If you're looking for a t-shirt that stands out from the crowd, Comfort Colors might be exactly what you need. This isn't your standard blank tee - it's a garment-dyed, vintage-look shirt that's become a favorite among brands, music artists, and anyone who wants to offer something with a little more character than the typical promotional tee.
At PixelPrint.la, we've printed thousands of Comfort Colors shirts, and we've learned exactly what makes them special (and what you need to know before ordering). This guide covers everything from their most popular styles to printing considerations, pricing, and when you should - and shouldn't - choose Comfort Colors for your project.
Comfort Colors is a premium blank apparel brand that's been around since 2006, known primarily for their garment-dyed t-shirts and long sleeves. Unlike most blank t-shirts that come fresh off the production line with that crisp, new-shirt feel, Comfort Colors puts their garments through an additional garment-dyeing process that gives them a soft, lived-in, vintage appearance right out of the package.
Here's what makes Comfort Colors unique: the shirts are first constructed and sewn, then dyed as a complete garment. This is different from most t-shirts, where the fabric is dyed first and then cut and sewn. This double-dye process - dyeing the fabric initially, then dyeing the assembled shirt again - creates that enzyme-washed finish and slightly faded, muted look that's become Comfort Colors' signature.
The result? Colors that aren't as bright and vibrant as standard tees, but that's intentional. The muted,faded tones give each shirt character and make it look like it's already been worn and washed a few times - in a good way.
The biggest problem Comfort Colors solves is differentiation. When everyone else is printing on the same basic Gildan or Next Level tees, Comfort Colors gives your brand or event something that stands out. It's for customers who don't want the same basic tee everyone else has.
When you hand someone a shirt on Comfort Colors versus a standard blank, they immediately notice the difference. The garment-dyed finish gives it a special feel - it's softer, has more texture, and has that vintage, washed, worn-in look that makes people think you put extra effort into your product.
This matters for brands. It shows your customers that you care about quality and differentiation. It's not just another cheap promotional tee - it's something they'll actually want to wear.
While Comfort Colors makes hoodies and sweatshirts, they're honestly not their strong suit. Their fleece items have much fewer color options and are significantly more expensive than alternatives, so most customers stick with what Comfort Colors does best: t-shirts and long sleeves.
The 1717 is the most requested Comfort Colors style, and for good reason. This is their signature garment-dyed t-shirt that comes in an incredible 56 different colors - more color variety than almost any other blank tee on the market.
Specs:
The 6.1 oz weight puts it on the heavier side without being obnoxious. It's heavy enough that you get great structure and durability, but not so thick that it's uncomfortable. This weight is what prevents the dreaded "bacon collar" waviness you get with thinner shirts and helps the shirt maintain its shape wash after wash.
The 6014 long sleeve is the second most popular style. It's basically the 1717 in long sleeve form - same garment-dyed process, same soft ring-spun cotton, same vintage vibe. Perfect for cooler weather or when you want a bit more coverage.
When customers are already willing to spend a few dollars more for Comfort Colors, many will go the extra mile and add a pocket tee. The 6030 features that same garment-dyed construction with the added detail of a chest pocket - another small way to differentiate your product and justify a slightly higher retail price.
This has become increasingly popular for brands that want a women's-specific fit. It features a boxy, cropped silhouette that's not too long - a fit that women seem to prefer over unisex tees. Same garment-dyed treatment, just with a more fashion-forward cut.
Yes, Comfort Colors offers youth sizes! The 9018 brings that same garment-dyed vintage look to kids' sizes, which is great for family events or brands that want consistency across all age ranges.
For those who want it all - long sleeves AND a pocket - the 4410 combines both features. It's a niche style but perfect for customers who want maximum differentiation.
Let's be real about how Comfort Colors compares to other popular blank t-shirts. Each brand has its place, and understanding the differences helps you choose the right blank for your project.
This is the comparison we get asked about most. Here's the honest breakdown:
Comfort Colors:
Gildan:
Bottom line: If budget is your main concern or you're doing giveaways, Gildan makes sense. If you're building a brand or selling retail and want something that feels premium, Comfort Colors is worth the $3 upcharge.
Both are considered "premium" blanks, but they achieve it differently:
Bella Canvas: Modern, fitted silhouette with super-soft, thin fabric. Clean, contemporary look. Great for fashion brands and retail.
Comfort Colors: Relaxed, slightly oversized fit with that vintage, lived-in aesthetic. More casual and laid-back vibe.
Think of it this way: Bella Canvas is for brands going for a modern, sleek look. Comfort Colors is for brands wanting that retro, authentic, vintage feel.
The most direct comparison for Comfort Colors is actually LA Apparel's 1801 GD (garment-dyed tee) and AS Colour's Faded T collection. All three offer that garment-dyed, vintage aesthetic.
LA Apparel 1801 GD: Very similar to Comfort Colors in look and feel. Made in USA. Slightly different color palette. Both run true to size with a relaxed fit.
