If you have been purchasing t-shirts for DTF transfers you have come across Bella Canvas and Gildan hundreds of times. Both are high quality suppliers with significant differences. Which should you use for your DTF projects? Let’s compare them.
Bella Canvas: The Fancy Pick
What’s Good:
1.Top-Notch Fabric:
Quality is king at Bella Canvas and these handsome tees are made with Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. I don’t know what that means, but it sounds soft, so I’ll go with it. The fewer fibres sticking out, the better your design is going to look.
2.Stylish Fit:
These are not just plain tees, but rather, with the more fitted, here-and-now cut of Bella Canvas, more likely to be lusted after by your customers. If your DTF designs have a look that, aside from the print, is geared for an audience concerned with style as much as substance, this brand might give you that premium appeal.
3.Color Galore:
With Bella Canvas, you really have every colour under the sun that you could need. If you’re working with a certain colour that needs to be matched, they have it. If you’re just trying to be consistent with the rest of your line, they also have it. Also, on the colour front, all of their colours are consistent from run to run.
What’s Not So Good:
1.Pricey:
But hey, Bella Canvas isn’t exactly cheap, either. If you’re on a budget, you might be pushing it, but it’s a great brand for premium projects. And if you’re pumping out a lot of shirts, those costs can add up quickly.
2.Sometimes Hard to Find:
In part because it is so in-demand, Bella Canvas can be hard to procure. A given colour or size that you think you want might not be available when you need it, which could wipe out a time-sensitive order.
Gildan: The Reliable Workhorse
What’s Good:
1.Budget-Friendly:
If you want something cheap and cheerful, then Gildan is your friend. It’s a lot, lot cheaper than Bella Canvas, making it great for volume orders or if you’re struggling to afford it at first.
2.Always Available:
You’ll almost never have stock problems with Gildan. It’s everywhere and comes in just about any style or colour, so you can always make something happen. And that, of course, is why it’s good.
3.Built to Last:
Gildan shirts are sturdy: the fabric is a bit thicker, and it’s a bit more durable. It can withstand a bit more wear and tear. That means your customers won’t have to worry about their shirt falling apart in the wash. That can be a big selling point.
What’s Not So Good:
1.Not as Soft:
Gildan’s fabric is rougher than Bella Canvas, which translates to not as soft. So if you’re doing DTF printing, this can affect your print jobs. The rougher the fabric, the more you’ll notice the difference. Especially if you have really intricate designs.
2.Basic Fit:
Gildan stays true to the tried-and-true boxy cut. Perfect for workwear or for a casual tee, but not going to make the cover of Vogue. For a customer base that cares about fashion, not the best option.
So, Which One Should You Go For?
Honestly, it depends on what you’re after.
- If you’re going for an upscale, stylish DTF transfer, and you don’t mind spending more, Bella Canvas is probably the way to go. It’s going to feel more premium, and the prints will look sharp on the silky smooth fabric.
- But if you want to save money and can use something that’ll last when you do large runs, Gildan is a good option. It’s reliable, inexpensive and does what it does without much fuss.
Ultimately, both have their uses, so it comes down to what kind of project you have and who you’re selling to. Regardless, understanding what each brings to the table will help you choose wisely.
