Bulk blank t-shirts

When sourcing blank T-shirts, the fabric weight (GSM - Grams per Square Meter) is the primary indicator of quality; standard shirts range from 150-180 GSM, while heavy-duty premium options exceed 200+ GSM. You must verify the material blend, such as 100% Combed Cotton for softness, Organic Cotton (GOTS certified) for sustainability, or CVC (Chief Value Cotton) blends for better shrinkage resistance and durability. Always request a fabric swatch or pre-production sample to test for hand-feel and breathability.

If the T-shirts are intended for secondary processing, ensure the fabric is enzyme-washed to create a smooth surface for DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing or Screen Printing. For sublimation, a minimum of 60-100% Polyester content is required. Additionally, check for 'Tear-away labels' which allow for easy rebranding, and confirm the use of reactive dyes to ensure high colorfastness (Grade 4 or higher) so the shirts do not bleed during washing.

To ensure market entry and consumer safety, prioritize suppliers with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, which guarantees the absence of harmful substances. For the US market, compliance with CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) is mandatory for children's apparel. If your brand focuses on ethical sourcing, look for manufacturers with BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) or WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) audits to ensure fair labor practices.

Sizing varies significantly between Asian, European, and US charts. You must provide a detailed Size Specification Sheet (Tech Pack) including measurements for chest width, body length, and sleeve opening. Demand a tolerance limit of +/- 1cm to 1.5cm and ensure the supplier uses pre-shrunk fabrics to prevent the T-shirts from shrinking more than 3-5% after the first consumer wash.

Always utilize Secure Payment Services provided by reputable platforms like Made-in-China.com, which offer escrow-style protection. Never wire full payments upfront to unknown accounts; instead, follow a 30% deposit and 70% balance payment structure upon presentation of the Bill of Lading (B/L) and a successful Third-Party Inspection (TPI) report.

Negotiate based on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) rather than just the unit price. Ask for tiered pricing (e.g., 500, 1000, and 5000 units) to see where the economies of scale kick in. If you are a startup, negotiate a lower MOQ for the initial 'test order' by promising a larger volume for the second run, or choose suppliers that keep ready-to-ship (RTS) blanks in stock.

Apparel is often subject to specific HS Codes (e.g., 6109.10 for cotton T-shirts) which determine import duties. Work with a freight forwarder experienced in DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms if you want a hassle-free experience, or FOB (Free On Board) if you want more control over shipping costs. Ensure all cartons are double-walled and moisture-proofed with silica gel packets to prevent mold during long sea transit.

Check if the supplier is an 'Audited Supplier' on Made-in-China.com, which indicates their business license and factory premises have been verified by independent agencies like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or TÜV Rheinland. Request a video walk-through of the production line and check their export history to your specific country to ensure they understand your local quality requirements.