Black T-shirt with a graphic of a yellow vintage race car, a man in red, and the text 'Broad Street' and 'Forging Elite Fitness,' displayed on a shelf near a cardboard box labeled 'ascolour'.

SHIRT & MERCH GUIDE

A young man with dark hair and tattoos on his arm working in a print shop. He is leaning over a blue fabric or garment, with shelves of colorful paint or ink containers in the background.

 Not sure which shirt is best for your project? This guide walks you through our favorite blanks and materials by use case. From budget-friendly fundraisers to premium retail. We’ve tested them all in our shop so you don’t have to guess.

Beige T-shirt with the message 'MEDAL, MEDAL, MEDAL, MEDAL' in large white letters, a red race icon, and the text '2025 5 mile race' in red at the bottom.

Fundraisers / events

Material: Standard cotton (often carded open-end cotton)

  1. Weight: Mid-to-heavy (5.0–6.0 oz)

  2. Durability: Holds up for casual wear but not designed for long-term softness

  3. Cost: Lowest cost per shirt, making it ideal for bulk runs

  4. Why It Fits: For one-time events and fundraisers, affordability is the top priority. Heavier cotton is inexpensive and prints bold designs well, but it won’t feel as soft as higher-end fabrics. Perfect when you need to keep costs low and get the job done.

Light blue sports T-shirt with a graphic design that reads 'AMYL TOURNAMENT 2025' and additional text about 'Aston Midtown Little League' with star and baseball graphics.

Gyms & Athletics

Material: 100% polyester or poly blends

  1. Weight: Light (3.5–4.0 oz)

  2. Durability: Excellent against sweat and repeated washing, resistant to shrinking and wrinkling

  3. Cost: Mid-range — more than heavy cotton, less than premium tri-blends

  4. Why It Fits: Athletic shirts need moisture-wicking, fast-drying material. Lightweight polyester is key because it keeps athletes comfortable during activity. These shirts also resist odor better and last longer through sweaty workouts and multiple washes.

Blue fabric with a black and white logo of a house and the text 'Conservar Construction' with the words 'Design', 'Build', 'Inspire' below.

CORPORATE & WORK

Material: Cotton/poly blends (often pique knit for polos)

  1. Weight: Mid (4.5–5.5 oz), depending on style

  2. Durability: Very high — blends resist wrinkles, shrinkage, and fading

  3. Cost: Mid-to-high depending on style (polo shirts or buttoned garments)

  4. Why It Fits: Work uniforms need to look sharp every day. Blends balance comfort with professional appearance, while mid-weight fabric ensures structure without being too heavy. Employees get a shirt that lasts through weekly wear while staying presentable.

A black T-shirt with a vintage yellow car graphic and red lettering that reads 'Broad Street' and 'Forging Elite Fitness,' along with the phrases 'Since 2013' and the number '19063.'

PREMIUM RETAIL

Material: Ringspun cotton or tri-blends (cotton/poly/rayon)

  1. Weight: Light-to-mid (3.8–4.5 oz)

  2. Durability: Good but softer fabrics may wear out faster than heavier cotton

  3. Cost: Higher-end, since soft fabrics and fashion-forward cuts cost more

  4. Why It Fits: Ringspun cotton is smoother and softer than standard cotton, making it feel premium. Tri-blends add drape and stretch, giving a fashionable look. These materials elevate the perceived value of the shirt, making customers more willing to buy and wear it often.