Overview
The Econscious EC1000 Organic cotton t-shirt is a less-commonly available option for businesses using a print-on-demand model. Econscious as a brand is not universally offered at POD suppliers, although it seems to be gaining traction.
When I started my research, only Printful offered this shirt. At time of this writing (October 2021) it’s now also available from Printify. This is one of the most expensive options I’ve reviewed so far with a more limited color palette and size range than other styles.
The Econscious EC1000 t-shirt is very good quality but is pricey with smaller-than-average color and size ranges. But if you are marketing to the right customer base, the organic material could be a great selling point.
This post is part of a research project into the best print-on-demand t-shirt options. I’ve summarized my findings in a separate post and am also providing more detailed reviews of the individual options.
I’ve sewed and enjoyed a variety of needlework for almost my entire life, having a solid background in textiles and garment construction. I’ve relied on this lifetime of experience as I evaluated each sample.
Methodology
In order to better compare all of the styles, I used the following approach:
- Unisex size XL
- Two colors: 1 black, 1 white (or closest equivalent)
- Same design file. I did have to resize for one or two shirts depending on the vendor, but I was starting with an Illustrator file and so could keep the same resolution.
- Measured 3 points on each shirt upon receipt:
- Center back from base of collar to hem
- Chest width just below the arm hole
- Sleeve length from shoulder seam to hem along the top center
- Washed each shirt twice using the label instructions and then remeasured along the same points.
I examined the construction and fabric quality of each sample. The print quality was part of my evaluation, but I considered it a secondary factor for this particular project.
Certain parts of my conclusions – such as about the fabric quality – are a bit subjective. But I’ve tried to balance that out by describing the specific elements that went into my judgment.
Fabric and Construction
Content and Colors
The fiber content for the Econscious EC1000 is one of its marketing points: 100% certified organic ring-spun cotton.
I would consider this a medium-to-heavy weight t-shirt jersey. It has a moderately soft hand – that was much improved by washing – and smooth surface. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, it’s 5.5 oz. per square yard.
I really like the feel of the fabric. It’s sturdier than a lot of other options out there for POD but has a softer texture than the Champion T105.
It comes in up to 11 colors in an unusual selection as you can see in the swatch image below.
The manufacturer is a little cutesy with some of the color names, too. I suspect this has something to do with how they are positioning the brand as an eco-friendly option. From left to right in the above image:
- Beehive
- Manzanita
- White
- Natural
- Meteorite
- Olive
- Pacific
- Black
- Charcoal
- Red Pepper
- Dolphin
Unisex sizing is Small through 2XL which is one of the more limited size ranges in this space.
My white sample is a bright white. The black is a softer shade but not heathered and not skewed toward brown.
Construction
The body construction is mixed. The black shirt has been made using the side seam construction method. But the white shirt is in the tubular style.
The manufacturer and the two vendors where I’ve found this shirt, however, list it as having side seam construction. While I haven’t received confirmation from the manufacturer at this point, I suspect they made some changes to the garment specs, and I happened to place my sample order when the vendor still had some older stock on-hand.
What’s really interesting is that the print on the white (tubular) shirt was actually more centered and straight than on the black (side seam). The opposite of what I normally see! You can tell by comparing the tip of the castle with the point where the label is attached to the back of the collar.
Both samples are well made with neatly finished seams, double-needle hems, and taped shoulder and collar seams. The taping helps to prevent the garment from stretching out of shape at those stress points.
Styling
This t-shirt option has pretty standard, somewhat boxy unisex styling. The body and sleeve lengths were slightly longer than average within the test group.
Measurements – Before and After Washing
These shirts have some of the biggest differences in measurements between the two colors. This actually supports my theory that the manufacturer changed the garment specs in the past 6-9 months. While tolerances of up to .75″ in garment length and width are fairly common from what I’ve seen, most are less than that between the actual samples I’ve received.
All measurements in inches.
Before Washing
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 30.25″ | 23.875″ | 9.25″ |
| White | 29.5″ | 23″ | 9.625″ |
After 2nd Wash
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 28.875″ | 23.25″ | 9″ |
| White | 28.375″ | 22.375″ | 9.5″ |
Shrinkage After 2 Washes
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 4.5% | 2.6% | 2.7% |
| White | 3.8% | 2.7% | 1.3% |
These shirts shrank more in width and less in length than average within the sample group.
Print Quality
The print quality is quite good in terms of color and design reproduction. The difference in shade and intensity between the black and white shirts is much less pronounced than with various other samples. The design details are well-defined.
It’s lasting well so far on the black shirt. While it has a slightly mottled appearance after washing, the design still looks fairly bright and close to what I expected on the white one.
But, once again, I’m seeing lack of quality control at the POD suppliers. I provided exactly the same file for each shirt, and yet they were somehow printed differently. Not only was the design placed at a different spot vertically on each, the output was scaled differently.
The design starts lower (further down from the collar) on the black shirt and is slightly longer. And this is not because of shrinkage after washing: the black one shrank more in length than the white one did.
It’s possible the operator(s) put different tension on each shirt when setting up for printing, which could explain the size difference in the end results.
If you’re selling one-off shirts, these differences from item to item are less critical. But if you have a client who orders shirts for the whole team, it can matter a lot more. As I keep saying, get those samples!
Pricing and Suppliers
The manufacturer markets this as a Men’s t-shirt. Both Printful and Printify, however, market these as unisex shirts and list it under both the Men’s and Women’s sections on their sites. The unisex sizing ranges from Small to 2XL.
Without any volume or other discounts, the base prices started at $17.95 per shirt – depending on supplier – when checked on October 24, 2021. The 2XL costs more.
It is the 2nd highest price model of those I’ve tested so far.
Conclusion
The Econscious EC1000 could be a good option for the right market since it’s made from 100% organic cotton. It’s of solid construction, takes printing well, and has a pleasant feel to the fabric.
But the color and size ranges are a bit limited, which could affect your potential clientele.
Importantly, with its much higher than average cost, you will need a customer base willing to pay for the quality and eco features.
