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 a 4.5 oz (153 GSM) 100% combed cotton tee with 30 singles yarn, 20 colors and adult sizes S to 3XL. Order a paid sample to test your ink, pretreatment and cure before bulk decoration. For a heavier tee, compare the 1005 at 6.0 oz (203 GSM) in 100% ringspun cotton, available in Black and White.
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. The 1003 is designed in Los Angeles and produced by a WRAP-certified partner factory in Pakistan. See how the 1003 fits into a full print shop blank inventory in our guide. Care: machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low.
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. The 1003 is not suitable for sublimation because conventional sublimation dye does not bond to 100% cotton.
| 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 | Not suitable | 100% cotton does not take conventional sublimation dye |
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. For how ring spun yarn compares with regular cotton, read our guide to 100% ring spun cotton vs regular cotton.
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?
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. This applies to standard stock styles like the 1003, and sizes and colors can be mixed freely in one order. Minimums only apply to custom orders, 1,200 pieces per style per color on an existing style (sizes can be mixed within the 1,200) 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, and orders of $200 or more on listed wholesale prices ship free. 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.
What is the best wholesale 100 percent cotton blank t-shirt for screen printing?
The 1003 Combed Cotton T-Shirt is the top pick. It uses 30 singles combed cotton yarn, which gives a smooth, tight print surface that holds sharp details. At 4.5 oz and 153 GSM, it is light enough for layering and stable enough for most screen printing jobs.
What blank t-shirts does Three Layer offer in 100 percent cotton for printing?
Two styles. The 1003 Combed Cotton T-Shirt is 4.5 oz, 153 GSM, 30 singles combed cotton, and comes in 20 colors, sizes S to 3XL. The 1005 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt is 6.0 oz, 203 GSM, 100 percent ringspun cotton, and comes only in Black and White, sizes S to 3XL. Both run with screen printing, embroidery, DTG, and heat transfer vinyl.
Can I sublimate on these 100 percent cotton tees?
No. In conventional dye sublimation, the dyes bond with polyester fibers, not cotton, so these 100 percent cotton tees are not suitable for sublimation, including the White colorway. Three Layer does not stock high-polyester fabric, and its cotton-poly blends are not suitable for sublimation either.
