Decoration Compatibility Guide
Decoration Compatibility Guide
Quick reference showing which Three Layer blanks work best with each decoration method. Use this chart to choose the right blank for your printing, embroidery, or heat transfer projects.
| Product | Weight | Fabric | Screen Print | DTG | Embroidery | Heat Transfer / HTV | DTF | Sublimation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1003 Combed Cotton Tee | 4.5 oz | 100% Cotton | ★★★ | ★★★ | Acceptable | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| 1005 Heavy Cotton Tee | 6.0 oz | 100% Ringspun | ★★★ | ★★★ | Very Good | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| 5108 Premium Hoodie | 7.8 oz | 80/20 | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| 5109 Full Zip Hoodie | 7.8 oz | 80/20 | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| 3130 Sleeveless Hoodie | 8.0 oz | 80/20 | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| P280 Midweight Hoodie | 8.8 oz | 70/30 | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| CR280 Crewneck | 8.8 oz | 70/30 | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| 7770 Fleece Shorts | 8.8 oz | 70/30 | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| 8801 Fleece Joggers | 8.8 oz | 70/30 | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| 15001 Heavyweight Hoodie | 12.0 oz | 80/20 | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| Y300 Youth Hoodie | 8.8 oz | 70/30 | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
| Y5501 Youth Jogger | 8.8 oz | 70/30 | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | Not suitable |
Legend: ★★★ Excellent | ★★ Good | ★ Fair | Not suitable. For 1003 embroidery, use small, low-density left-chest logos with cutaway stabilizer. The 1005 rates Very Good for embroidered uniforms and workwear.
Decoration Method Quick Guide
Screen Printing
Best blanks: All Three Layer products rate Excellent for screen printing.
Why: High cotton content provides excellent ink adhesion. Smooth fleece and jersey surfaces accept plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks cleanly. Tear-away labels make relabeling easy for private label jobs.
Tips: Use 110-156 mesh for fleece, 200-230 mesh for jersey tees. Flash cure at 320°F for heavyweight fleece. Underbase white on dark garments.
DTG (Direct to Garment)
Best blanks: 1003 Tee, 1005 Tee, 5108 Hoodie, P280 Hoodie, CR280 Crewneck, Y300 Youth Hoodie
Why: DTG works best on high-cotton fabrics. 100% cotton tees deliver the most vibrant results. 70/30 and 80/20 blends work well with proper pretreatment.
Tips: Pretreat all garments (even white). Use heat press at 330°F for 15 seconds. Allow 24 hours before washing.
Embroidery
Best blanks: CR280 Crewneck and 15001 Heavyweight Hoodie (thick fabric holds stitches perfectly)
Why: Heavier fabrics support dense stitch counts without puckering. Keep left-chest and full-back placements clear of the side seams.
Tips: Use cut-away stabilizer on fleece. Reduce stitch density by 10-15% on heavyweight blanks. Avoid large fills on lightweight tees.
Heat Transfer / HTV
Best blanks: All products rate Excellent. Cotton-poly blends handle heat well.
Why: Match the transfer to the fabric blend: 80/20 cotton-poly on the 7.8 oz 5108 pullover and 5109 full-zip, or 70/30 cotton-poly on the 8.8 oz P280 hoodie and CR280 crewneck. Test adhesion and wash results on a paid garment sample before production.
Sublimation
Honest assessment: Three Layer blanks are not suitable for sublimation. Sublimation needs high-polyester fabric, and our highest poly content is 30% (in our 70/30 blends).
Not sure which method is right for your project? See our Product Comparison Chart for a complete side-by-side view, or contact our team for personalized recommendations. Browse our wholesale hoodies category to choose the style and colors for your decoration project.