T-shirts
Terms you'll find on the site regarding t-shirts, sweaters, polos, etc.!
20/1, 20s, 20s single: A few ways to say it, but it’s the number that matters and the number that changes. We don’t need to get
specific on what it really stands for. All that matters is: the higher the number, the finer the thread. Higher thread count = softer cotton.
T-shirts made of 30s or 40s are softer, usually cost more, and drape better than those made of 20s.
Combed Cotton: Results from the method that removes short fibers and arranges the longer fibers parallel to each other.
This creates a softer, smoother yarn which means a softer, smoother shirt.
Double-Needle Stitching: A parallel row of stitching typically found on sleeves and bottom hems. This gives the shirt added
durability and a more polished look.
European Cut: Like the Gildan 64000, this style of t-shirt is a bit narrower across the chest than the average t-shirt by an inch or so.
This means it’s a bit more fitted and fashion orientated.
Missy Fit: Typically designed for the more mature customer, this fit is supposed to flatter your shape. Curvy girls rejoice!
Tapered ever so slightly near the waist, with a gradual, tiny flare near the hips. The cut is a bit more loose-fitting (i.e. forgiving). Check out the Gildan 5000L!
Junior Fit: Typically designed for (but not limited to) a younger customer, this style fits closer to the body. Most Bella t-shirts & tank feature Junior fits!
Crew Neck: A round, close-fitting neckline. Most common type of neckline found on the site, used in sweatshirts and t-shirts.
(This is an easy one & we know you already knew)
Jersey Knit: Majority of t-shirts are made from a jersey knit material: 100% cotton, or a poly cotton blend. Jersey knit tends to be
soft and flexible making it a very comfortable choice. It is light-weight and has fine vertical ribs. Fine Cotton Jersey, refers to
jersey knit made with 30s and 40s.
Pique Knit: A method that creates a firmly woven, fine textured surface caused by raised parallel cords or fine ribbing.
There are many patterns of pique knits, such as waffle or honeycomb. This knit is most commonly found in polos!
Due to the distinctive pattern, polos usually have a rougher feel.
Rib Knit: You know that thicker fabric typically found on collars, sweater cuffs, and waistbands? Yeah, that’s the stuff.
The ribbing you’ll find on here is either 1x1 or 2x1. The 1x1 is often referred to as a baby rib, as the space between the ribs
are the same size as the ribs themselves. 2x1 offers much more texture and can be very obvious visually, used in tank tops
(the ribs are twice as wide as the space between). If you plan on printing on rib knit, be wise to choose 1x1
(but be prepared for your design to crack and crumble as it stretches!)
Tri-blend: Higher quality fabric made from Polyester, Cotton, and Rayon. Remember: Polyester for shape & elasticity,
Cotton for comfort & durability, and Rayon for unique texture & superior drape.
Bella + Canvas carries some very soft, stylish tri-blends!
Poly Viscose: Found in some of our awesome Bella shirts, it’s a fabric with excellent drape and soft touch made from
a combination of Polyester and Rayon.
Interlock: You’ll find this high quality knit used for most of our Oakley polos. It has a more natural stretch than a cotton pique
and a softer feel. One of its most defining characteristics is having the same appearance and feel on both sides of the fabric.
Pre-shrunk: Although this might be obvious, we can’t go assuming…This refers to fabric that is washed and dried prior to being sewn.
However, when it comes to 100% cotton, despite the pre-shrinking, one should expect 4-5% shrinkage. Sorry!
P.S. If you aren’t sure on washing instructions: give it to Mom. She always knows what to do.
Ring-Spun: Refers to yarn made from the twisting and thinning of a rope of cotton fibers. This spinning makes for a stronger yarn.
But enough with the technical stuff. To you, ring-spun = soft!
Tape: Here’s a hint: not actual tape.
Shoulder and neck tape refers to the extra piece of thin fabric sewn over seams. It covers them up for a cleaner look,
compared to an exposed seam. Fancy!
Side Seam: Well….c’mon. That’s an easy one, but we’ll spell it out for you anyway. It’s the seam running down either side of the shirt
from the armpit to the bottom hem. Believe it or not, shirts with sides seam are usually more costly to produce!
Quarter-turned: Most of the Gildan products feature this characteristic. It means the fabric “tube” that shapes the body of the shirt
was turned one-quarter of the way around before cutting the fabric during the manufacturing process. This helps
eliminate a center crease down the front of the shirt that might cause it to drape funny.
Mitered: This is used to describe the appearance of v-necks. A mitered seam is one in which the corners meet a 45 degree angle.
Still unsure? Take a look at a picture or window frame & you’ll get the idea.
Tubular: Shirts manufactured without a side seam. Great for a wrap-around screen print or sublimation. Or a Stranger Things reference. You decide!
Seamless collar: A collar that is knit in a circle with no “joining” seams.
Heather: different coloured yarns or fibers are woven together to produce a speckled, muted colour.
Ex. purple yarns woven with a lighter colour, like white or grey will produce a muted purple fabric with
flecks of white or grey (depending on which was used). The most common heather colour is grey, but many
brighter coloured heathers are becoming popular. Triblends often resemble heathers.