Buying blanks in bulk for the first time feels straightforward until you're staring at a spreadsheet of GSM weights, fabric blends, and minimum order quantities wondering what any of it actually means for your brand. There's a lot of information out there but not a lot of it is written for someone who just wants to order smart, avoid mistakes, and get product that actually sells.
So here's the practical version — what actually matters when you're placing your first bulk order.
The temptation when you're starting out is to order a little bit of everything — a few tees, some hoodies, maybe a pair of shorts — so you can "test" what works. The problem is you end up with not enough of anything to make a real impact, and too many variables to actually learn from.
Pick one product. Order enough of it to sell through properly, shoot it well, and give it a real chance. If it lands, you'll know exactly what to reorder. If it doesn't, you'll have learned something specific instead of just having a bunch of leftover mixed inventory.
GSM — grams per square meter — is the standard measure of fabric weight and it has a direct impact on how your product looks, feels, and photographs. Here's a rough guide:
A standard tee sits around 150–180 GSM. It's fine but it feels thin and doesn't drape particularly well. For streetwear, you want to be starting at 200 GSM minimum — ideally higher. Our heavyweight tees sit at the heavier end of the spectrum, and the difference is immediately noticeable when you pick one up.
Hoodies and sweatshirts follow the same logic. Anything under 400 GSM is going to feel light and lose that premium, structured feel that streetwear customers expect. Our comfort hoodies are built for exactly that — the kind of weight that communicates quality before anyone even looks at the label.
Before you order, be clear on what fit your brand is going for — because fit is one of the most defining things about a streetwear product and it's very hard to walk back once your customer has an expectation.
Oversized and boxy is still the dominant silhouette in streetwear right now. Dropped shoulders, a relaxed body, a slightly longer length. If you're building a streetwear brand, this is almost certainly what your customer wants. Order a sample in your most likely size first and wear it or put it on someone who fits your target customer before committing to a full run.
This one gets overlooked constantly. Not every blank is equally suited to every print method — and if you're planning to screenprint, DTF, or embroider, the fabric blend and construction of the blank matters.
A few things to check before ordering in bulk: is the fabric blend suitable for your print method? Does the blank have side seams or is it tubular construction? Side seams are generally better for DTF and screenprinting. Is the shoulder seam positioned in a way that works for your placement?
Our DTF gang sheet builder is a good starting point if you're figuring out print compatibility — and if you're unsure whether a blank works for your method, just ask before you order.
It's tempting to order in every colorway available. Don't. Pick two or three colors that fit your brand's palette and commit to those. Black and white are non-negotiables for almost every streetwear brand — from there, pick one seasonal or accent color that feels right for your current drop.
More colorways means more inventory risk and more decisions for your customer, which isn't always a good thing. A tight, intentional color palette also makes your brand look more cohesive — which ties back to the whole brand vs. clothing line conversation.
Some of our most popular blank colorways right now are in tees, hoodies, and shorts — all available in colorways built for streetwear palettes without the guesswork.
Running out of stock mid-momentum is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a small brand. If something starts selling and you can't restock fast enough, you lose the wave. When you're placing your first bulk order, build in a buffer — if you think you'll sell 50 units, order 60 or 70. The cost difference is small and the upside of not running dry is significant.
At Blank House, bulk discounts kick in as your order size goes up — so ordering a little more often costs less per unit than you'd expect. Browse the full collection here and reach out if you need help figuring out quantities or have questions before your first order.
Pick one product. Go heavier on fabric weight than you think you need to. Get the fit right before you commit. Check print compatibility. Keep your colorways tight. And order with a little buffer.
That's it. Everything else you'll figure out from the first order — which is exactly what it's for.
Mona T-shirt
Blank House
