What Is Wholesale Blank Apparel?
Wholesale blank apparel is undecorated clothing for printers, clothing brands and merch companies.
Three Layer lists 12 garment styles plus the 1062 sweatsuit combination. Compare cotton tees from the 4.5 oz 1003 to the 6.0 oz 1005, and fleece hoodies from the lightweight 7.8 oz 5108 to the heavyweight 12 oz 15001. Standard stock has no minimum order.
Shortlist garments by decoration method, category, weight, blend and fit before checking stock. Compare a tee and a fleece sample separately, since the 1003 has 100% combed cotton at 4.5 oz while P280 has 70/30 cotton-poly fleece at 8.8 oz.
Who Buys Wholesale Blanks?
The B2B blank apparel market serves four primary buyer segments, each with distinct quality and volume requirements:
Screen Printers and Decorators
Print shops are the backbone of blank apparel demand. They need consistent fabric surfaces, tight size tolerances, and reliable dye-lot matching across large production runs. Fabric weight and fiber content directly affect ink adhesion, cure temperature, and finished hand feel. For an in-depth look at choosing blanks optimized for screen printing, see our best blank hoodies for screen printing guide.
Independent Clothing Brands
Streetwear labels, athleisure startups, and private-label brands source blanks as the foundation of their product lines. They prioritize cut, silhouette, fabric hand, and relabeling ease. A heavyweight oversized hoodie reads completely differently than a midweight standard-fit pullover, and brand owners need to understand those distinctions before placing bulk orders. Our guide to starting a clothing brand with blank apparel walks through the full sourcing and launch process.
Promotional Product Distributors
Corporate merch buyers, event coordinators, and promotional distributors source blanks for branded giveaways, employee uniforms, and event merchandise. They typically need wide color availability, consistent sizing across styles, and fast turnaround on large-quantity orders.
Merch Companies and Fulfillment Operations
Print-on-demand operators and merch fulfillment houses need blanks that perform reliably across multiple decoration methods, screen print, DTG, DTF, heat transfer, embroidery, and sublimation. Versatility, warehouse availability, and per-unit cost at scale are their primary concerns.
How to Evaluate Wholesale Blank Quality
Price alone never tells the full story. Professional wholesale buyers evaluate blanks across six quality dimensions:
Fabric Weight
Fabric weight, measured in ounces per square yard (oz/yd²) or grams per square meter (GSM), is the single most important specification in blank apparel. It determines drape, opacity, durability, shrinkage behavior, and perceived value. Lightweight blanks (4.0, 5.5 oz) are ideal for warm-weather basics, while heavyweight blanks (10 oz+) deliver the structured, premium feel that streetwear brands demand. For a complete breakdown of weight classes and their applications, read our GSM and fabric weight guide.
Fiber Composition
The cotton-to-polyester ratio controls everything from print vibrancy to moisture management. 100% combed cotton delivers the softest hand and best screen print results. Cotton-poly blends (typically 80/20 or 70/30) add durability, reduce shrinkage, and improve shape retention over time. Our cotton vs. polyester hoodie comparison covers this tradeoff in detail.
Yarn Construction
Ringspun cotton produces a smoother, stronger yarn than open-end (carded) cotton. Combed cotton goes a step further by removing short fibers before spinning, resulting in an even softer hand. The spec sheet identifies the 1003 as combed cotton and the 1005 as ringspun cotton. Compare decorated samples to judge the surface and hand feel for the planned design. For a deeper look at yarn types, see our ringspun vs. regular cotton guide.
Stitching and Construction
Double-needle hems on sleeves and waistbands, reinforced shoulder seams, and proper ribbed cuffs are markers of a blank built for repeated washing and hard use. Lower-quality blanks cut corners on stitch count and seam reinforcement, and the difference becomes obvious after ten washes.
Shrinkage and Size Consistency
Pre-shrunk blanks should maintain their labeled size within half an inch after washing. Inconsistent sizing across the same SKU creates returns and erodes brand trust. Always request a size specification sheet and verify measurements against actual samples before committing to a bulk order.
Buyers who want to verify those details further can browse our FAQs page on ordering and shipping before finalizing a purchase decision.
Decoration Compatibility
Not every blank works with every decoration method. Sublimation requires high polyester content. DTG printing performs best on 100% cotton. Embroidery demands stable, medium-to-heavy fabrics that will not pucker. Matching the blank to the decoration method is non-negotiable for professional-quality results.
