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Not all shirts can handle the needle. The ones that do? They’re built tough, with dense weaves and just the right weight to keep every stitch neat and every logo flawless.
Think durable cotton, sturdy cotton-poly blends, and textured polos that won’t twist or pucker.
This guide covers the best shirts for embroidery and what makes them ideal. We’ll also highlight some standout Printful options that turn your designs into professional, long-lasting pieces.
Main shirt features fit for embroidery
Before choosing your next blank, it’s important to understand what makes some t-shirts better for embroidery than others. Let’s quickly look at the key features that determine how your stitches will look and last.
Shirt material
The fabric is the foundation of any good embroidered t-shirt. The best results come from natural materials like 100% cotton or cotton-poly blends, which are tightly woven and durable enough to hold each stitch in place.
These shirts feel soft yet structured, making them ideal for clean embroidered designs. Avoid slick or highly stretch synthetic garments, as they can distort threadwork and weaken custom embroidery over time.
Fabric weight
Fabric weight refers to how heavy or thick a shirt feels. A medium-weight or heavier tee (usually 5 oz and above) offers the best results, keeping the embroidery secure and preventing puckering.
Lightweight t-shirts might wash or wear unevenly, causing distortion around your design. A solid, structured fabric helps maintain shape and quality, especially for everyday wear or polo-style apparel.
Design limitations
While modern embroidery techniques can handle a wide range of designs, there are still some practical limits. Overly intricate details, small text, or large, full-color graphics can be tricky to embroider cleanly.
Instead, focus on simple designs with clear lines and bold contrasts – they enhance visibility and keep the stitch work neat.
You can still create stunning custom looks, but remember – in embroidery, less thread can make a stronger statement.
20 Best shirts to embroider with your custom design
From classic tees and polos to tank tops, here are the best products to turn your stitched designs into wearable art.
Best blank t-shirts for embroidery
T-shirts are the ultimate embroidery playground – clean surfaces, endless style options, and just the right fabric to make your designs pop.
Unisex Staple T-Shirt | Bella + Canvas 3001
An icon among t-shirts, this Bella + Canvas favorite nails comfort and quality with buttery-soft fabric and a touch of stretch. It’s your shop’s next bestseller waiting to happen.
Colors: 50+ options
Sizes: XS-5XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, large center, left sleeve top, right sleeve top
Unisex Classic Tee | Gildan 5000
The Gildan 5000 brings a tougher edge to t-shirts – thick cotton fabric and clean lines built for daily wear. Every embroidered detail stands out, giving this tee that stylish streetwear vibe.
Colors: 35 options
Sizes: S-5XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, large center, left sleeve top, right sleeve top
Unisex Garment-Dyed Pocket T-Shirt | Comfort Colors 6030
This Comfort Colors tee delivers that lived-in vibe everyone loves – cozy, heavyweight cotton with vintage tones and a roomy pocket ready for embroidery or print.
Colors: 11 options
Sizes: S-2XL
Design placement: Left center, left sleeve top, right sleeve top
The Champion name says it all – premium quality, heavyweight cotton, and iconic streetwear appeal. Add your embroidery to amp up this classic tee that customers recognize and trust.
Colors: Black, navy, white
Sizes: S-2XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, large center
Women's Relaxed V-Neck T-Shirt | Bella Canvas 6405CVC
This v-neck t-shirt nails that easygoing, confident vibe with its delicate fabric, flowy shape, and flattering neckline to stand out.
Colors: 8 options
Sizes: S-2XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, left sleeve top, right sleeve top
Oversized Faded T-Shirt | AS Colour 5082
A t-shirt with true vintage soul – oversized, garment-dyed, and pre-shrunk for lasting quality. Its relaxed shape and faded tones make embroidery or print designs look effortlessly bold.
Colors: Faded black, faded khaki, faded eucalyptus, faded bone
Sizes: S-3XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, large center, left sleeve top, right sleeve top
Embroidered tank tops and muscle shirts
Built for warm days, workouts, and bold embroidery, these sleeveless shirts bring attitude and comfort in equal measure.
Men's Premium Tank Top | Cotton Heritage MC1790
This premium tank top feels thicker, smoother, and tougher than average. Its tight-knit fabric keeps embroidery crisp while offering a smooth, relaxed fit for all-day wear.