AS Colour Faded T: Australian brand with a similar garment-dyed approach. Slightly different fabric composition and color options.
Comfort Colors tends to have better stock availability and more color options (56 colors for the 1717!), which is why we stock it as our primary garment-dyed option.
If you're going to buy Comfort Colors, you need to understand what "garment-dyed" actually means and what it means for your printing.
The garment-dye process works like this: Comfort Colors constructs the entire t-shirt first - cutting, sewing, assembling it completely. Then they dye the finished garment. Most other brands dye the fabric first, then cut and sew it into a shirt.
Why does this matter? That second dye creates the enzyme-washed finish that gives Comfort Colors their signature faded, lived-in look. The colors are intentionally more muted and not as bright - that's the whole point. You're getting a shirt that looks and feels like it's been worn a dozen times, straight out of the package.
Here's something important to know: shade variations are inherent in the pigment dye process. This means that two shirts in the same color might look slightly different. This isn't a defect - it's part of the garment-dyed aesthetic. Each shirt has its own character.
If you need perfect color consistency across hundreds of shirts, this might not be your brand. But if you're okay with subtle variations that add to the vintage vibe, it's actually a feature, not a bug.
Comfort Colors uses two different dyeing methods depending on the color:
Pigment Dye Colors: These provide that classic vintage look that will remain for the life of the garment. The pigments are insoluble color particles attached to the surface of the cloth using a binding agent. Most Comfort Colors shades use this method.
Reactive Dye Colors: These provide a more traditional dyed appearance while maintaining the same softness. These colors include Black, Chili, China Blue, Granite, Graphite, Midnight, Mystic Blue, Paprika, Red, Sage, Sapphire, Topaz Blue, True Navy, and White.
Some colors like Banana, Chambray, Island Green, Lagoon Blue, Sapphire, Terracotta, and Washed Denim are transitioning from reactive to pigment dye, so inventory may be mixed during this period.
One of the most common questions we get: "Does Comfort Colors run true to size?"
Short answer: Yes, pretty much. The 1717 and other Comfort Colors styles run true to size with a slightly oversized, relaxed fit. It's not dramatically oversized - just a bit roomier than a fitted tee.
Thanks to the garment-dye process and the heavier 6.1 oz fabric weight, Comfort Colors have almost no shrinkage when you wash them at home. The shirts are essentially pre-shrunk through the dye process.
This is a huge advantage over thinner shirts (like 4.5 oz fashion tees) that can shrink significantly after the first wash. The body weight and construction quality of Comfort Colors help them hold their structure wash after wash.
Like most major blank brands nowadays, Comfort Colors has adopted a slightly shorter cut. The days of super-long tees are gone. If you're used to older blanks, just know that modern Comfort Colors will have a contemporary length.
This is where Comfort Colors really shines: color variety. The flagship 1717 tee comes in 56 different colors - far more than most competitors.
The color palette leans toward muted, vintage tones rather than bright, saturated colors. You'll find:
If you're printing on Comfort Colors neon shades, be aware: these colors are more heat-sensitive than others. You need to maintain the lowest effective flash temperature and dwell time to prevent scorching the fabric.
One major advantage of Comfort Colors: excellent stock availability. We've had nearly zero issues with seasonality or out-of-stock situations, which is huge when you need to reorder or need consistent supply for a brand program.
Here's where we get into the real-world printing considerations. Comfort Colors isn't like printing on a standard blank - the garment-dyed fabric presents some unique challenges and opportunities.
Screen printing is absolutely the best way to print on Comfort Colors. The fabric weight and texture work beautifully with screen-printed ink, which absorbs deep into the fibers.
Important printing tips:
The garment-dye process agitates the fabric, leaving the fibers a bit raised and fuzzy. You can't just print on it like a smooth Gildan tee. Here's what we do:
Yes, it's a bit more work than printing on a standard tee. But the results are worth it - you get beautiful, durable prints on a premium substrate.
Embroidery works great on Comfort Colors. The fabric weight is substantial enough to support embroidery without puckering, and the soft ring-spun cotton takes the needle beautifully.
The relaxed, casual vibe of Comfort Colors actually pairs nicely with embroidered logos for a premium, high-end look.
Direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) printing are not ideal for Comfort Colors. Here's why:
Both DTG and DTF work best on smooth, flat fabric surfaces. Comfort Colors fabric is garment-dyed with a raised, fuzzy texture - basically the opposite of what DTG needs. The ink sits on top of those fuzzy fibers rather than bonding cleanly to the fabric surface.
You'll get inconsistent results, potential washability issues, and prints that don't look as crisp as they would on a smoother blank.
If you're planning to use DTG or DTF, honestly, choose a different blank. Save Comfort Colors for screen printing or embroidery projects.
