Let’s face it—if you’re in the t-shirt printing business, finding the best heavyweight tees is critical. Not all tees are created equal—some shrink, twist, or fade after the first wash. Others just don’t hold ink like they should. But when it comes to building a brand that lasts—or fulfilling bulk orders without constant callbacks—you need shirts that can take a hit and still look good doing it. That’s where heavyweight tees come in.
In 2025, the market is moving fast. Streetwear, oversized fits, and vintage-dyed colors are everywhere. Customers are demanding comfort and quality, while decorators like you are looking for blanks that hold up to screen printing, DTF, DTG—you name it. And with tools like DecoNetwork, it’s easier than ever to stay ahead. DecoNetwork is an all-in-one business management software for print shops, helping decorators manage orders, create product mockups, launch online stores, and streamline production. Best of all, it integrates directly with major suppliers like SanMar, S&S Activewear, and more—so you can easily source and sell the best heavyweight tees right from your dashboard.
This is your ultimate guide to the best heavyweight tees of 2025—seven standout shirts that combine durability, style, and printability. Whether you’re running a custom merch line, managing bulk promo orders, or building a high-end apparel brand, these are the shirts decorators trust—and with DecoNetwork, sourcing and selling them has never been simpler.
Why The Best Heavyweight Tees Are Dominating 2025
Heavyweight tees aren’t just trending—they’re taking over. And if you’re printing t-shirts in 2025, you better believe your customers are looking for that extra heft. The best heavyweight tees are more than just thick fabric—they’re a vibe. They’re about durability, comfort, and style that actually lasts.
So what’s driving the demand? For starters, people are done with paper-thin tees that feel cheap and fall apart. Post-pandemic fashion is all about comfort, and that means relaxed fits, drop shoulders, and oversized silhouettes. We’re talking ‘90s nostalgia meets modern streetwear—and heavyweight cotton tees are the backbone of that look.
But it’s not just about style. These tees are workhorses for decorators. Whether you’re doing DTG, DTF, or good old-fashioned screen printing, heavyweight cotton gives you a smoother, more stable surface for bolder prints. No bleeding. No ghosting. Just crisp designs and satisfied clients.
Let’s not forget sustainability. The best heavyweight tees in 2025 are being made with organic cotton, recycled polyester, and low-impact dyes. Eco-conscious brands are finally getting high-quality blanks that align with their values and look good doing it.
Heavyweight tees check all the boxes: fashion-forward, printer-friendly, built to last, and better for the planet. That’s why they’re dominating the shelves, the streets, and yes—your print shop’s next big order.
The 7 Best Heavyweight Tees For Printing
If you’re looking for the best heavyweight tees to print on in 2025, this list has you covered. We looked at what real print shops are using—tees that hold up, print well, and look great. These picks are tough, stylish, and ready for anything from bulk promo jobs to high-end streetwear drops.
