Not all blanks are created equal. Learn how to read fabric specs, GSM ratings, and fit notes in the ACBuy t-shirt section.
T-shirts are the most common first purchase on ACBuy because they are affordable, easy to size, and quick to ship. However, the t-shirt category is also where buyers most often misunderstand what they are buying. The term blank refers to the underlying garment before any print or design is applied, and blanks vary enormously in fabric weight, construction, shrinkage, and fit. In 2026, the ACBuy spreadsheet has improved its blank labeling with more specific fabric codes and GSM values, but you still need to know how to interpret them. This guide teaches you to read blank specs like a manufacturer.
Blank Fabric Types Compared
| Fabric Type | Feel | Shrinkage | Best For | Common GSM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carded cotton | Slightly rough, matte | High (5-8%) | Budget prints, basics | 160-200 |
| Ring-spun cotton | Soft, smooth | Medium (3-5%) | Daily wear, premium feel | 180-240 |
| Combed ring-spun | Very soft, refined | Low (2-4%) | High-end prints, comfort | 200-280 |
| Triblend | Stretchy, silky | Very low | Athletic, fitted styles | 140-180 |
| Heavyweight cotton | Thick, structured | Medium | Streetwear, oversized | 240-320 |
Reading GSM and Weight
GSM, or grams per square meter, is the standard measure of fabric weight in the ACBuy spreadsheet. It directly correlates with opacity, drape, and durability. A 160 GSM tee is lightweight, breathable, and slightly see-through on lighter colors. A 200 GSM tee is the standard weight for most retail brands and offers a good balance of comfort and structure. A 240 GSM or higher tee is considered heavyweight and has a structured, streetwear-style drape that holds its shape. The spreadsheet now lists GSM for most t-shirt entries, making it easy to filter by weight preference before you even look at designs.
Fit Profiles: Slim, Regular, and Oversized
Fit is where most spreadsheet entries include a note, but the terminology is not standardized. Slim fit usually means tapered through the torso with narrower sleeves. Regular fit is the classic straight cut that most retail brands use as their default. Oversized or boxy fit means wider body panels, longer sleeves, and often a dropped shoulder seam. The critical detail is that oversized does not simply mean larger. A size medium oversized tee might have the same chest measurement as a size large regular tee, but the shoulder drop and sleeve length are designed for a different silhouette. If the spreadsheet includes a measurement chart, compare the shoulder width and sleeve length to a tee you already own, not just the chest measurement.
T-Shirt Buying Checklist
- Identified the blank type and GSM from the spreadsheet
- Matched GSM to my climate and intended use
- Checked fit note: slim, regular, or oversized
- Compared measurement chart to a tee I own
- Searched the batch code for shrinkage reports
- Confirmed print method if graphic tee
Print Durability on Different Blanks
The blank fabric affects how well a print lasts. Carded cotton has a more open weave that allows ink to penetrate deeply, making screen prints durable but giving a slightly rough texture. Ring-spun and combed cotton have a tighter, smoother surface that produces cleaner print edges but can be slightly less forgiving of low-quality ink deposits. Triblend fabrics require special ink formulations because the polyester content repels standard water-based inks. If the spreadsheet lists the print method and the blank type together, you have a powerful combination for predicting durability. When either is missing, search the batch code on reddit acbuy for wear-test photos after multiple washes.
Shrinkage and Care
Cotton shrinks. This is unavoidable, but the degree varies by fabric type and how the blank was pre-treated. Preshrunk or pre-washed blanks have already gone through an industrial wash cycle and will shrink less in your home laundry. Non-preshrunk blanks can lose three to eight percent of their length and width on the first hot wash. The spreadsheet sometimes notes whether a blank is preshrunk. If not, assume it is not and size up if you are between sizes. For maximum longevity, wash inside-out in cold water and air dry. This applies to every tier but is especially important for printed tees where heat drying accelerates cracking.
Quick Tips
Start with 200 GSM ring-spun
It is the safest default for most buyers: soft, durable, and moderately priced.
Size up for non-preshrunk
If the blank is not labeled preshrunk, add one size to your usual preference to account for shrinkage.
Check neck label QC
Neck labels are a common QC issue. Ask for a close-up in warehouse photos if brand accuracy matters.
