Related Products: Heavy Cotton T-Shirts (1005) | All T-Shirts
Helpful Guides: Best Blank T-Shirts in 2026 | Why Plain T-Shirts Sell Best
Ideal For
The 1003 is the workhorse tee for decorators who need a soft hand, consistent print surface, and broad color range at wholesale volume. Screen printers and DTG shops reach for this shirt when clients want a retail-quality feel without the retail markup. With 20 colorways in stock, it covers every seasonal drop, merch line, and event run your customers throw at you. If you stock one blank tee, this is the one.
Buyers weighing several blank tee options before ordering can review our blank t-shirt brand comparison for a side by side look at fit and fabric.
Fabric & Construction
Built from 4.5 oz (153 GSM) 100% combed cotton using a fine 30/s yarn count, the 1003 delivers a noticeably smoother surface than carded-cotton competitors at the same weight. Combing removes short fibers before spinning, which means fewer imperfections under ink and a softer drape on the hanger. Side-seam construction eliminates the twisting that plagues tubular blanks after repeated washes, keeping prints aligned and retail-ready. The tear-away label makes private-label rebranding fast on the production floor with no seam rippers and no leftover tag residue. See how the 1003 fits into a full print shop blank inventory in our guide.
Decoration Guide
The tight, even knit of 30/s combed cotton gives screen printers a clean lay-down with minimal ink absorption, producing sharp detail on both spot-color and simulated-process jobs. DTG results are equally strong because the smooth fiber surface holds fine gradients and photographic prints without bleeding. Embroidery performs well on the 4.5 oz fabric, though a cutaway stabilizer is recommended for larger designs to prevent puckering. Heat-transfer vinyl adheres cleanly, and the cotton face accepts both CAD-cut and printed transfers. Sublimation is not recommended on most colorways due to the 100% cotton content. Limit sublimation to the White only and expect a vintage, muted result rather than full vibrancy.
| Method | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Print | Excellent | Sharp detail, low ink bleed on 30/s combed surface |
| DTG | Excellent | Smooth fiber holds gradients and photo prints |
| Embroidery | Good | Use cutaway stabilizer for designs over 4″ |
| Heat Transfer | Excellent | Cotton face bonds well with HTV and printed transfers |
| Sublimation | Limited | White only. Expect muted results on 100% cotton |
Pairs Well With
Layer the 1003 under the Premium Pullover Hoodie (5108) or a crewneck sweatshirt for a coordinated merch bundle, or pair it with Fleece Joggers for a full branded set. For clients who need a heavier-weight option in the same product family, offer the 100% Heavy Cotton T-Shirt (1005) as the premium up-sell, or the CR280 Crewneck Sweatshirt for a matching fleece layer.
What Is Combed Cotton
Combing is a mechanical step done before the yarn is spun. It pulls out short fibers and leftover impurities and aligns the rest so they run parallel, instead of the jumbled web carded cotton leaves behind. That is why a 100% combed cotton t-shirt like the 1003, one style in our broader 100% cotton and high-cotton collection, has a smoother, more consistent surface for ink, a softer hand, and less pilling than a carded-cotton blank at the same weight.
Size Chart
All measurements in inches. Measured flat, unstretched.
| Size | Chest | Body Length |
|---|---|---|
| S | 18″ | 28″ |
| M | 20″ | 29″ |
| L | 22″ | 30″ |
| XL | 24″ | 31″ |
| 2XL | 26″ | 32″ |
| 3XL | 28″ | 33″ |
Tolerance: ±0.5″. Side-stitched for shape retention.
What Customers Say
★ 4.7/5 from 35 verified reviews on Faire · See all reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is the 1003 t-shirt made from?
The 1003 is 100% combed cotton at 4.5 oz (153 GSM) with a 30 singles yarn count, stocked in 20 colors and sizes S to 3XL.
Is there a minimum order quantity for the 1003 t-shirt?
No. There is no minimum order on standard stock styles like the 1003, single piece orders are accepted, and sizes and colors can be mixed freely in one order. Minimums only apply to custom orders, 600 units per color on an existing style or 2,400 units for a brand new custom cut and sew style.
How fast does the 1003 ship, and what is the lead time for a custom order?
In-stock paid orders placed by 12pm PT ship the same day. A custom order takes 120 days total, 60 days for production and 60 days for shipping.
What is the difference between combed cotton and carded cotton?
Combing is a mechanical step done before the yarn is spun that removes short fibers and impurities and aligns the rest so they run parallel, instead of the jumbled web carded cotton leaves behind. That gives a 100% combed cotton tee like the 1003 a smoother print surface, a softer hand, and less pilling than a carded-cotton blank at the same weight.
How does the 1003 compare to the heavier 1005 t-shirt?
The 1003 is a lighter 4.5 oz (153 GSM) 100% combed cotton tee built for a soft hand and a sharp print surface. The 1005 is a heavier 6.0 oz (203 GSM) 100% ringspun cotton tee for a more substantial feel. Both are stocked in sizes S to 3XL.