If you're a brand planning to white-label Comfort Colors with your own neck tags, there's one significant issue you need to know about: the tags are sewn in, not tear-away.
Most blank manufacturers (like Gildan, Bella Canvas, Next Level) use tear-away tags specifically because they know brands will want to remove them and print their own neck labels. You just rip out the tag and you're ready to print.
Comfort Colors uses a thick, sewn-in tag that you have to physically cut out. This creates several problems:
We still do it for customers who want fully branded Comfort Colors shirts, but you need to factor this into your timeline and budget. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's definitely a consideration if you're planning to do custom neck labeling.
Let's talk numbers. Comfort Colors typically costs about $3 more per shirt than standard marketplace tees like Gildan.
Is it worth it? That depends on your use case:
Worth the premium for:
Not worth it for:
Wholesale pricing varies based on quantity, but you're generally looking at a price point that reflects the premium nature of the product. The good news: it's not dramatically more expensive than other premium brands like Bella Canvas or AS Colour.
After printing thousands of Comfort Colors shirts, here's where they work best:
1. Brand Merchandise
If you're building a brand and selling shirts retail, Comfort Colors is ideal. The vintage look and premium feel differentiate your product from competitors, and customers are willing to pay more for something that feels special.
2. Music Artists & Tour Merch
Musicians and bands love Comfort Colors for tour merchandise. It matches that authentic, worn-in aesthetic that music fans appreciate, and it's something they'll actually want to wear beyond the concert.
3. Boutique & Retail
Small boutiques and retail shops use Comfort Colors when they want to offer something different from what customers can find at big-box stores. The unique colors and vintage vibe create perceived value.
4. Premium Promotional Items
When you want promotional shirts that people will actually wear (not just toss in a drawer), Comfort Colors delivers. It shows you invested in quality.
1. Budget Events
Family reunions, school events, fundraisers - if the group is on a tight budget, they'll usually opt to save that $3 per shirt and go with Gildan. Can't blame them.
2. Corporate Orders (Usually)
Most corporate clients are budget-focused and ordering in large quantities. Unless it's a premium brand or they're specifically going for a casual, vintage vibe, they'll choose more economical options.
3. Sports Teams & Leagues
Sports orders are usually price-sensitive, and the vintage aesthetic doesn't always match the athletic vibe they're going for.
4. Mass Giveaways
If you're giving away hundreds of shirts at an event, the premium cost of Comfort Colors probably doesn't make sense.
For brands and customers who care about ethical manufacturing and environmental impact, Comfort Colors has some legitimate credentials:
This matters for brands that want to make responsible choices and customers who care about where their clothes come from.
Q: How do Comfort Colors hoodies and sweatshirts compare to the t-shirts?
A: Honestly? We don't recommend them. While the t-shirts are excellent, Comfort Colors hoodies and sweatshirts are expensive and have much fewer color options than the tees. There are many other brands (Independent Trading Co., Alternative Apparel) that do garment-dyed hoodies better and at better price points.
Q: What exactly is garment-dyed?
A: Garment-dyeing means the shirt is constructed and sewn first, then dyed as a complete garment. This is different from most shirts where the fabric is dyed before construction. This double-dye process creates that enzyme-washed, faded finish that Comfort Colors is known for.
Q: Does Comfort Colors shrink?
A: No, Comfort Colors has almost no shrinkage. The garment-dye process essentially pre-shrinks the shirts, and the heavyweight fabric maintains its structure through washing.
Q: Are Comfort Colors available in youth/kids sizes?
A: Yes! The 9018 Youth Tee offers the same garment-dyed quality in kids' sizes.
Q: What's the most popular Comfort Colors style?
A: The 1717 Adult Tee is by far the most popular, followed by the 6014 Long Sleeve. The pocket tee (6030) is also popular for customers who want that extra detail.
At PixelPrint.la, we stock Comfort Colors and specialize in screen printing on these premium garment-dyed blanks. We understand the specific printing requirements (underbasing, dye migration prevention, etc.) and have the experience to deliver excellent results.
Whether you're a brand looking for premium blanks, an artist needing tour merch, or a business wanting something better than basic promotional tees, we can help you leverage Comfort Colors to create something your customers will actually want to wear.
We offer:
Contact us for a quote on your next Comfort Colors project. We'll help you choose the right styles, colors, and printing methods to make your vision come to life.
Comfort Colors isn't trying to be everything to everyone, and that's actually its strength. It's a premium, differentiated product for customers who value quality, vintage aesthetics, and standing out from the crowd.
Choose Comfort Colors when:
Choose something else when:
The $3 premium per shirt is real, but so is the value. For the right applications, Comfort Colors delivers a product that customers notice, appreciate, and actually want to wear - and that's worth a lot more than $3.
Ready to get started with Comfort Colors? Contact PixelPrint.la for expert custom printing on premium garment-dyed blanks. Los Angeles' trusted source for quality screen printing since [year].