25 Most Popular T-Shirt Colors to Sell in 2025

As a custom apparel business owner, you’ve likely been asked about the most popular t-shirt colors. It’s a common question when learning how to start a t-shirt business. Deciding on the perfect shade is tough since everyone wants something that looks good, matches the occasion, and is practical.

To help you offer the best t-shirt colors to your customers, we reviewed our popular Bella + Canvas 3001 t-shirt collection. We determined the t-shirt color trends based on our customer bestsellers, considering a wide range of individuals and tastes.

In this post, we’ll share the most popular colors and links to the best quality t-shirts for printing. By knowing the top choices, you can help your customers make informed decisions.

What are popular shirt colors?

While t-shirt trends and in-style color palettes change, some of our top bestsellers remain black, white, navy blue, red, and gray custom t-shirts. Except for red, none of them are bright colors. However, that’s their key to popularity in t-shirt printing—a neutral background lets a vibrant design shine.

Valuable read: Best-selling T-Shirt Designs

What is the least popular shirt color?

Neon green and mustard yellow are often the least popular shirt colors in print-on-demand. It’s because their brightness overshadows many designs, and they don’t mix well with most wardrobes. The limited design colors and small end customer pool result in low demand.

However, these colors shouldn’t be discarded too quickly. Not every category is the same, and bright neons are still trending t-shirt colors in athletic and children’s clothing.

Valuable read: 8 Trendiest Summer T-Shirt Colors

Top 25 most popular t-shirt colors to sell

1. Black

Black apparel has long been a staple in closets everywhere (think the little black dress), and black t-shirts are no different. 

This classic t-shirt color matches different shirt styles and occasions effortlessly. And it goes well with almost any outfit or accessory, which allows for endless fashion possibilities. 

Plus, the color black’s ability to absorb light makes printed designs or logos more impactful. For instance, when printing on black t-shirts, the classic combo of black and white creates bold visuals, ensuring that every design detail stands out.

Source: Printful reviews

2. White

The classic white tee is another wardrobe essential, embodying simplicity at its finest. In the past, wearing a white tee and jeans to a fancy event might have seemed odd, but things have changed. 

Now, the white tee is a core piece that goes beyond fashion trends. It can be dressed up or down and can be found in many different looks. 

And the great thing about white is that it goes well with any color, which is perfect when designing custom t-shirts.

Source: Printful

3. Black heather

You might be wondering about the distinction between black and black heather, and why black heather is one of our most popular t-shirt colors. The difference lies in their appearance and fabric composition. 

Black is a solid, opaque color without any visible texture. In contrast, black heather has a distinctive heathered effect, featuring subtle variations in color and texture.

Black vs. Black Heather t-shirt. Source: Printful

All heather colors in the Bella + Canvas 3001 t-shirt collection are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, and 48% polyester. This blend combines the natural softness and breathability of cotton with the strength and wrinkle resistance of polyester. It offers a balance of comfort and durability, making it suitable for everyday wear.

Source: Printful

4. Dark gray heather

It’s easy to imagine why dark gray heather is the ultimate go-to for t-shirt printing. Picture this: a slightly different shade that effortlessly enhances any design you throw at it. With its dark gray hue (but still neutral vibe), it serves as the perfect backdrop. But it’s not just about the color—practicality is another reason to love dark gray heather. It wears well and doesn’t show many imperfections.

Source: metrotextilesnyc

5. Navy

People love navy because it’s versatile, works well with many styles and colors, and it’s practical—darker shades hide sweat marks and stains. Plus, as a dark backdrop, your logo on a navy blue t-shirt would stand out prominently wherever it’s placed.

Source: Printful

6. Athletic heather

Athletic heather is great t-shirt color for printing, especially for sportswear and activewear. It camouflages dampness and offers the perfect contrast for bright designs. This shade in our Bella + Canvas 3001 t-shirt collection is crafted from a blend of 90% combed and ring-spun cotton and 10% polyester. Meaning, it brings together the cozy comfort of cotton with the added durability and strength of polyester.

Source: Printful

7. Soft cream

Soft cream for a custom-printed t-shirt offers a subtle and refined look with timeless appeal that will enhance your print’s visibility. On the internet, you’ll find thousands of t-shirt design ideas for a soft cream tee—just look at what we came across: 

8. Red

Some of the softest t-shirts in the Bella + Canvas 3001 collection are the more solid colors, like red. These t-shirts are crafted from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, a fabric renowned for its exceptional softness, smoothness, and comfort. And the saturated red t-shirt color? Just as special. Pair it with complementary colors for a standout design.

Source: Printful reviews

9. Heather midnight navy 

Heather midnight navy combines dark navy blue with a subtle heathered look, resulting in a visually appealing blend. It’s a versatile and highly favored option for print-on-demand clothing because of its unique look. For a winning result, consider pairing it with white, yellow, or light blue designs.