Colors: 13 options
Sizes: S-3XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest
Unisex Muscle Shirt | Bella + Canvas 3483
This relaxed-fit tank combines airy, soft cotton with wide-cut armholes – perfect for workouts or long beach days. Lightweight yet durable, it’s made for laid-back looks and gym-ready energy.
Colors: Black and white
Sizes: S-2XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, large center
Kids' and youth shirts for embroidery
From tiny tees to playground-ready shirts, Printful’s kids’ collection prioritizes comfort and lets your embroidery shine.
Youth Classic Tee | Gildan 5000B
Built tough for everyday chaos, this Gildan t-shirt uses thick cotton fabric that holds up through endless play. It’s the go-to shirt for school and kid-friendly logo designs.
Colors: 12 options
Sizes: XS-XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest
Organic Cotton Kids T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella STTK184
This eco-conscious tee offers soft, breathable organic cotton and bold color options. Perfect for playful embroidered art, it’s a sustainable win that parents love and kids actually want to wear.
Colors: Black, French navy, white
Sizes: 3-13
Design placement: Left chest, center chest
Youth Long Sleeve Tee | Bella + Canvas 3501Y
Soft, light, and full of movement, this long-sleeve t-shirt keeps things comfy for active kids. Its smooth fabric gives your embroidery or print designs a clean, polished finish.
Colors: Five options
Sizes: S-L
Design placement: Left chest, center chest
Baby Staple Tee | Bella + Canvas 3001B
This baby tee is as soft as it gets – made from airy combed cotton for all-day comfort. Add a cute embroidered name or playful design, and you’ve got instant keepsake material.
Colors: Black, pink, white
Sizes: 6-24m
Design placement: Center chest
Best embroidered crop tops
A tee with attitude. These cropped, bold, and laid-back options are built to show off your embroidery.
Women's Crop Top | AS Colour 4062
This 100% combed cotton shirt combines a smooth feel with a thick, high-quality fabric that keeps every stitch crisp. The relaxed cut, dropped shoulders, and cropped length give it a fun, effortless style that works for summer collections or business merch.
Colors: 10 options
Sizes: XS-XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest
Women's High-Waisted Tee | Cotton Heritage OW1086
This high-waisted tee brings vintage energy with a modern fit. The ultra-soft cotton, longline cut, and smooth surface make every embroidery pop with laid-back confidence.
Colors: Seven options
Sizes: S-XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, large center, left sleeve top, right sleeve top
Top long-sleeve tees to embroider
Long sleeves offer the perfect blend of style and substance. It gives you ample space for embroidery, comfort on cooler days, and versatility for year-round wear.
Men's Champion Long Sleeve Shirt
A premium cotton shirt with a relaxed fit and iconic Champion look. The fabric weight keeps it durable yet breathable, while the sleeve logo adds instant streetwear energy to your embroidery.
Colors: Black and white
Sizes: S-2XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, right wrist
Unisex 3/4 Sleeve Raglan Shirt | Tultex 245
This raglan tee gives vintage baseball vibes with its contrast sleeves and soft, ring-spun cotton. Reactive dyeing keeps the colors bold, helping your embroidered designs stay sturdy through every wash.
Colors: 11 options
Sizes: XS-2XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest
Unisex Long Sleeve Tee | Bella + Canvas 3501
Light but structured, this cotton long-sleeve tee is a popular choice for casual and polished looks. Its smooth fabric handles detailed embroidery beautifully – a must-have for any clothing line.
Colors: 15 options
Sizes: XS-2XL
Design placement: Left chest, center chest, large center, left wrist, right wrist
Best polo shirts for embroidery
Polos are where comfort meets class – a favorite for embroidery lovers who want a smart-casual vibe. From office-ready fits to sporty styles, these shirts keep things sharp.
Unisex Pique Polo Shirt | Gildan 64800
This Gildan polo keeps it classic with durable cotton pique fabric that feels soft but structured. The textured surface gives every embroidered logo a clean, standout finish you’ll love.
Colors: Black, navy, sport grey, white
Sizes: S-4XL
Design placement: Left chest, large center, left sleeve top, right sleeve top
Under Armour® Men's Polo Shirt
Performance meets comfort in this light, breathable shirt. With anti-odor technology and premium materials, it’s designed for long workdays or a round of golf – your embroidery stays crisp through it all.
