The Three Layer CR280 is an 8.8 oz crewneck in 70/30 cotton-poly fleece, with 18 colors, sizes S to 3XL and a side-seamed body. Bella+Canvas 3901 solids are 8.0 oz in 52/48 fleece with raglan sleeves.
Buyers still working out collar terminology across their line can start with our guide to the difference between a crewneck and sweatshirt before comparing specific blanks.
The Three Layer CR280 at a glance
The CR280 midweight crewneck is 8.8 oz per square yard, roughly 298 GSM, built from a 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester fleece with an anti-pill face yarn and a set-in sleeve. Three Layer designs in Los Angeles and manufactures in Pakistan. 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. You can sample a design with a small order before committing to volume.
Side by side spec comparison
Competitor specifications are verified from manufacturer and distributor spec sheets. Where the manufacturer does not state GSM, label the conversion from ounces as converted.
| Crewneck | Weight | GSM | Blend (solids) | Sizes | Sleeve and fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Layer CR280 | 8.8 oz | 298 | 70 / 30 cotton poly | S to 3XL | Set-in, regular |
| Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend | 8.0 oz | 271 | 50 / 50 | XS to 5XL | Set-in, classic |
| ITC SS3000 | 8.5 oz | 288 | 80 / 20 cotton face | XS to 5XL | Set-in, classic |
| Bella plus Canvas 3901 | 8.0 oz | 271 (converted) | 52 / 48 | XS to 3XL | Raglan, retail |
| Comfort Colors 1566 | about 9.5 oz | about 322 | 80 / 20 ring spun, garment dyed | S to 3XL | Set-in, relaxed |
CR280 is 8.8 oz in 70/30 cotton-poly fleece, while Bella+Canvas 3901 solids are 8.0 oz in 52/48 fleece with raglan sleeves. CR280 has side seams, 18 colors and sizes S to 3XL. Test the intended embroidery with the selected backing and stitch settings on a sample before choosing the crewneck.
Heather colorways shift to a higher polyester content on almost every brand in this table, including the CR280, so confirm the blend on the exact color you order.
How each competitor compares
Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend
The 18000 is the volume default for crewnecks. At 8.0 oz and a 50 / 50 blend, it is lighter and lower in cotton than the CR280. It is the budget pick that ships from nearly every distributor, but the higher polyester face can show more fiber and reads less premium than a cotton rich fleece. Choose it when cost per piece is the deciding factor.
ITC SS3000
The SS3000 is the closest match to the CR280 on weight and construction, at 8.5 oz with a set-in sleeve. The CR280 uses 70/30 cotton-poly fleece. Both are clean, structured midweight crews that suit everyday merch and brand programs.
Bella plus Canvas 3901
The 3901 is the retail fashion crew, and it is built differently. It uses a raglan sleeve rather than the set-in sleeve on the CR280, which changes the shoulder line and the way a chest print sits. At 8.0 oz and a 52 / 48 blend it is lighter and lower in cotton. Choose it when you want the raglan look and a slim retail cut, not when you need a traditional set-in crew that matches a standard mockup.
Comfort Colors 1566
The 1566 is the heavy, garment dyed option at around 9.5 oz with an 80 / 20 ring spun fleece. It gives you the washed vintage finish the Comfort Colors line is known for. It is heavier and prints with a soft hand, but garment dyeing means more shade variation between dye lots and a higher price. Choose it for a premium heritage look rather than for tight color matching across reorders.
Which blank crewneck should you choose
Pick on the job, not the label. For the lowest cost per piece, the Gildan 18000 leads. For a raglan retail cut, the Bella 3901 fits. For a washed heritage finish, the Comfort Colors 1566 stands alone. For a cotton rich, set-in midweight that prints clean, ships from a Los Angeles design house, and welcomes small orders from January through September, the Three Layer CR280 is the balanced choice for most brand and print shop programs.
Want to see the full range? Ordering at a glance
Stock: 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. Sizes and colors can be 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 for fleece, 1,200 for the 1003 and 1005 tees
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.
Compare the CR280 in the wholesale crewneck collection, an 8.8 oz, 70/30 blank with side seams and 18 colors.