10. True royal

With its rich and intense shade of blue, true royal blue is downright captivating. It’s a lighter tone than navy blue, and has regal beginnings. The title of this shade traces its origins back to England—the color was created for a competition to design a dress for Queen Charlotte. So, whether you seek a luxurious look or a simply bold pop of color for your custom design, true royal blue is a great choice. 

Source: Printful

11. Asphalt

Asphalt is like the cool cousin of a black tee—it’s modern, stain-resistant, but more original than just plain black. With its sleek look, this color goes well with any style and suits all skin tones.

Source: Printful reviews

12. Heather forest

Heather forest combines deep green with a heathered effect, giving it a rich yet textured look. This shade works well for nature-inspired designs, earth-tone palettes, or minimalist prints. Its muted tone makes it a great alternative to solid green, offering a slightly softer aesthetic without losing the boldness of a darker shade.

Source: horsetoothd.com

13. Heather deep teal

With its blend of green and blue undertones, Heather Deep Teal is a fan favorite. Not surprising, given its visually soothing look and ability to pair well with many different designs. This versatile color will add depth and dimension to your printed t-shirts.

Source: Printful

14. Forest 

Printing on a forest green t-shirt just screams earthy vibes. This deep, rich hue is associated with freshness and nature. It’s ideal for designs related to sustainability or outdoor activities. Pair it with a contrasting color in your design (like red) to give it vibrance.

Source: Printful

15. Kelly

The lively shade of Kelly green exudes energy and enthusiasm, making it perfect for creating attention-grabbing t-shirt prints. Named for a common Irish family name, it evokes the lush green Irish landscape. As a vibrant middle green, it’s great for fun, lighthearted designs.

Source: Printful

16. Pink

Pink is often associated with love, sweetness, and creativity, making it an excellent option for designs targeting a specific audience or conveying a particular message. The versatility of pink allows for a wide range of design possibilities, from cute and playful to bold and expressive.

Source: Printful

17. Heather dust

While soft cream embodies a warm and inviting tone, heather dust exudes a cool, muted aesthetic. If your planned design or company logo features cold hues, choosing a t-shirt that matches that tone creates a cohesive look. Heather dust also adds a touch of originality to your tee, as compared to using a plain white t-shirt.

Source: Printful

18. Light blue

Light blue is a popular t-shirt color because of its muted, relaxed look. Unlike darker shades of blue, which can come off as more intense, light blue is perfect for pairing with tons of different designs. Because it’s easy on the eyes, the shade is great for larger surfaces (like t-shirts) as a background color to show off your design.

Source: Printful

19. Ash

Ash is an excellent t-shirt color option for printing. Its light, muted tone provides a versatile backdrop for designs, making them stand out with a subtle, sophisticated touch.

Source: Printful

20. Heather true royal

This shade takes the vibrancy of traditional royal blue and softens it with a heathered finish. This blend creates a lived-in look while still providing a strong contrast for bright or light-colored prints. It’s a popular pick for athletic wear, casual streetwear, and designs that need a standout color base.

Source: elleemmy.com

21. Army

A staple in streetwear and outdoor apparel, this muted, earthy green makes an excellent neutral base for various designs. It suits rugged, military-inspired prints just as well as sleek, minimalist logos. Army pairs well with black, white, and tan, making it an adaptable choice for various branding styles.

Source: bellacanvas.com

22. Mauve

This warm pinkish shade has subtle earthy undertones, making it an elegant choice for custom prints. Its vintage look pairs beautifully with neutral tones for a refined appearance or deeper shades for contrast.

Source: sondersquare

23. Yellow 

When it comes to t-shirt colors, don’t overlook the power of yellow. This vibrant color is associated with positivity, energy, and warmth, making it a popular and versatile choice. Since it’s light in hue, you have the flexibility to print different themes and designs on a yellow tee—anything from a fun graphic to a formal logo. 

Source: Printful

24. Heather orange

With its mix of warmth and texture, heather orange is a standout choice. It’s often used for vintage-style prints, retro branding, and playful, energetic designs. Unlike solid bright orange, the heathered effect gives it a slightly faded, worn-in look.

Source: horsetoothd.com

25. Olive

Olive is an all-time favorite for those who want an earthy, muted green that feels stylish and timeless. It’s a go-to for outdoorsy brands, nature-themed prints, and casual everyday wear. This color complements warm, neutral tones and works well with simple and intricate designs alike.

Source: calebfaires.com

Color me ready

When it comes to selecting the best t-shirts for printing, color choice is often at the forefront. The right color helps set the tone and shape the message—for example, soft pastels bring playful energy, while colors like dark purple and deep teal add depth and sophistication. 

While it’s no surprise that muted and classic hues are among the most popular t-shirt colors, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon your bright, bold, and sunny t-shirt design ideas. Vibrant and colorful tees are still very much on trend for the right audience and offer endless design possibilities.

Source: Printful reviews

Once you’ve decided on the color, pairing the right shade with popular t-shirt styles can enhance the final look, whether you’re going for a trendy, minimalist aesthetic or a bold, statement-making design. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Valuable read: Best Types of T-Shirts to Boost Your Apparel Business