15 Best T-Shirt Brands for Custom Company Apparel in 2025
Finding the best t-shirt brand for your company’s promotional apparel or event giveaways comes down to comfort, quality and customization. With so many options available, it’s important to choose branded t-shirts that not only fit well and feel great but also reflect your brand’s image and purpose.
At Pinnacle Promotions, we work with the top t-shirt brands in the industry, from retail favorites like Nike and adidas to value-driven options like Hanes and Gildan. Below, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best t-shirt brands that combine comfort, durability and style, plus our top product pick from each.
1. Hanes®
Hanes has been a household name in American apparel for over a century. Known for delivering consistent quality at an accessible price point, Hanes offers everything from classic crew necks to modern tagless styles. Their ring-spun cotton options provide a softer hand feel compared to standard open-end yarns, making them comfortable for all-day wear without breaking your budget.
Ideal for: bulk orders, giveaways and budget-friendly uniforms.
Top Pick: Hanes Men’s Perfect-T Cotton T-Shirt
This lightweight, contemporary-fit tee combines soft ring-spun cotton with modern design details like a narrow rib knit collar and slightly rolled forward shoulders. Perfect for showcasing your custom logo in comfort.
2. Gildan®
Gildan is the go-to choice when you need dependable basics in every color and size imaginable. Their consistent fit across styles and reliable construction make them ideal for screen printing and large-scale promotional events. Gildan’s extensive color palette means you can perfectly match your brand colors, while their value pricing keeps your promotional budget in check.
Ideal for: high-volume promotional events and screen printing.
Top Pick: Gildan Softstyle® T-Shirt
This soft ring-spun cotton tee offers a modern classic fit that’s perfect for everyday wear or branded promotions. Available in vibrant and heathered colors, it’s a versatile choice that can be custom-decorated to showcase your brand.
3. Carhartt®
When durability is non-negotiable, Carhartt delivers. Built for hardworking professionals, Carhartt tees feature heavyweight cotton construction that stands up to tough job sites and frequent washing. Their Force technology line adds moisture-wicking capabilities to their legendary durability, making them a smart choice for active work environments.
Ideal for: construction, trades and outdoor workforce uniforms.
Top Pick: Carhartt® Force Short Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt
This midweight pocket tee fights sweat and odor with Carhartt Force® and FastDry® technology, keeping your team comfortable during hard work. UPF 25+ sun protection and a relaxed fit make it ideal for outdoor crews.
4. BELLA+CANVAS
BELLA+CANVAS has revolutionized the promotional apparel space with their retail-quality fabrics and fashion-forward fits. Their ultra-soft ring-spun cotton feels premium to the touch, while their commitment to sustainable manufacturing resonates with environmentally conscious brands. The fitted, modern silhouettes appeal to style-conscious recipients who want promotional apparel they’ll actually wear.
Ideal for: modern brands, startups and retail-style giveaways.
Top Pick: BELLA+CANVAS Unisex Jersey T-Shirt
Made from airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this retail-fit tee offers lived-in softness right out of the package. The side-seamed construction and shoulder taping provide a quality feel that elevates your branded apparel program.
5. Comfort Colors
Comfort Colors brings a unique vintage aesthetic to promotional apparel. Their garment-dyed process creates rich, lived-in hues with slight variations that give each shirt character. The heavyweight ring-spun cotton construction feels substantial and durable, while the soft-washed finish delivers exceptional comfort that only gets better with time.
Ideal for: creative brands, summer campaigns and college swag for events.
Top Pick: Comfort Colors Heavyweight Ring Spun Pocket Tee
This 6.1-ounce tee features soft-washed, garment-dyed fabric with a double-needle collar and twill-taped neck. The single-needle left chest pocket adds casual style while the substantial weight ensures lasting quality.
6. Nike®
Nike brings performance and prestige to your branded apparel program. Their Dri-FIT technology actively wicks moisture away from skin, keeping wearers cool and dry during physical activity. The athletic cuts and premium fabrics make Nike tees a natural fit for corporate fitness initiatives, sports teams and brands that want to associate themselves with athletic excellence.
Ideal for: corporate fitness events, sports teams and active employee uniforms.
