Buying wholesale blank apparel for the first time can feel like guesswork: how many of each size, which fabric, how much to test before you commit? Get it wrong and you are stuck with the wrong sizes or a blank that does not print the way you expected. This step-by-step guide walks US print shops, embroiderers and new apparel brands through placing a bulk blank order with confidence.
Step 1: Decide what you are making and how you will decorate it
Start with the end product. Are you making team shirts, event merch, a retail hoodie drop or private-label pieces? And how will you decorate: screen printing, embroidery or something else? The answer decides everything that follows, from fabric weight to color choice. A large full-chest screen print asks different things from a small embroidered logo.
Step 2: Choose the right blank
Compare blanks on the specs that affect your result, not just price:
- Fabric weight: heavier fabric feels more premium and hides show-through. See our comparison of 160 GSM vs 180 GSM t-shirts.
- Fiber blend: cotton for softness, polyester for durability and shape retention. Blends can affect how certain inks behave, so test them.
- Construction: look for details like a ribbed neck on tees and a double-layer hood and double-needle stitching on hoodies. Our guide to blank hoodies for screen printing goes into the details.
To see what we offer, browse our fleece hoodies (8 oz, 55% cotton / 45% polyester, S to 3XL) and cotton-blend t-shirts (160 GSM, 55% cotton / 45% polyester, S to 3XL).
Step 3: Plan your color and size mix
Ordering the same quantity of every size is a common first-timer mistake. Middle sizes usually sell fastest, and the extremes sell slowest. A typical starting point for a general audience looks like this, which you should adjust for your own customers:
| Size | S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share of order | 10% | 25% | 30% | 20% | 10% | 5% |
| Example: 100 pieces | 10 | 25 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 5 |
For team or event orders, use the real size list from your group instead. For retail, start with your best-selling colors (usually black, navy and charcoal) and add seasonal colors once you see what sells.
Step 4: Test with a small order first
Before you commit to hundreds of pieces, order a few in the colors and sizes you plan to use, then print or embroider them with your real artwork. Check the ink cure, wash a print several times, and look at how the garment fits and holds its shape. A small test order costs little and can prevent an expensive mistake.
Step 5: Work out your real cost per piece
The blank is only part of your cost. Add up the blank, decoration (ink, screens, setup, thread), shipping, and a small allowance for misprints, typically a few extra pieces in the run. Free shipping applies to our orders over $100, so a larger combined order can lower your per-piece cost. Divide the total by the number of sellable pieces to get your true cost, then set your price from there.
Step 6: Place your order and double-check availability
When you are ready, add the exact sizes and colors you planned to your cart. Check that every size you need is in stock, since it is easier to change an order than to wait for a second shipment. If you have a large or custom requirement, or want to discuss quantities before ordering, contact us with what you need.
Step 7: Inspect your delivery before you decorate
When your order arrives, check it before you start printing. Confirm the quantities match, that colors are consistent across the boxes, and that the sizes are correct. Spotting a problem before decoration means you are not paying to print on a garment you cannot use.
Step 8: Reorder from the same source
Once your first run sells, reorder from the same supplier. Sticking with the same blank keeps fit, fabric weight and color consistent from one batch to the next, so your customers get the same product each time and your print settings stay the same.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the sample and testing on the full run.
- Ordering equal numbers of every size.
- Choosing a blank on price alone without checking weight, blend and construction.
- Forgetting to include decoration and shipping in your cost per piece.
- Switching suppliers between orders and getting a different fit or color.
Frequently asked questions
What blank apparel do you sell?
Unisex fleece pullover hoodies (8 oz, ten colors) and unisex cotton-blend t-shirts (160 GSM, four colors), both in sizes S to 3XL.
Is there free shipping?
Yes, free shipping applies to orders over $100.
Can I get a quote for a large or custom order?
Yes. Send us a message with your quantities, colors and sizes and we will get back to you.
Ready to place your first order?
Start with our wholesale fleece hoodies and cotton-blend t-shirts, or get in touch and we will help you plan it.