Categories of Blank Apparel
Wholesale blanks fall into five main categories. Each serves different end-use markets and has unique sourcing considerations.
Blank T-Shirts
T-shirts are the highest-volume blank category. They range from lightweight promotional tees (4.0, 4.5 oz) suitable for event giveaways to heavyweight premium tees (6.0+ oz) built for retail-quality brand merchandise. Key differentiators include yarn type (ringspun vs. open-end), neck construction (seamless vs. seamed), and side-seam vs. tubular body construction. For a detailed breakdown, see our blank t-shirt buying guide.
Blank Hoodies
Hoodies are the highest-margin blank category and the anchor of most streetwear and merch lines. Three Layer’s 5108 and 5109 are lightweight at 7.8 oz. The regular-fit P280 is premium midweight at 8.8 oz, and the oversized 15001 is heavyweight at 12 oz. Hood lining, kangaroo pocket construction, drawcord quality, and cuff ribbing all vary significantly between manufacturers. Our blank hoodie buying guide covers every specification that matters, and our guide to choosing wholesale hoodies for your brand helps match the right hoodie blank to your brand positioning.
Blank Sweatshirts and Crewnecks
Crewneck sweatshirts offer the same fleece comfort as hoodies without the hood, making them the preferred blank for corporate embroidery programs, vintage-style merch, and layering collections. Look for set-in sleeves, ribbed side panels, and consistent fleece nap across colorways. Read our blank sweatshirt buying guide for a full evaluation framework.
Blank Bottoms (Joggers and Shorts)
Fleece joggers and shorts complete the matching set for brands building full collections. Elastic waistbands with internal drawcords, reinforced pockets, and tapered leg construction are baseline requirements for blanks that will carry a brand label. Fabric weight consistency between tops and bottoms is critical for cohesive collections.
Youth Blanks
Youth sizing follows the same quality standards as adult blanks but with adjusted proportions and often a softer fabric hand. Brands and decorators serving the school, sports, and family merch markets need youth blanks that mirror the adult SKUs in color, fabric, and construction, allowing matching parent-child sets and consistent brand presentation.
Fabric Weight Explained: Lightweight, Midweight, and Heavyweight
Fabric weight is the most misunderstood specification in blank apparel. Here is how the weight classes map to real-world applications:
T-shirt weights use a separate scale: The lightweight 1003 uses 4.5 oz combed cotton, while the heavy 1005 uses 6.0 oz ringspun cotton.
Fleece and terry weights: Three Layer calls the 5108 and 5109 (7.8 oz) and the sleeveless 3130 (8.0 oz) lightweight. The 8.8 oz P280, CR280, 8801 and 7770 are midweight.
Heavyweight: The 12 oz 15001 has an oversized fit. The 8.8 oz P280 and CR280 are also premium options. Match the weight to your program’s fit, season, decoration method and budget. Test and approve a decorated sample before setting up the production run. For a closer comparison, see our heavyweight vs. midweight hoodies guide.
Cotton vs. Blends: Choosing the Right Fiber Composition
Every wholesale buyer eventually faces the cotton-versus-blend decision. There is no universal right answer, the best choice depends on the decoration method, end use, and target market.
100% Cotton: Delivers the softest hand feel and best ink absorption for screen printing and DTG. Pure cotton blanks are breathable, hypoallergenic, and preferred by consumers who value natural fibers. The tradeoff is higher shrinkage potential and less shape retention compared to blends.
Cotton-Poly Blends (80/20, 70/30): Blending polyester into the yarn reduces shrinkage, improves pill resistance, and helps garments hold their shape wash after wash. The 80/20 blend is common in premium hoodies, while 70/30 blends are standard across midweight fleece programs. Blends are also more forgiving for heat transfer and DTF decoration methods. Our cotton vs. polyester comparison breaks down the performance differences in detail.
Decoration Method Compatibility Overview
Matching the right blank to the right decoration method is essential for professional results. Here is a quick reference:
Screen Printing: Works on virtually all blanks but performs best on 100% cotton or high-cotton blends. Heavier fabrics hold ink better and resist print-through. See our screen printing hoodie guide for specific recommendations.