Top Pick: Nike Swoosh Sleeve rLegend Tee
Built with recycled polyester and advanced Dri-FIT technology, this lightweight tee delivers comfort and moisture management for any activity. The heat-transfer label ensures tag-free comfort while your custom logo takes center stage.
7. Adidas®
Adidas combines modern athletic style with sustainability-focused materials. Many of their shirts incorporate recycled polyester, appealing to environmentally conscious organizations. The contemporary cuts and iconic three-stripe branding lend credibility to athletic programs while the performance fabrics keep participants comfortable during active pursuits.
Ideal for: tech companies, youth programs and sporty brand activations.
Top Pick: Adidas Women’s Blended T-Shirt
This regular-fit tee blends recycled polyester with cotton for comfort and sustainability. The ribbed collar and contrast adidas logo on the left sleeve add athletic style to your branded apparel collection.
8. Next Level
Next Level delivers premium softness at mid-tier pricing. Their ring-spun cotton fabrics rival retail brands in quality, while their modern fits complement a wide range of body types. The brand has built a reputation for consistency in sizing and construction, making them reliable for programs that need to reorder specific styles over time.
Ideal for: branding programs needing retail-grade softness without premium pricing.
Top Pick: Next Level Unisex Tri-Blend Tee
This incredibly soft tri-blend fabric combines polyester, combed ring-spun cotton and rayon for a lightweight feel with excellent durability. The modern fit and side-seamed construction create a comfortable everyday essential.
9. American Apparel
American Apparel appeals to brands that prioritize ethical manufacturing and minimalist aesthetics. Their fitted silhouettes and fashion-forward cuts suit creative industries and urban brands. The heavyweight cotton construction and garment-dyed finish create a vintage look that stands out from standard promotional tees.
Ideal for: urban, creative or sustainability-minded brands.
Top Pick: American Apparel® Unisex Heavyweight Cotton Garment-Dyed Tee
Made from 100% US cotton and garment-dyed for a vintage faded look, this 6-ounce tee features a relaxed fit and seamless body. The recycled tear-away label adds to the minimalist appeal.
10. District®
District specializes in trendy, lightweight tees designed for decoration versatility. Their contemporary fits and soft fabrics appeal to younger audiences, while the extensive color selection supports creative branding initiatives. District tees bridge the gap between promotional pricing and retail styling.
Ideal for: youth programs, casual company swag and events.
Top Pick: District Perfect Weight® Short Sleeve Tee
Made from smooth 40-singles yarn, this lightweight cotton offers the perfect weight for layering or solo wear. The fitted shape and rib knit crewneck create a modern look that works for any casual setting.
11. Port & Company®
Port & Company provides dependable corporate basics that balance quality and value. Their straightforward construction and consistent sizing make them reliable for large uniform programs. The brand’s extensive range of colors and styles ensures you can outfit entire teams while maintaining budget flexibility.
Ideal for: large uniform programs, trade shows and nonprofit events.
Top Pick: Port & Company Core Cotton Tee
This budget-friendly tee combines quality materials with vibrant color options, including neon shades. The removable tag allows easy relabeling, making it versatile for customization projects.
12. Sport-Tek®
Sport-Tek specializes in performance apparel that keeps active teams comfortable. Their moisture-wicking fabrics and athletic cuts suit corporate fitness challenges, recreational leagues and any program where movement matters. PosiCharge technology locks in color and logos even after repeated washing, ensuring your brand stays vibrant.
Ideal for: athletic teams, fitness initiatives and active workforces.
Top Pick: Sport-Tek Competitor Tee
This lightweight polyester interlock tee features moisture-wicking fabric and PosiCharge technology to keep your brand in check. The roomy, comfortable fit and removable tag make it perfect for active promotional use.
13. OGIO®
OGIO brings performance-driven design to branded apparel programs. Their stay-cool wicking technology and athletic cuts appeal to active professionals and modern company stores. Reflective details add safety for outdoor activities while the technical fabrics maintain comfort during demanding workdays.
Ideal for: teams and modern company merch stores.
Top Pick: OGIO® ENDURANCE Men’s Peak Tee
This performance tee features stay-cool wicking technology and reflective details for visibility. The poly/cotton jersey blend and flatlock seams ensure comfort during active use.
