Shoppers search for blanks by style number, and three names come up again and again: the Gildan 64000 Softstyle, the Comfort Colors 1717, and the Next Level 3600. They're staples at big distributors, and each one has a loyal following. But which is right for your brand, and are there lower-cost options that give you a similar result? Let's compare.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Style | Approx. weight | Fabric | Fit & feel | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan 64000 Softstyle | ~4.5 oz | Ring-spun cotton (heathers are blends) | Classic unisex, soft | Soft feel at a value price |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | ~6.1 oz | Ring-spun cotton, garment-dyed | Relaxed, heavyweight | Vintage, lived-in look |
| Next Level 3600 | ~4.3 oz | Combed ring-spun cotton | Fitted, lightweight | Retail fit and smooth print surface |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | ~4.2 oz | Airlume combed ring-spun cotton | Modern retail fit | Ultra-soft, fashion brands |
Specs are approximate and can vary by color. Always check the manufacturer's spec sheet.
Gildan 64000 Softstyle
The Softstyle is Gildan's answer to the retail-soft tee. It's lighter and softer than the classic Heavy Cotton, and it's a favorite for DTF and screen printing because of its smooth surface. At Halo26 we carry it as the Gildan G640 Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt, in sizes up to 6XL.
Choose it if: you want a recognizable brand name with a softer hand than the G500. For a deeper look at the Gildan family, read Gildan G500 vs G640 vs G200.
Comfort Colors 1717
The 1717 is heavyweight and garment-dyed, which gives it that faded, vintage look. It's hugely popular for teacher shirts, Greek life, and boutique brands. The trade-off is price: it's typically one of the most expensive blanks per piece.
Budget alternative: for a heavier, retail-ready feel in muted "comfort" tones, try the K31103 175 GSM midweight tee in light sage, sand, mint, and cantaloupe. It isn't garment-dyed, but it gives you a similar color story and a substantial feel at a fraction of the cost.
Next Level 3600 and Bella+Canvas 3001
These are the go-to tees for fashion-forward brands that want a slimmer retail fit and a very smooth print surface.
Budget alternative: the Casual Classics CR1500 is 150 GSM, 100% soft ringspun cotton, and screen print ready, with sizes up to 5XL. The 3M502 is another 100% cotton, 30-singles option that's DTF ready. Learn more in Casual Classics Blank Tees.
What About the Classic Gildan 5000?
If durability and price matter more than softness, the Gildan G500 Heavy Cotton is still the workhorse for events, uniforms, and bulk orders. It comes in 17 colors and sizes up to 6XL. Prefer an even heavier Gildan? See the Gildan G200 Ultra Cotton.
How to Choose
- Vintage, heavyweight vibe: Comfort Colors 1717, or the K31103 for a budget alternative
- Soft feel with a trusted name: Gildan 64000 / G640 Softstyle
- Fitted retail look: Next Level 3600 or Bella+Canvas 3001, or the CR1500 for less
- Lowest cost per piece: the 3M135 for events and giveaways
Not sure which fabric fits your design? Read cotton vs. polyester vs. blend, and see our best blank t-shirt colors to stock.
FAQ
Is the Gildan 64000 the same as the G640?
Both are Gildan Softstyle tees. Style numbers can differ by distribution channel, but they share the same soft, ring-spun construction.
Why is Comfort Colors more expensive?
It's a heavier fabric and garment-dyed after sewing, which adds cost and gives it the signature washed look.
Which blank is best for DTF?
All of these work well with DTF. Cotton and ring-spun cotton give a smooth surface for sharp prints. Test with our free DTF sample pack, then order custom DTF gang sheets.
Shop wholesale blank t-shirts at Halo26 and get a premium look without premium blank prices.