Top 3 Blank T-Shirts for Screen Printing at Gildan Australia
Posted by Jaanvi Mittal on 22nd Jan 2026
Screen printing is only as good as the blank underneath it. Ink, mesh count and artwork matter, but if the T-shirt can’t hold detail, colour or shape, the final result suffers. For printers, decorators and merch makers, the blank is not an afterthought. It is the foundation.
At Gildan Brands Australia, we supply blank apparel built for consistency, scale and repeatable results. Whether you are printing for retail, events, corporate wear or artist merch, these three styles deliver where it counts: on press and after wash.
Here are three of the most reliable blank T-shirts for screen printing in Australia, all stocked locally and trusted by printers nationwide.
1. Gildan Softstyle® 64000
Reliable. Print-ready. Cost-effective.
The Gildan Softstyle® 64000 is one of the most widely used blanks in the world. It balances softness, durability and price, making it ideal for high-volume screen printing.
Made from 100% ring-spun cotton, the fabric offers a smooth and uniform print surface that performs consistently with both plastisol and water-based inks. At 150 g/m², it is lightweight but stable under heat, helping the garment maintain its shape through curing and repeated washing.
With a broad size range from XS to 5XL and an extensive colour palette, it is a dependable option for everything from band merch to corporate uniforms.
Best for
- High-volume orders
- Events, promotions and fundraisers
- Printers needing consistent results at scale
2. American Apparel® Fine Jersey 2001
Premium feel. Precision printing.
The American Apparel® 2001 Fine Jersey is designed for brands where fit and finish matter. Constructed from 100% Ring Spun Cotton, it delivers one of the smoothest printing surfaces available in a lightweight tee.
Side seams and a tailored silhouette create a clean drape, making it ideal for retail collections and fashion-led drops. At 151 g/m², it remains breathable and soft while holding ink detail exceptionally well, particularly for fine line work, halftones and multi-colour prints.
This style performs reliably with plastisol, water-based inks and DTG. It also features tear-away labels, allowing decorators and brands to rebrand with ease.
Best for
- Premium retail and fashion labels
- Detailed screen prints and soft-hand finishes
- Brands prioritising fit and fabric quality
3. Comfort Colors® 1717 Garment-Dyed Heavyweight Tee
Heavyweight. Lived-in. Built to last.
The Comfort Colors® 1717 offers a different type of print canvas. Made from 100% Combed Ring Spun US Cotton at 207 g/m², it delivers structure, durability and a soft-washed feel straight out of the box.
Its garment-dye process creates muted, vintage-inspired colours with natural variation. That variation gives each shirt character, but it also means printers should test ink combinations before full production runs. Once dialled in, prints sit naturally within the fabric, producing a worn-in look that customers expect from this style.
Due to its weight and dye process, the 1717 is best suited to screen printing, embroidery and heat transfer, rather than DTG.
Best for
- Streetwear and lifestyle brands
- Vintage or distressed print aesthetics
- Heavyweight, premium-feel garments
Choosing the Right Blank for the Job
Each of these T-shirts serves a different purpose. There is no single best option, only the right one for your print method, audience and budget.
- Gildan Softstyle® 64000: dependable, affordable and versatile
- American Apparel® 2001: refined, retail-ready and detail-focused
- Comfort Colors® 1717: heavyweight, expressive and style-driven
Matching the blank to the end use helps reduce reprints, improves customer satisfaction and protects margins.
Why the Right Blank Matters for Screen Printing
A quality blank improves ink adhesion, colour clarity and wash durability. Ring-spun and combed cotton tees provide a smoother surface, allowing ink to sit cleanly on the fabric rather than bleeding into uneven fibres. The result is sharper edges, more accurate colour and fewer rejects.
From a commercial standpoint, the right blank also reduces downtime. Consistent sizing, predictable shrinkage and stable fabric weights help presses stay calibrated and production runs stay efficient.
Why Buy Through Gildan Brands Australia
All three styles are available through local Australian stock, reducing lead times and removing the uncertainty of international freight. Faster turnaround, better stock visibility and reliable replenishment make a real difference in production planning.
Gildan-owned brands operate under strict manufacturing and sustainability standards, including WRAP-certified facilities and responsible cotton sourcing. For printers, this means long-term supply consistency and confidence in the products being delivered to market.
Final Word
Good screen printing starts before the ink hits the screen. It starts with choosing a blank that performs consistently, holds detail and meets the expectations of the end wearer.
Whether you are printing thousands of units or launching a limited run, these three styles are proven performers in Australian print shops, day in and day out.
Reliable blanks. Predictable results. That is the difference.