DTG (Direct to Garment): Requires 100% cotton or very high cotton content for optimal ink bonding. Ringspun cotton delivers the smoothest print surface. Our DTG printing blanks guide covers the best options.
DTF (Direct to Film) and Heat Transfer: Highly versatile, works on cotton, blends, and synthetics. Fabric weight and surface texture affect adhesion and durability. Read our heat transfer and DTF blanks guide for detailed recommendations.
Embroidery: Requires medium-to-heavyweight fabrics with enough body to support stitching without puckering. Fleece hoodies, crewnecks, and heavyweight tees are the best candidates. See our embroidery blanks guide for a full breakdown.
Sublimation: It needs high-polyester fabric, which Three Layer does not stock, so no current Three Layer blank is suitable for it. The 70/30 and 80/20 cotton-poly blends in the catalog are not suitable for sublimation, and 100 percent cotton does not take conventional sublimation dye. Our sublimation printing guide explains the requirements in full.
Three Layer Product Catalog: Full Comparison
The table below compares every blank in the Three Layer catalog across the specifications that matter most to wholesale buyers. Use it to match the right blank to your project requirements.
| Product | Style | Category | Weight | Fabric | Colors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Combed Cotton Tee 1003 | 1003 | Tee | 4.5 oz | 100% Combed Cotton | 20 | Screen print, DTG, retail branding |
| 100% Heavy Cotton Tee 1005 | 1005 | Tee | 6.0 oz | 100% Ringspun Cotton | 2 | Premium merch, embroidery, screen print |
| Heavyweight Urban Hoodie 15001 | 15001 | Hoodie | 12.0 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | Contact for current range | Streetwear, oversized fashion, premium lines |
| Premium Pullover Hoodie 5108 | 5108 | Hoodie | 7.8 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | 13 | Brand merch, screen print, embroidery |
| Midweight Hoodie P280 | P280 | Hoodie | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 17 | Best-seller: all-purpose decoration, bulk programs |
| Premium Full Zip 5109 | 5109 | Full Zip Hoodie | 7.8 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | 12 | Layering, corporate, embroidery |
| French Terry Sleeveless 3130 | 3130 | Sleeveless Hoodie | 8.0 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly French Terry | 9 | Athleisure, gym merch, warm-weather collections |
| Youth Hoodie Y300 | Y300 | Youth Hoodie | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | Contact for current range | Youth programs, family matching sets |
| Midweight Crewneck CR280 | CR280 | Crewneck | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 18 | Corporate embroidery, vintage merch, layering |
| Fleece Shorts 7770 | 7770 | Shorts | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 14 | Matching sets, athleisure, warm-weather merch |
| Fleece Joggers 8801 | 8801 | Joggers | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 15 | Full collection sets, streetwear, screen print |
| Youth Jogger Y5501 | Y5501 | Youth Joggers | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 3 | Youth programs, matching family sets |
| Wholesale Sweatsuits 1062 | 1062 | Sweatsuit Set | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 12 combinable colorways | Matching hoodie and jogger sets, full outfit programs |
Color counts are current as of July 2026. For the 15001 heavyweight and the Y300 youth hoodie, contact the sales team for the range in stock.
| Product | Style | Category | Weight | Fabric | Colors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Combed Cotton Tee 1003 | 1003 | Tee | 4.5 oz | 100% Combed Cotton | 20 | Screen print, DTG, retail branding |
| 100% Heavy Cotton Tee 1005 | 1005 | Tee | 6.0 oz | 100% Ringspun Cotton | Premium merch, embroidery, screen print | |
| Heavyweight Urban Hoodie 15001 | 15001 | Hoodie | 12.0 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | Streetwear, oversized fashion, premium lines | |
| Premium Pullover Hoodie 5108 | 5108 | Hoodie | 7.8 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | 13 | Brand merch, screen print, embroidery |
| Midweight Hoodie P280 | P280 | Hoodie | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 17 | Best-seller: all-purpose decoration, bulk programs |
| Premium Full Zip 5109 | 5109 | Hoodie | 7.8 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | 12 | Layering, corporate, embroidery |
| French Terry Sleeveless 3130 | 3130 | Hoodie | 8.0 oz | 80/20 Cotton-Poly | 9 | Athleisure, gym merch, warm-weather collections |
| Youth Hoodie Y300 | Y300 | Youth Hoodie | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 13 | Youth programs, family matching sets |
| Midweight Crewneck CR280 | CR280 | Crewneck | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | 18 | Corporate embroidery, vintage merch, layering |
| Fleece Shorts 7770 | 7770 | Shorts | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | Matching sets, athleisure, warm-weather merch | |
| Fleece Joggers 8801 | 8801 | Joggers | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | Full collection sets, streetwear, screen print | |
| Youth Jogger Y5501 | Y5501 | Youth Joggers | 8.8 oz | 70/30 Cotton-Poly | Youth programs, matching family sets |
How to Choose the Right Blank for Your Project
With dozens of options on the market, narrowing down the right blank requires answering four questions:
1. What is the decoration method? Start here. If you are screen printing, prioritize cotton-rich blanks with a smooth surface. If you are embroidering, choose medium-to-heavy fleece. Sublimation needs high-polyester fabric, which Three Layer does not stock, so no current Three Layer blank is suitable for it. Our 70/30 and 80/20 cotton-poly blends are not suitable for sublimation, and 100 percent cotton does not take conventional sublimation dye.
