What Is a Heavyweight T-Shirt: A Short Guide

As fast fashion’s popularity fades, people are increasingly looking for good quality and durability in their clothing. Heavyweight tees fit the bill perfectly—they will remain in the wearer’s wardrobe for the long run.

So let’s talk about them!

After reading this article, you’ll know what is a heavyweight t-shirt, what are the benefits of heavyweight tees, and the options you have with Printful.

What is a heavyweight t-shirt?

A heavyweight t-shirt is a type of tee made with denser, thicker fabric, typically weighing more than 6 ounces per square yard (oz./yd.²) or 180 grams per square meter (GSM).

In comparison, lightweight t-shirts are in the 120–150 GSM or 3.5–4.5 oz./yd.² range, while medium-weight tees are around 150–180 GSM or 4.5–5.3 oz./yd.²

Heavyweight t-shirts are usually made from cotton and are durable and sturdy yet breathable and soft. Nearly all of Printful’s heavyweight tees are made from ring-spun cotton, giving them an extra soft texture. 

Should you add a heavyweight shirt to your store? Absolutely. The heavyweight fabric makes the tees feel premium grade, these garments last longer, and the material makes print and embroidery look better. 

But that’s not all. Let’s take a look at all the advantages of heavyweight t-shirts. 

Why choose a heavyweight t-shirt?

Custom t-shirts are among the most saturated print-on-demand niches. If you want to be one of the brands associated with quality, the heavyweight tee is a garment that should be on your store. Here’s why . . .

1. Durability

Heavyweight t-shirts are synonymous with durability. Their thicker fabric withstands wear and tear much better than lighter tees, making them a long-lasting choice. Well-suited for everyday wear, they resist stretching and hold their shape over time, ensuring your customers get more value for their investment.

2. Warmth

In winter, heavyweight t-shirts can be worn as a cozy and warm base layer, thanks to their warmth-insulating fabrics. The denser material traps body heat, which makes it a practical and comfortable choice for cooler climates or seasons.

3. Reduced transparency

In contrast to thin, lightweight shirts that sometimes reveal too much, heavyweight shirts have a substantial, opaque fabric. This ensures discretion and a polished look, making them suitable for a range of occasions, from everyday wear to professional settings.

4. Shape retention

Unlike lighter fabrics, which can lose their form over time, heavy-material tees maintain their shape wash after wash. Thanks to the robust material that resists stretching and shrinking, the fit on the first wear remains consistent throughout the shirt’s lifespan.

5. Better print and embroidery results

T-shirt print results are directly tied to the material of the garment. If you’re looking for the most opaque result in direct-to-garment (DTG) prints, 100% cotton fabrics are your best bet. This fabric generally displays better results due to its tight weave.

As you can see in the images above, the print is smoother on the 100% cotton shirt, while the blended fabric has a vintage-esque look.

Valuable read: 7 Best Quality T-Shirts for Printing

As for embroidery, a heavyweight shirt is better because its thicker fabric provides a solid foundation for embroidery stitches, ensuring they hold their shape and don’t pucker or warp the fabric. Plus, the denser weave of heavyweight material better supports the weight and structure of embroidery, maintaining the integrity of both the design and the shirt over time.

6. Structured fit

The thicker fabric naturally holds its shape, providing a crisp, defined, yet relaxed silhouette that doesn’t cling to the body. This combination ensures a well-balanced blend of form and ease. A heavyweight tee is also ideal for an oversized fit for those who want comfort and a polished appearance.

7. Styling options

The fit and feel of a heavyweight t-shirt make it compatible with virtually any style. For a casual, laid-back look, it can be paired with jeans and sneakers. But a heavy, high-quality tee can also be worn with a suit for a modern twist on formal attire.

Where to find the material’s weight in Printful’s catalog

To find any tee’s fabric weight, find the shirt in our catalog and scroll down to Description. One of the bullet points will be the fabric weight.

Source: Printful

Printful heavyweight t-shirts

Since t-shirts continue to be one of the top bestselling print-on-demand products, we’ve put together a list of all the print-on-demand heavyweight tees you can sell with Printful.

Valuable read: 56 T-Shirt Design Ideas That Are Seriously Next-Level

In each category, we’ve arranged the shirts from heaviest to lightest. Let’s start with the most abundant and versatile heavyweight t-shirt selection—the unisex category. 

1. Unisex heavyweight t-shirts

These tees combine durability with a classic style that fits everyone. If you’re looking to diversify your offering with an option that appeals to a wide customer base, this is your best bet.

Oversized Tie-Dye T-Shirt, 7.5 oz./yd.² (254 g/m²). Source: Printful

Unisex Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt, 6.1 oz./yd.² (206.8 g/m²). Source: Printful

Unisex Garment-Dyed Pocket T-Shirt, 6.1 oz./yd.² (206.8 g/m²). Source: Printful

Unisex Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt, 6.1 oz./yd.² (206.8 g/m²). Source: Printful

2. Women’s heavyweight t-shirts

Now, let’s look at women’s heavyweight t-shirts: the perfect blend of durability and tailored style designed to complement the modern woman’s wardrobe.

All-Over Print Women's Crew Neck T-Shirt, 6.19 oz./yd.² (210 g/m²). Source: Printful

Oversized Faded T-Shirt, 7.1 oz./yd.² (201.28 g/m²). Source: Printful

3. Men’s heavyweight t-shirts

Last but not least, men’s heavyweight tees offer a robust and masculine fit, perfect for those who value a mix of sturdy construction and comfort in their attire.

All-Over Print Men’s Crew Neck T-Shirt, 6.19 oz./yd.² (210 g/m²). Source: Printful

Men’s Premium Heavyweight Tee, 6.5 oz./yd.² (220 g/m²). Source: Printful

Men’s Champion T-Shirt, 7 oz./yd.² (237.3 g/m²). Source: Printful

Over to you

Adding heavyweight t-shirts to your lineup means adding one of the bestselling print-on-demand products, which can definitely lead to more sales. They cater to diverse preferences, styles, and occasions, ensuring your brand stands out in the competitive apparel market with a product that promises durability, style, and comfort for all. 

All that’s left is to pick a heavyweight tee, design it, and add it to your store. Happy selling!

Read next:

• 25 Best Fonts for T-Shirts to Express Your Ideas

• A Step-by-Step T-Shirt Design and Logo Placement Guide

• The Most Popular T-Shirt Colors to Sell This Year