Colors: Five options
Sizes: S-2XL
Design placement: Left chest, right sleeve top, left sleeve top
This 100% recycled fabric adidas polo combines eco-conscious design with pro-level comfort. Personalize it for teams, events, or everyday clothing that looks effortlessly refined.
Colors: Five options
Sizes: S-4XL
Design placement: Left chest, left sleeve top
Make custom embroidered t-shirts with Printful
With Printful, you don’t need to buy t-shirts, threads, or even sewing tools – everything’s handled in-house, from digitization to stitching.
It’s your one-stop shop for t-shirt embroidery. Simply pick a shirt and customize, and we’ll transform your ideas into durable, professional-quality apparel that’s ready to wear or sell.
Sign up and pick your shirts
Register for free, then browse the embroidery section in our Catalog. You’ll find tees, long-sleeve shirts, polos, and more for kids, adults, and unisex options. Filter by price, size, brand, and other criteria.
Customize embroidered designs
Open Printful’s Design Maker and upload your artwork – it’s where the best t-shirts come to life. Adjust the placement, preview your designs, and fine-tune colors. We’ll handle the technical side, digitizing your file for the best embroidery results.
Order for yourself or sell online
Order your custom embroidery apparel to wear, gift, or use as promotional items, or connect your shop to Etsy, Shopify, or other sales channels to start selling. There are no order minimums, so you can test new designs one shirt at a time.
Custom embroidery options with Printful
Embroidery at Printful blends craftsmanship with automation.
We digitize your custom designs so every stitch lands perfectly, transforming your artwork into textured thread. You only need to pay a one-time digitization fee for each design, and you can reuse it for future orders for the same type of embroidery and product type.
It’s the simplest way to create high-quality, embroidered t-shirts without owning any fabric, threads, or equipment. Simply upload your file, select a shirt, and we’ll take care of the rest.
With Printful, you have two embroidery options.
Standard embroidery
Standard embroidery (also called classic embroidery) uses traditional needle-and-thread craftsmanship to embroider your designs directly into the fabric. It produces that timeless, textured finish you’d expect from premium apparel – meant for logos, t-shirts, polos, and caps.
You can choose from 15 thread colors, with up to six colors per design. This gives your garments a polished, professional finish that lasts wash after wash.
If you’re going for classic looks, clear lines, and solid shapes, this is your best match.
Pro tip: Check out other product categories that support embroidery, such as hoodies, hats, jackets, blankets, aprons, and more.
Unlimited-color embroidery
Full-color embroidery is where creativity has no limit. This technique uses a single white, recycled polyester thread that’s dyed mid-stitch – no thread swaps, no hoop resets, no limits on your color choices.
It’s ideal for complex embroidered designs, multi-shade gradients, or modern branding with depth.
This option adds just $3.75 per design and delivers a truly premium look without traditional machine restrictions.
Pro tip: Explore our embroidery guide to see examples, setup tips, fabric weight recommendations, and file requirements that’ll help your next custom project shine.
Conclusion
The best t-shirts for embroidery combine premium fabric, ideal garment weight, and professional finishes – and Printful has them all. From setup to shipping, we take care of every step, so you can focus on design and creativity.
Start exploring our custom embroidery options today and turn your shirts into long-lasting pieces of wearable art.
Best shirts for embroidery: FAQ
Thick, tightly woven cotton or cotton-poly blends give the best results, holding every stitch securely. Avoid overly stretchy or shiny materials, as they can distort the design and weaken thread durability.
With Printful, you don’t need to stabilize anything – we handle it for you. Each shirt is framed in a hoop and backed with stabilizer to keep the fabric smooth and prevent puckering during machine embroidery.
Printful offers trusted brands like Bella + Canvas, Champion, and Gildan shirts. Each tee is carefully selected for its comfort, fabric weight, and ability to maintain clean, even stitches for embroidered designs that last.
The best t-shirts for embroidery are medium-weight or heavier cotton tees and polos. They’re durable, structured, and smooth, helping embroidered designs stand out with a premium finish and minimal puckering.
No order minimums at Printful – create and order one shirt or one hundred. Plus, when you place a bulk order of 25 or more t-shirts, we’ll digitize your designs for free.
By Baiba Blain
With 7+ years of experience in translation and creative writing, Baiba now leads a squad of talented writers, balancing research-backed storytelling with team guidance, quality assurance, and SEO processes. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring old castles, spontaneous road trips, and talking back to her cats. 10/10 arguments won so far.