14. Allmade®
Allmade leads the industry in sustainable t-shirt production. Their tri-blend fabric combines organic cotton, recycled polyester and TENCEL™ for exceptional softness with minimal environmental impact. Each shirt uses the equivalent of up to six recycled plastic bottles, allowing brands to demonstrate environmental commitment through their promotional choices.
Ideal for: brands prioritizing sustainability and social impact in their apparel.
Top Pick: Allmade® Unisex Tri-Blend Tee
Feel your impact in this sustainable tee that uses the equivalent of up to six recycled plastic water bottles. The tri-blend fabric delivers crazy-soft comfort while supporting environmental responsibility.
15. JERZEES®
JERZEES offers practical, affordable basics that work for everyday promotional needs. Their cotton/poly blends resist shrinking and maintain shape through repeated washing. The brand’s reliable performance at economical pricing makes them a smart choice for programs with limited budgets but high volume needs.
Ideal for: budget-conscious promotional programs and everyday workwear.
Top Pick: JERZEES® 50/50 Cotton/Poly Pocket T-Shirt
This preshrunk cotton/poly blend offers durability and easy care. The seamless body with set-in sleeves and 5-point left chest pocket provide practical style for daily wear.
How to Choose the Right T-Shirt Brand
Not all t-shirts are created equal. Before you pick a brand, consider the purpose, audience and environment where the shirts will be worn. Here are a few key factors to guide your decision:
1. Fabric & Feel
Look for materials that match your priorities:
- Cotton delivers softness and breathability for all-day comfort
- Ring-spun cotton takes softness to the next level with a smoother, more refined texture
- Cotton/poly blends add durability and moisture-wicking performance, ideal for active settings
- Tri-blend fabrics combine the best qualities of polyester, cotton and rayon for exceptional softness with a vintage feel
2. Fit & Style
From classic crew necks to modern slim fits, consider how your audience will wear the shirts. Retail-style brands like BELLA+CANVAS and Next Level offer more fashion-forward fits, while Hanes and Gildan deliver standard comfort for any setting.
Choose from:
- Short sleeve styles for everyday wear
- Long sleeve options for cooler weather
- Crew necks for universal appeal
- V-necks for a more casual look
3. Purpose & Durability
For workwear or outdoor use, choose heavyweight cotton options from Carhartt or Port & Company that stand up to demanding conditions. For events or active settings, performance tees from Nike or Sport-Tek hold up under movement and moisture while keeping wearers comfortable.
4. Decoration Options
Some materials hold screen printing or embroidery better than others. Cotton blends are best for bold, long-lasting prints, while performance materials require special decoration methods to ensure your logo stays vibrant through repeated wear and washing.
Choose the Best T-Shirt Brand for Your Custom Apparel
Picking the right t-shirt brand is about more than just the logo. It’s about representing your company in comfort and style. Whether you need budget-friendly basics or premium performance apparel, Pinnacle Promotions offers all the top brand name promotional products in one place with expert decoration and fast turnaround times.
Pinnacle Knows Promo, and it shows in the way we help you find exactly what your brand needs. With over 30 years of experience, we make custom apparel easy.
Need to complete your uniform program? Explore our guides to the best hat brands and best sweatshirt brands for comprehensive apparel solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best t-shirt brand for promotional use?
Brands like Hanes, Gildan and Port & Company are popular for large orders due to their affordability, consistent sizing and decoration-friendly fabrics.
What is the softest t-shirt brand?
BELLA+CANVAS and Next Level are known for ultra-soft, retail-quality fabrics that provide a premium feel for giveaways or corporate swag.
Which t-shirt brands are best for screen printing?
Gildan, Hanes and Comfort Colors use cotton or cotton-blend fabrics that hold ink exceptionally well, ensuring crisp, long-lasting designs.
What are the most sustainable t-shirt brands?
Allmade and American Apparel use eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing, making them top picks for sustainability-focused brands.
What’s the difference between performance and cotton t-shirts?
Performance shirts like Nike or Sport-Tek are made with polyester blends that wick moisture and resist odor, while cotton tees like Gildan or Comfort Colors prioritize comfort and breathability.