Printing Planet UK
When most people think about custom printing, they focus on the design. But the blank garment underneath your artwork matters just as much. The weight of the fabric, the weave of the cotton, and the cut of the shirt all affect how your print looks, how long it lasts, and how comfortable it feels to wear. At Printing Planet UK in Putney, we work with thousands of blank garments every year and we see first-hand which brands perform best across DTF, DTG and embroidery.
Why the Blank Garment Matters
A beautiful design can be let down by the wrong substrate. Here is what the garment choice actually affects:
- Print quality. Ringspun cotton produces a smoother surface than open-end cotton, giving sharper detail in DTG prints. A rough or brushed surface scatters ink and reduces crispness.
- Colour vibrancy. Heavier, denser fabrics absorb more ink and produce richer, more saturated colours.
- Wash durability. Pre-shrunk, combed cotton retains its shape and holds the print longer through repeated washing.
- Feel. A 150gsm shirt feels noticeably thinner and less premium than a 180gsm shirt, and customers notice.
Fruit of the Loom Valueweight (165gsm)
The Fruit of the Loom Valueweight is the most budget-friendly option in the market. At 165gsm it is lighter than most competitors, but it remains a popular choice for event giveaways, charity runs, and large-volume orders where cost per unit is the primary concern.
- Fabric: 100% ringspun cotton (some colourways are 50/50 poly-cotton blend)
- Weight: 165gsm
- Print suitability: Good for DTG on white and light colours. DTF works on all colourways.
- Eco credentials: Basic. No certified organic cotton.
- Price tier: Budget (£2.50-4.00 per blank wholesale)
- Watch out for: The lighter weight and some poly-cotton blends can cause slight shrinkage after washing if not pre-washed. Steer clear of the blended colourways for DTG if possible.
Gildan Softstyle (150gsm)
The Gildan Softstyle has become one of the most popular printing blanks in the UK market, and for good reason. Despite being slightly lighter than the Fruit of the Loom Valueweight at 150gsm, the ringspun combed cotton produces an exceptionally smooth surface that is one of the best in its price range for DTG detail.
- Fabric: 100% ringspun combed cotton (some darker shades are 90/10 blend)
- Weight: 150gsm
- Print suitability: Excellent for DTG on light colours. Very good for DTF on any colour.
- Eco credentials: Basic. No certified organic cotton.
- Price tier: Budget to mid-range (£3.00-5.00 per blank wholesale)
- Best for: Detailed, photographic DTG prints where a smooth print surface is critical.
Tip: If your design has fine lines, small text, or gradient details, the Gildan Softstyle’s combed ringspun surface will produce sharper results than most other budget blanks.
Gildan Heavy Cotton (180gsm)
The Gildan Heavy Cotton is the workhorse of the custom printing world. At 180gsm it has a substantial, durable feel that customers associate with quality, and it holds up very well through repeated washing. This is the blank we recommend for workwear, promotional items that need to last, and any order where durability is more important than softness.
- Fabric: 100% cotton (some shades are 50/50)
- Weight: 180gsm
- Print suitability: Very good for DTF. Good for DTG on white and light shades. The slightly rougher weave is less ideal for ultra-fine detail in DTG.
- Eco credentials: Basic.
- Price tier: Budget to mid-range (£3.50-5.50 per blank wholesale)
- Best for: Bulk workwear, branded promotional items, events where garments need to withstand hard use.
Stanley Stella Creator (180gsm)
For customers who want a truly premium product, the Stanley Stella Creator stands apart from the budget field entirely. Stanley Stella is a Belgian brand known for ethical manufacturing, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and a tailored contemporary fit that appeals to fashion-conscious wearers.
- Fabric: 100% GOTS certified organic ringspun combed cotton
- Weight: 180gsm
- Print suitability: Outstanding. The dense, smooth combed surface is excellent for both DTG and DTF. Colours appear rich and detailed.
- Eco credentials: GOTS certified, Fair Wear Foundation member, produced in Bangladesh under audited conditions.
- Price tier: Premium (£8.00-14.00 per blank wholesale)
- Best for: Clothing brand launches, retail-quality merchandise, eco-conscious brands, premium event shirts.
Brand Comparison Table
| Brand | Weight | Feel | DTG Quality | Eco | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit of the Loom Valueweight | 165gsm | Light | Good | Basic | Budget |
| Gildan Softstyle | 150gsm | Very soft | Excellent | Basic | Budget |
| Gildan Heavy Cotton | 180gsm | Durable | Good | Basic | Budget |
| Stanley Stella Creator | 180gsm | Premium, fitted | Outstanding | GOTS certified | Premium |
Which Brand Should You Choose?
- Budget event shirts or large-volume giveaways: Fruit of the Loom Valueweight or Gildan Heavy Cotton
- Best print quality on a budget: Gildan Softstyle
- Durable workwear: Gildan Heavy Cotton
- Launching a clothing brand or retail product: Stanley Stella Creator
- Eco-conscious brand or gifting: Stanley Stella Creator
Understanding your garment choice also feeds into your overall print method decision. See our guide to DTF vs DTG printing to match your chosen blank with the right print technique, and check our custom printing cost guide to see how garment choice affects your total budget.
If you are planning to build a clothing label around these garments, our guide to starting a clothing brand covers everything from choosing your range to pricing for profit.
Order Samples First
Not sure which blank is right for you? Printing Planet UK in Putney can provide sample garments before you commit to a full order. Call us on 020 3669 9854 or get in touch online and we will help you find the perfect blank for your print.