2. What is the end-use market? A $5 promotional tee for a 5K run has completely different requirements than a $65 retail hoodie for a streetwear drop. Match the blank weight, construction quality, and silhouette to the price point and market positioning of the finished product.
3. What colors do you need? Availability varies dramatically by style. The Midweight Crewneck CR280 offers 18 colorways, while specialty styles may offer fewer options. Confirm color availability before designing around a specific palette.
4. Do you need matching sets? If your brand sells coordinated hoodie-and-jogger sets or parent-child matching collections, source from the same fabric family to ensure consistent color, weight, and hand feel across garments. The Three Layer 70/30 fleece program, spanning the P280 Hoodie CR280 Crewneck 8801 Joggers 7770 Shorts and youth counterparts, is built for exactly this purpose.
Ordering Wholesale Blanks from Three Layer
Three Layer is a B2B wholesale showroom, and ordering is simple.
Ordering at a glance
Stock: no minimum, with sizes and colors mixed
Samples: wholesale account required, paid at standard wholesale price, cost credited on the first order
Dispatch: paid in-stock orders placed by 12pm PT ship the same day
Shipping: free at $200 or more on listed wholesale prices
Custom color on an existing style: 600 pieces per style per color
New custom style: 2,400 units
Custom timing: 120 days total, 60 days production and 60 days shipping
Origin: designed in Los Angeles, manufactured at a WRAP-certified partner factory in Pakistan
Buyers curious exactly where these orders ship from and how far that reach extends can review our shipping coverage overview before placing a bulk order.
Browse the full catalog on threelayer.com to evaluate specifications, colorways, and product details, then place your order with our wholesale team when you are ready to buy.
For help timing those orders across the year, see our seasonal inventory planning calendar for wholesale buyers.
Choose the garment category and fabric, then approve a decorated sample before setting the production quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for Three Layer stock?
Standard stock can be ordered by the single piece with sizes and colors mixed. Paid in-stock orders placed by 12pm PT ship the same day.
Can I order samples before a bulk run?
Open a wholesale account to order samples at standard wholesale price. The sample cost is credited back on the first order. See the sample request and evaluation guide.
How long does custom production take?
Custom orders require 120 days total, split into 60 days production and 60 days shipping.
Follow your category and fabric shortlist to the P280, 5108 and 15001 pages in the wholesale hoodie selection.
Related Guides
- Blank Hoodie Buying Guide specifications, construction details, and comparison for every blank hoodie style
- Blank Sweatshirt Buying Guide evaluation framework for crewneck sweatshirts and fleece blanks
- Blank T-Shirt Buying Guide yarn types, weight classes, and construction differences across blank tees
- How to Start a Clothing Brand with Blank Apparel sourcing, branding, and launch strategy for new apparel brands
- How to Choose Wholesale Hoodies for Your Brand matching hoodie blanks to brand positioning and decoration needs
- GSM and Fabric Weight Guide complete breakdown of weight measurements and their real-world applications
- Cotton vs. Polyester Hoodie Comparison fiber composition tradeoffs for wholesale buyers
- Heavyweight vs. Midweight Hoodies side-by-side weight class comparison for hoodie blanks
Pair this with our size ratio guide for clothing brands to plan quantities per size.