1. Hanes Beefy-T (5180)
The Hanes Beefy-T (5180) is a long-standing favorite in the t-shirt printing industry thanks to its ultra-smooth surface, heavyweight fabric, and premium feel. Made from 100% ringspun cotton and weighing in at 6.1 oz, it offers both durability and comfort, making it ideal for screen printing, DTG, and heat transfers. Its tightly woven fabric holds ink well, producing clean, vibrant designs that last. The full-cut fit, shoulder-to-shoulder taping, and double-needle stitching throughout ensure it holds up after repeated wear and washes. This tee is best suited for decorators who want a retail-quality blank that balances performance and softness, whether for brand merchandise, events, or fashion-forward collections.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hanes Beefy-T |
| Supplier | SanMar |
| Product Code | 5180 |
| Weight | 6.1 oz |
| Sizes | S–3XL |
| Colors | 22+ |
| Fit | Full-cut relaxed fit |
| Material | 100% ringspun cotton (most colors) |
2. American Apparel Super Heavyweight Tee (9001)
The American Apparel Super Heavyweight Tee (9001) stands out as a premium choice for decorators aiming to deliver bold, high-end prints on a seriously thick canvas. At 9 oz, this is one of the heaviest tees on the market—crafted with 80% U.S. ring-spun cotton and 20% polyester for unmatched durability and a structured feel. Its oversized silhouette, drop shoulder design, and wide ribbed collar make it a go-to for streetwear brands and fashion-forward clients. Built to handle embroidery, screen printing, and heavy washes, the 9001 is perfect for retail-quality collections where quality, style, and substance matter.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | American Apparel Super Heavyweight Tee |
| Supplier | S&S Activewear |
| Product Code | 9001 |
| Weight | 9 oz |
| Sizes | S–3XL |
| Colors | 10 |
| Fit | Oversized with drop shoulder |
| Material | 80% U.S. ring-spun cotton / 20% polyester |
3. Gildan Ultra Cotton Tee (2000)
The Gildan Ultra Cotton Tee (2000) is a staple for print shops that need a reliable, cost-effective heavyweight tee with broad appeal. With its 6 oz fabric and preshrunk 100% U.S. cotton construction, it offers consistent sizing and dependable quality that decorators trust. The high stitch density ensures smooth results for screen printing, DTG, and heat transfer projects. A classic fit, tear-away tag, and over 60 color options make it a versatile choice for everything from promotional campaigns to team gear and retail merch. If you’re looking for a shirt that balances durability, comfort, and value, the Ultra Cotton 2000 delivers every time.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Gildan Ultra Cotton Tee |
| Supplier | SanMar |
| Code | 2000 |
| Weight | 6 oz |
| Sizes | S–5XL |
| Colors | 60+ |
| Fit | Classic tubular body |
| Material | 100% preshrunk U.S. cotton (solids) |
4. Comfort Colors Heavyweight Ring-Spun Tee (1717)
The Comfort Colors Heavyweight Ring-Spun Tee (1717) is a favorite among decorators and fashion-forward brands thanks to its soft garment-dyed fabric and rich, vintage-inspired color palette. Weighing in at 6.1 oz, it offers that true heavyweight feel without sacrificing comfort. Pre-shrunk and made from 100% ring-spun U.S. cotton, it delivers consistent sizing and smooth print results—perfect for screen printing, DTG, and heat transfers. Its relaxed fit, twill-taped neck and shoulders, and sturdy double-needle construction make it both stylish and durable. This tee is best suited for custom apparel brands, boutique retail, lifestyle merch, and any job that calls for premium quality with a lived-in look.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Comfort Colors Heavyweight Ring-Spun Tee |
| Supplier | SanMar |
| Code | 1717 |
| Weight | 6.1 oz |
| Sizes | S–6XL |
| Colors | 80+ garment-dyed colors |
| Fit | Relaxed fit with tubular body |
| Material | 100% ring-spun U.S. cotton |
5. Lane Seven Urban Heavyweight T-Shirt (LS16005)
The Lane Seven Urban Heavyweight Tee (LS16005) brings modern streetwear styling to the print shop with its 7.7 oz fabric, boxy fit, and vintage pigment-dyed finish. Made from 100% ringspun combed cotton, it offers a dense, smooth surface that’s ideal for screen printing and DTG. The slightly cropped length, side-seamed construction, and double-needle top-stitching give it a high-end feel that resonates with fashion-forward brands and retail collections. With under 6% shrinkage and a tear-away label for easy rebranding, this tee is perfect for decorators catering to streetwear, lifestyle merch, and premium promotional apparel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lane Seven Urban Heavyweight T-Shirt |
| Supplier | S&S Activewear |
| Product Code | LS16005 |
| Weight | 7.7 oz |
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
