Our Thoughts
The Great T-Shirt Quest
11 October 2025
Here at Tiny Tropics, we're passionate about more than just great designs – we're obsessed with crafting the perfect canvas for them. We know that a fantastic design deserves an equally fantastic t-shirt, and that's why we recently embarked on a rigorous journey to find the absolute best blank tee for our print-on-demand collection.
We didn't just pick the first option that came along. Oh no, we dove deep, ordering samples from some of the most popular and respected t-shirt brands in the industry. Our mission? To scrutinize every detail and ensure that what you receive is nothing short of exceptional.
Our T-Shirt Contenders: The Top 5 We Put to the Test
We narrowed down our selection to five prominent brands, each with its own reputation. We carefully evaluated them based on three crucial factors:
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Material & Feel: How does it feel against the skin? Is it durable? Does it drape well?
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Price Point: Does it offer good value for its quality? Is it sustainable for our print-on-demand model?
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Color Availability: Do we have enough options to bring our diverse designs to life?
Let's meet the contenders:
Gildan 5000 - Great price point! However, the material felt scratchy and stiff.
Bella+Canvas 3001 - This material feels great, but we felt that it might not feel cooling in the tropical heat.
Comfort Colors 1717 - This tshirt looks great! Plus, we love how light and cool it is in the summer heat!
Bella+Canvas 3413 - This tshirt was a pretty close 2nd. However, we thought the material was a little too thin for our liking
Cotton Heritage Men's Premium Heavyweight Tee - Wow, this material is great for streetwear, but its not made for a hot day by the beach! We'd consider this in the future if we venture down that road!
After countless touch tests, drapes, and hypothetical "summer day" scenarios, one brand emerged as the clear champion for us! The Comfort Colors 1717.
Here’s why we fell in love with it:
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Unrivaled Comfort: This tee genuinely feels cool on a summer day, yet incredibly soft against the skin. It's that perfect balance of substance and breathability that we know you'll appreciate.
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Prints Pop! We were absolutely thrilled with how our designs rendered on the Comfort Colors 1717. The fabric surface provides an excellent base, allowing colors to truly shine and details to stand out with exceptional clarity.
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The Sweet Spot for Value: While not the cheapest option, the Comfort Colors 1717 offers the best value for money when you consider how it feels, its lasting quality, and the outstanding print results. We believe it delivers a superior product that justifies its price.
We understand that comfort, quality, and style are paramount when it comes to your favorite t-shirts. By choosing the Comfort Colors 1717, we're confident that every tee you order from Tiny Tropics will not only feature a design you love but also be a garment you'll want to wear again and again.
We're excited for you to experience the difference!