As Independence Day approaches, Americans nationwide are preparing for cookouts, fireworks displays, family reunions, and patriotic celebrations. One popular way to express their spirit during this national holiday is by wearing customized apparel, particularly custom t-shirts that showcase everything from the stars and stripes to hometown slogans and group logos.
Whether you’re designing shirts for a small business, a local parade, or a big family BBQ, the first and most important step is choosing the right wholesale tee shirts. At Got Apparel, we understand that a well-constructed blank t-shirt makes all the difference in achieving high-quality results with embroidery, screen printing, and heat transfers.
Here’s our carefully curated list of the top 10 blank tees that are not only popular sellers but also excel in stitching quality, comfort, and durability. Each shirt on this list is a proven favorite among decorators and customers and it’s easy to see why.
Bella + Canvas 3001 – Unisex Staple Tee
The Bella Canvas 3001 is often considered the go-to choice for premium custom embroidery. Made from Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this tee offers one of the softest and smoothest surfaces available for decorators. Embroidery needles glide effortlessly through the fabric, ensuring precise stitching and reducing the risk of puckering.
This shirt is known for its flattering retail fit, making it just as popular with individuals as it is with event organizers. It also comes in an extensive range of colors, including Independence Day-friendly hues like red, white, navy, and royal blue. For those looking to make their designs stand out while still having a shirt that is versatile enough to wear beyond the holiday, the Bella Canvas Apparel offers both comfort and versatility.
Gildan G500 – Heavy Cotton T-Shirt
If you’re looking for a workhorse of a t-shirt that holds up in every category—from embroidery quality to affordability—the Gildan 5000 is an excellent choice. It’s made of heavyweight 100% cotton, which means it’s tough enough to withstand dense embroidery patterns while maintaining its shape and color.
For large group orders, this shirt is a popular choice because of its consistent sizing, classic fit, and price point. Whether you are designing shirts for parade staff, local organizations, or Fourth of July festivals, the Gildan Apparel gives you a dependable blank tee that is built to last and easy to customize.
Comfort Colors 1717 – Garment-Dyed Tee
For those seeking a softer, more broken-in look, the Comfort Colors 1717 is ideal. This tee undergoes a special garment-dyeing process that gives it a relaxed, vintage appearance that fits perfectly with a rustic, Americana aesthetic. The thick ring-spun cotton provides a solid surface for embroidery, while the slightly worn look adds character to even the simplest designs.
Designers often select the Comfort Colors for outdoor holiday events where comfort and appearance both matter. It’s a flavored pick among boutique brands and small decorators looking to provide their customers with unique character.
Gildan 64000 – Softstyle Tee
A staple for decorators who want a soft feel without compromising structure, the Gildan 64000 features 100% ring-spun cotton and a modern silhouette. A smoother fabric weave makes embroidery easier to handle and results in a cleaner finish.
This t-shirt is a solid choice for customers who are seeking a balance between a contemporary fit and a budget-friendly price. Its availability in a wide range of sizes and colors means it’s easy to coordinate for teams, families, and community events. The Gildan Apparel 64000 also withstands multiple washes well—an essential feature for a shirt you’ll want to wear all summer.
Next Level 3600 – Premium Fitted Tee
The Next Level 3600 brings a touch of luxury to the world of blank tees. With its ultra-soft ring-spun cotton and fitted shape, this t-shirt feels higher-end right from the beginning. It serves as an excellent canvas for detailed embroidery, especially for those doing more intricate designs such as monograms, business logos, or patriotic patterns that involve multiple thread colors.
Although it may be priced slightly higher than the Gildan or Hanes basics, the overall quality and fit make the Next Level Apparel 3600 worth considering for brands and individuals seeking a modern, premium look for their custom apparel.
American Apparel 2001 – Fine Jersey Tee
For anyone prioritizing style and a snug fit, the American Apparel 2001 is an excellent choice. This slim-cut t-shirt is made from fine jersey cotton that’s smooth and uniform, making it one of the easiest fabrics to work with for embroidery.
Because of its trendy silhouette and urban appeal, this shirt is particularly popular among streetwear brands and younger audiences. The patriotic designs stitched on the American Apparel 2001 tee stand out not just in thread quality but also in overall aesthetic. It’s the type of shirt that people want to wear beyond Independence Day, making it a smart investment for long-term wearability.
Hanes 5250 – Tagless Comfort Tee
The Hanes 5250 combines comfort and practicality, a reliable blank tee with a tagless design, and preshrunk 100% cotton. It offers a comfortable fit that doesn’t feel boxy or oversized, and its softness makes it perfect for all-day wear at community barbecues or park events.
Due to its affordability and solid construction, it’s a common choice for schools, local organizations, and municipalities that require bulk apparel quantities for holiday events. The tagless design is an added benefit for individuals with sensitive skin, while the classic fit ensures that embroidery designs lie flat without becoming distorted.
Jerzees 29M – Dri-Power Blend Tee
For those planning to be outdoors in the summer heat, the Jerzees 29M brings in added value with its moisture-wicking Dri-Power® technology. The 50/50 cotton-polyester blend helps keep wearers cool and dry while still providing a durable surface suitable for embroidery.
This tee works particularly well for fun runs, outdoor games, parades, and other high-energy events where sweat resistance is important. The blend fabric also supports embroidery stitches well, resisting fraying and bunching even with denser thread counts.
Ultraclub 8620 – Cool & Dry Basic Performance Tee
Sleek and performance-driven, the Ultraclub 8620 is engineered for athletes and activewear enthusiasts who prioritize comfort and functionality. Its breathable Cool & Dry fabric wicks away sweat, keeping you cool during workouts or everyday wear. The fitted yet flexible silhouette ensures freedom of movement, while the smooth, moisture-resistant surface is ideal for bold sublimation prints and vibrant designs.
Fitness brands and designers looking for a premium, performance-ready tee favor this option for its durable stitching, lightweight feel, and modern athletic appeal. Perfect for gym wear, sports teams, or athleisure fashion.
Anvil 980 – Lightweight Ringspun Tee
The Anvil 980 is a reliable and lightweight option for summer wear. With ring-spun cotton and a slightly fitted shape, it offers decorators a clean canvas for embroidery while ensuring comfort. It’s not too thick, which keeps it cool in July heat, yet it is also sturdy enough to prevent puckering or shifting during the embroidery process.
It’s a favorite among decorators who prefer fine stitching or more minimalist designs. Great for slogans, symbols, or patriotic emblems, the Anvil Apparel 980 is a crowd-pleasing base tee that performs well time after time.
Final Thoughts: Your Custom Designs Deserve the Right Base
Creating custom apparel for Independence Day goes beyond just red, white, and blue—it involves quality, comfort, and a lasting impression.
poorly selected wholesale t-shirt can ruin even the best design with uneven stitching, discomfort, or color fading. But when you start with a high-quality base, every aspect—from embroidery to the final press—comes together perfectly.
At Got Apparel, we provide a selection of high-quality t-shirts at competitive prices, with a wide array of sizes and color options in stock. Whether you’re a small business, community group, or simply someone who enjoys making personalized shirts, these blanks are ready to bring your Fourth of July vision to life.
Order your favorites today and make this Independence Day one to remember—with shirts people will want to wear long after the fireworks fade.
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