Best Shirts for Screen Printing (Comfort Colors 1717) – Decorators & Bulk Orders

The #1 Screen Printing Shirt for Decorators & Print Shops

Comfort Colors 1717 garment-dyed heavyweight tees trusted by screen printers nationwide.

Comfort Colors 1717 Screen Printing Shirts

• Comfort Colors 1717 Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt - Premium garment-dyed tees in multiple colors
• Comfort Colors 1717 Ring Spun Tee for Screen Printing - Decorator-ready blank tees

Why Screen Printers Choose Comfort Colors 1717

Built for decoration with superior ink adhesion and color retention

• Ring-spun cotton construction provides smooth printing surface with minimal pilling
• Garment-dyed process creates vintage look that enhances printed designs
• Heavyweight 6.1 oz fabric prevents show-through on dark prints
• Preshrunk and soft-washed for dimensional stability after decoration

Shop Wholesale Comfort Colors 1717 Shirts

Browse our complete selection of Comfort Colors 1717 garment-dyed tees below.

How to Choose the Best Screen Printing Shirts

Materials & Construction

Comfort Colors 1717 uses 100% ring-spun cotton for superior softness and printability compared to open-end cotton. Ring-spun fibers are tightly twisted, creating a smoother surface that holds ink better and resists cracking. The 6.1 oz weight strikes the perfect balance between durability and comfort. Lighter tees (4-5 oz) may show print-through on dark designs, while heavier options (7+ oz) can feel stiff. The garment-dyed process means each shirt is dyed after construction, creating unique color variations and a lived-in feel that customers love.

Fit & Sizing for Decoration

The 1717 features a relaxed, boxy fit that accommodates larger print areas without distortion. This is critical for screen printers working with oversized graphics or full-chest designs. The shoulder-to-shoulder taping and double-needle stitching provide structural integrity during the printing process. Sizes run true with slight shrinkage already accounted for in the garment-dye process. Youth sizes (XS-L) work for kids' programs, while adult sizes (S-3XL) cover most retail and promotional needs. Always order samples before committing to large runs to verify fit and color accuracy.

Print Performance & Durability

Comfort Colors 1717 excels with plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks. The garment-dyed surface accepts ink evenly without bleed-through, and the ring-spun construction prevents pilling that can ruin print detail over time. Preshrinking means your prints won't distort after the first wash. The soft-washed finish also reduces the need for post-print softening treatments. For high-volume orders, the consistent color matching across dye lots makes reorders predictable. These shirts hold up through 50+ wash cycles without significant fading or cracking when printed correctly.

Who This Shirt Is For

Perfect For:

• Screen printing shops and commercial decorators
• Sorority and fraternity apparel programs
• Boutique clothing brands and streetwear lines
• College bookstores and campus retail
• Event merchandise and concert tees
• Promotional product distributors

Why Decorators Buy From Joe's USA

• No retail markups
• Bulk-friendly ordering
• Reliable restocking
• Fast nationwide shipping

Comfort Colors 1717 vs Economy Tees

Feature	Economy Tees	Comfort Colors 1717
Cotton Type	❌ Open-end cotton (rougher texture)	✅ Ring-spun cotton (smoother, softer)
Dyeing Process	❌ Piece-dyed (flat, uniform color)	✅ Garment-dyed (vintage, unique variations)
Print Surface	❌ Prone to pilling and cracking	✅ Smooth surface, excellent ink adhesion

Buy More & Save

Typical decorator usage:

• 12-24 shirts → Small event or sample run
• 48-72 shirts → Medium sorority/fraternity order
• 144+ shirts → Large retail restock or festival merchandise

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Comfort Colors 1717 better for screen printing than standard tees?

A: The ring-spun cotton construction and garment-dyed finish create a superior printing surface with better ink adhesion, less pilling, and a vintage aesthetic that enhances printed designs. The 6.1 oz weight prevents show-through while remaining comfortable.

Q: How many shirts come in a case?

A: Comfort Colors 1717 typically ships in cases of 12 shirts per size/color combination. We can accommodate mixed cases for smaller orders or sample packs.

A: Yes.

Q: How fast is shipping?

A: We ship from 10 U.S. warehouses for fast delivery.

Q: Are these shirts preshrunk?

A: Yes. Comfort Colors 1717 shirts are garment-dyed and preshrunk, which means they've already gone through the shrinking process. Expect minimal additional shrinkage (1-2%) after washing.

Q: What makes Comfort Colors different from Gildan or Hanes?

A: Comfort Colors 1717 features ring-spun cotton (vs open-end), garment-dyeing (vs piece-dyeing), and a heavier 6.1 oz weight compared to economy brands. This results in superior softness, better print performance, and a premium retail feel.

Related Screen Printing Apparel

• Comfort Colors T-Shirts Wholesale
• Blank Shirts for Screen Printing
• Wholesale Blank T-Shirts
• Comfort Colors Hoodies Wholesale

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Joe's USA has been a trusted supplier of blank apparel for screen printing shops and decorators across the country.

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