics
- Holds up to screen printing, DTF, DTG, or embroidery with ease.
- If you want a tee that looks intentionally oversized—not just one size too big—this is it.
What creators are saying:
“Baggy and long, just what we were looking for. Perfect for embroidery or DTF.”
Best For:
Streetwear brands and anyone going for that relaxed, oversized look.
Shop here →
4. Shaka Wear Heavy Max (Standard Cut)
Same weight. Different fit.
Not into the cropped, boxy silhouette? This is your go-to. Same 7.5 oz heavyweight cotton, but in a more traditional cut that feels familiar and easy to wear.
It’s clean, classic, and works across a ton of styles. Whether you’re printing event shirts, building a lifestyle brand, or just need a good-looking blank, this one delivers.
What You'll Love:
- Solid, substantial 7.5 oz fabric
- Reinforced collar and seams for shape retention
- Clean, standard fit that works for all audiences
- Ideal for long-term wash and wear
- Perfect for all print methods
From the community:
“I like the style of the tees…very comfortable with a slim fit” - Rontavious R.
"The quality was amazing and the fit is beautiful I’m on the skinnier side and the small fit great I’m 5’10 135 pounds and it make my arms and chest look good" - Alexander S.
Best For:
Brands that want weight and quality without the oversized aesthetic.
Whether you're printing for a brand, a barber shop, or your entire church youth group—this tee delivers that old-school heavyweight energy with modern durability.
Shop here →
5. Drop Shoulder Luxe Tee – The Blank House Original
Soft. Breezy. Totally elevated.
This is where comfort meets class. The Luxe Tee is made from a lighter, airy cotton that feels dreamy against the skin. The drop shoulder and relaxed fit give it a designer-like silhouette, and the cropped length adds a modern touch.
It prints beautifully (any method works), and the softness alone is enough to win customers over.
Why it sells out fast:
- Silky hand-feel with a breathable weight.
- Stylish colors like Cream, Mocha, Cypress.
- Versatile fit that flatters most body types.
- Soft cotton base = great for any printing method
It’s the one your customers will put on and say, “Wait, what is this shirt? It feels so good.”
Actual feedback:
“So soft and fits just right. Feels expensive.”
Great for:
Creators who care about the vibe and the feel. Perfect for custom fashion lines, influencers, or upscale branding.
Shop here →
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best blank tee for screen printing?
If you’re going for ultra-crisp screen prints, the Shaka Max Heavyweight Garment Dye is your best bet. The tight-knit cotton holds ink really well, especially for bold graphics or puff prints. Want a bit of texture for vintage vibes? Try the LA Apparel 1801GD. And if you're printing detailed designs or DTG? The Luxe Tee has a buttery-smooth surface perfect for precision.
Which tee is the thickest?
Easy—Shaka Max Heavyweight takes the heavyweight crown at 7.5 oz. Both the garment dyed and the oversized versions are thick, structured, and built for layering or cold weather. The 1801GD is also hefty at 6.5 oz, but Shaka’s cotton is next-level dense.
What’s the difference between boxy and oversized?
“Boxy” refers to the cut — wider body, shorter length, straight hem. “Oversized” is more about the fit — everything’s just bigger. A tee can be both boxy and oversized (like the Shaka 7.5oz), or just one of the two. Want a cropped streetwear look? Go boxy. Want a comfier, drapier feel? Oversized is your friend.
What does "7.5 oz cotton" mean?
It refers to the weight of the fabric per square yard. A 7.5 oz tee is heavier, thicker, and typically more structured than a 5 oz tee. Best for streetwear and bold prints.
What is garment dyeing and why does it matter?
Garment dyeing means the shirt is dyed after it’s fully sewn. It gives a rich, even color and softens the fabric. Bonus: it also minimizes shrinkage and adds a premium, lived-in finish.
Do garment-dyed tees shrink?
Not really! That’s the beauty of garment dyeing—it happens after the shirt is sewn and washed, so you’re getting a pre-shrunk tee. The LA Apparel 1801GD and Shaka Garment Dyed Tee both resist shrinkage well, especially if you wash cold and air dry.
Are heavyweight tees hotter to wear?
They can be, but that’s part of the appeal — more structure, better drape, and they hold prints well. For hot weather, opt for a relaxed fit or lighter color.
Which tees won’t shrink?
The 1801GD and Shaka Garment Dyed options are pre-washed and garment dyed, so they’re virtually shrink-free.
Shop the Top Picks Now
Need blanks for your next drop, event, or uniform order? These 5 are it. Tried, tested, and totally print-friendly.
Browse all Blank House Tees
And as always—if you have questions or need help choosing the right fit, hit us up. We’re always here to help you find your perfect blank.
Mona T-shirt
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