Best Blanks for Screen Printing
Choose by Garment and Weight
For screen-printing tee jobs, Three Layer wholesales the 1003 tee at 4.5 oz (153 GSM) in 100% combed cotton. The 6.0 oz (203 GSM) 1005 is final-run stock in Black and White only. Orders ship from our LA warehouse. Open a wholesale account, then place tee orders in NuOrder.
1005 tee availability: Final production run. Remaining stock ships while supplies last, colors and sizes vary.
For fleece, compare the P280 hoodie and CR280 crewneck at 8.8 oz (298 GSM), the lightweight 5108 hoodie at 7.8 oz (264 GSM), and the heavyweight 15001 hoodie at 12 oz (407 GSM). Each style has a tear-away label.
Top Picks for Screen Printing
1005, 6.0 oz / 203 GSM Heavy Cotton Tee (100% Ringspun Cotton)
The 1005 weighs 6.0 oz (203 GSM), compared with the 1003 at 4.5 oz (153 GSM). It uses 100% ringspun cotton, comes in Black and White, and runs S to 3XL. This is a final production run.
1003, 4.5 oz Lightweight Tee
The workhorse of screen printing shops everywhere. At 4.5 oz, the 1003 lays flat on the platen, absorbs ink evenly, and cures fast. The lightweight construction keeps per-unit costs low on high-volume runs. Ideal for promotional tees, event merch runs for merch companies, and everyday wholesale blanks.
P280, 8.8 oz Midweight Pullover Hoodie
Three Layer’s best-selling hoodie for a reason. The 8.8 oz fleece provides a stable print surface with enough density to hold bold, multi-color designs. The 70/30 cotton-poly blend minimizes shrinkage after printing and maintains shape through repeated washes.
CR280, 8.8 oz Midweight Crewneck Sweatshirt
The CR280 shares the same proven 8.8 oz fleece as the P280, giving screen printers a consistent surface whether printing hoodies or crewnecks in the same order.
15001, 12 oz Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie
When the design demands a premium, heavyweight canvas, the 15001 delivers. At 12 oz, this hoodie holds thick ink deposits for high-density and puff prints without bleed-through. Streetwear brands and custom shops specify this blank for its substantial hand feel.
5108, 7.8 oz Premium Pullover Hoodie
The 5108 bridges the gap between lightweight and midweight. Its 80/20 cotton-poly blend offers a soft hand feel that appeals to retail-quality brands, while the 7.8 oz density keeps prints crisp and vibrant. A strong choice for clothing brands selling decorated hoodies at premium price points.
Quick Tips for Screen Printing on Blanks
- Pre-press each garment for 3 to 5 seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles before printing.
- Start with a lower mesh count of 110 to 160 on fleece, then adjust for the ink system and artwork.
- Flash between colors on heavyweight blanks to prevent ink from sitting wet on dense fibers.
- Test wash a sample from each batch to verify cure temperature and adhesion before running the full order.
- Tear-away labels on all Three Layer blanks allow relabeling without cutting or covering existing tags.
Go Deeper
Browse our screen printing product category, or read our detailed guides for decoration-specific advice:
Ready to Order?
Screen printing blank orders of $200 or more at listed wholesale prices qualify for free shipping.
Compare all Three Layer blanks side by side to find the right weight and blend for your next print run. Already know what you need? Create a wholesale account to access full pricing and place orders through NuOrder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Three Layer blank is best for screen printing?
All six core blanks print well because they are cotton-rich with smooth, tight-knit faces that hold fine detail and tear-away labels that keep placements clean. Match weight to the job. The 1003 at 4.5 oz (153 GSM) for high-volume promotional runs, the 1005 at 6.0 oz (203 GSM) for a heavier tee, the P280 or CR280 at 8.8 oz (298 GSM) for standard hoodie and crewneck programs, the 5108 at 7.8 oz (264 GSM) for a lighter premium hand feel, and the 15001 at 12 oz (407 GSM) for heavyweight puff and high-density prints. The 1005 is a final-run tee while stock lasts.
Is there a minimum order to buy screen printing blanks wholesale?
We offer no minimum ordering from January through September. During our busy season, October through December, please order single sizes in packs of 6 (one polybag) per color, per size. A small test order and a 5,000-unit reorder both ship the same way, and sizes and colors can be mixed freely within one order. For a custom color on a screen printing blank, the minimum is 600 pieces per style per color for fleece styles and 1,200 for the 1003 and 1005 tees, with sizes mixed within that quantity. A brand new custom cut-and-sew style starts at 2,400 units.
How fast can I get blanks for an active screen printing job?
In-stock paid orders placed by 12pm PT ship the same day, so a reorder mid-job does not have to stall your press. Custom production, including a new custom color or a brand new style, takes 120 days total, 60 days production plus 60 days shipping.
How do Three Layer blanks compare to Bella+Canvas or Independent Trading for screen printing?
The P280 and CR280 run heavier than the popular Bella+Canvas 3719 hoodie and 3901 crewneck, both 8.0 oz, at 8.8 oz and 298 GSM, giving more fabric density under bold, multi-color ink deposits. The 15001 Urban at 12 oz (407 GSM) is heavier than the Independent Trading Co IND4000 at 10 oz (330 GSM, manufacturer-stated), the usual benchmark for heavyweight puff and high-density prints. Competitor weights were verified from manufacturer product pages on July 1, 2026. The IND4000 GSM is manufacturer-stated.
Will dye lot variation cause color mismatches across a large screen printing order?
No. Three Layer guarantees a consistent dye lot within an order, so a 12-piece sample run and a 5,000-unit contract both print and rack with even shading from the first piece to the last.
Where are Three Layer screen printing blanks designed and manufactured?
Three Layer blanks are designed in the Los Angeles Fashion District and manufactured in Pakistan at a WRAP-certified partner factory that also holds OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and amfori BSCI certification.
What are the best blanks for screen printing heavyweight cotton t-shirts wholesale?
The 1005 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt is the heavy tee for screen printing. It is 6.0 oz, 203 GSM, and 100 percent ringspun cotton. It comes in 2 colors, Black and White, in sizes S to 3XL. Note that this weight is heavyweight within the t-shirt context only, not compared to fleece. The 1005 is a final production run, so stock is limited.
Can I get custom colors or a custom cut and sew style for my brand?
Yes. For any existing style, a custom color needs a run of at least 600 pieces per style per color for fleece styles and 1,200 for the 1003 and 1005 tees, which can include several sizes. A brand new custom style, which is full cut and sew, requires 2,400 units. Custom lead time is 60 days production plus 60 days shipping, for a total of 120 days.
How do samples work and what do they cost?
Samples are ordered at the standard wholesale price with no upcharge, but they are not free. You must open a wholesale account first. The sample cost is credited back on your first order. Tear-away labels are standard on all styles.