| Colors | 9 (vintage-inspired colors) |
| Fit | Boxy fit with slightly cropped length |
| Material | 100% ringspun combed cotton, pigment-dyed |
6. Port & Company Essential Tee (PC61)
The Port & Company Essential Tee (PC61) is a top pick for decorators who need a dependable, budget-friendly heavyweight t-shirt that performs well under pressure. Its 6.1 oz fabric offers the perfect balance of durability and comfort, making it ideal for screen printing, DTF, and heat transfers. With a classic fit, wide range of colors, and extended sizing up to 6XL, it’s built to handle everything from corporate orders to community events. This tee shines in high-volume print jobs like school spirit wear, team uniforms, and promotional giveaways where consistency, cost-effectiveness, and quality all matter.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Port & Company Essential Tee |
| Supplier | SanMar |
| Code | PC61 |
| Weight | 6.1 oz |
| Sizes | S–6XL |
| Colors | 60+ |
| Fit | Classic tubular body |
| Material | 100% soft spun cotton (solids) |
7. Next Level Eco Heavyweight T-Shirt (4600)
The Next Level Apparel Premium Heavyweight Tee (4600) combines modern sustainability with a soft, sturdy feel that decorators appreciate. Made from a 60/40 blend of organic cotton and recycled RPET polyester, this 5.6 oz tee offers a premium texture with an eco-conscious edge—each shirt contains approximately four recycled plastic bottles. Its side-seamed construction, tear-away label, and smooth print surface make it ideal for DTG, DTF, and screen printing. With a clean, retail-ready finish and zero water or dye used in production, the 4600 is perfect for brands that want to deliver on both quality and environmental responsibility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Next Level Eco Heavyweight T-Shirt |
| Supplier | S&S Activewear |
| Product Code | 4600 |
| Weight | 5.6 oz |
| Sizes | XS–3XL |
| Colors | 6 (melange effect) |
| Fit | Modern fit with side seams |
| Material | 60% organic cotton / 40% recycled RPET polyester |
Top Features Found In The Best Heavyweight Tees
What separates a good tee from a great one? The best heavyweight tees of 2025 all share a few standout features that make them the go-to choice for decorators, brands, and print shops looking to deliver quality without compromise.
Let’s break it down. First, premium fabric weight—we’re talking 6 oz and up. That extra heft gives shirts a sturdy, structured feel that holds up to wear, wash, and whatever your clients throw at it. Whether it’s 100% ringspun cotton or a blended fabric, heavyweight shirts offer a smoother, more stable canvas for bold prints and crisp designs.
Then there’s fit and silhouette. Classic tubular fits are still around for bulk jobs, but the real trend is in oversized, boxy, and drop-shoulder cuts—perfect for streetwear and fashion brands. These relaxed styles aren’t just comfortable, they’re stylish and on-trend.
Color range is another big deal. The best blanks come in everything from vintage-washed earth tones to bold brights and garment-dyed hues. And with tear-away tags, decorators can easily rebrand for retail.
Of course, print compatibility is a must. High stitch density, tight weaves, and smooth surfaces ensure that screen printing, DTG, DTF, and heat transfers come out looking clean and professional every time.
And let’s not overlook sustainability. More brands are leaning into organic cotton, RPET blends, and low-impact dyes. Customers notice when your blanks feel good and do good.
If you’re choosing a blank to build your brand—or fulfill your next big order—these are the features that make the best heavyweight tees worth the hype.
Best Heavyweight Tees For Screen Printing, DTG, And DTF
At the end of the day, the right blank is everything—and the best heavyweight tees are the foundation for bold prints, happy customers, and repeat business. Whether you’re screen printing, running DTG jobs, or using DTF transfers, heavyweight tees offer the structure, print surface, and durability your shop needs to deliver high-quality results every time.
And if you’re looking to streamline how you source these top-tier blanks, DecoNetwork has your back. DecoNetwork is an all-in-one business management software built for print shops and garment decorators. It not only helps you manage orders, mockups, quotes, and production, but it also integrates directly with top suppliers like SanMar and S&S Activewear. That means you can browse and sync products—like the Gildan Ultra Cotton, Comfort Colors 1717, or American Apparel 9001—straight into your online store or production workflow without the manual work.
So if you’re ready to level up your print shop with better blanks and smarter tools, start with the best heavyweight tees—and use DecoNetwork to make sourcing and selling them easier than ever.
