Overview
Champion’s short-sleeve t-shirt (style T105) is a quality product with generous sizing and solid construction. But it is probably more of a niche offering within the print-on-demand space due to cost, small color range, and a limited list of POD suppliers.
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
Fiber content varies for this Champion T105 shirt by color. All colors with the exception of Oxford Grey Heather are 100% cotton. This one exception is 90% cotton and 10% polyester.
It’s a heavyweight t-shirt jersey with a firm hand and slightly rough surface. It comes in at a hefty 7 oz. per square yard.
One of the drawbacks with this style is the limited number of available colors. There’s only four currently offered through any of the POD vendors I’ve looked at so far:
- Black
- Navy
- Light Grey (“Oxford Grey Heather”)
- White
The black and white of the sample shirts are what I would call “true” shades. No heather cast. The black is a cool shade with no skewing toward brown.
Construction
The body construction is by the side-seamed method. With this approach, the front and back are cut as separate pieces and then stitched together at the side. The shoulder seams are sewed with the sleeves and collar band being inserted.
I’ve discussed some of the reasons why I prefer this construction technique in a couple other posts. A lot of it comes down to consistency of fit and better odd of accurate print placement.
There is quality construction throughout these samples – you’re getting something for that higher cost. Most seams and all hems are finished neatly with double top stitching. The fabric is cut on-grain so there’s no skewing of the shape in the body or sleeves.
Styling
The Champion logo is clearly placed on the left sleeve near the hem. While the POD vendor page states you can print on that sleeve, if you set up a product using this shirt, the left sleeve is NOT an option for placing a design. Only the right sleeve is available in the interface.
Styling is very boxy – it’s described by Printful as relaxed and oversized. The heavyweight fabric means it has very little drape.
Measurements – Before and After Washing
This t-shirt is the most generous in terms of chest width but is also one of the shorter options.
All measurements in inches.
Before Washing
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 29.5″ | 25.75″ | 9″ |
| White | 28.875″ | 24.875″ | 8.75″ |
After 2nd Wash
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 28.625″ | 24.75″ | 8.875″ |
| White | 26.875″ | 24.75″ | 8.5″ |
Shrinkage After 2 Washes
| Color | Center Back | Chest Width | Sleeve Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 3% | 3.9% | 1.4% |
| White | 6.9% | 0.5% | 2.9% |
As it common with cotton knits of this type, the shirts shrank more in length than in circumference. Overall, these samples shrank a bit less than average within the test group.
Print Quality
The print quality is solid on both colors. As is common within the test group, the printed colors are slightly stronger on the black shirt than on the white, although the difference is not as dramatic as with the Bella+Canvas 3001.
The design has a slightly mottled effect on the white shirt that I suspect is due to the relatively rough surface of the fabric. I don’t see the same effect on the black shirt which would make sense given the extra underlayment applied before printing the actual design.
I’m not seeing any deterioration of significance on either shirt’s print job after the first two washes.
Pricing and Suppliers
As of this writing, only one of the vendors I used during the research project – Printful – sells this style via print-on-demand.
It’s marketed as a Men’s style. Interestingly, unlike with most of the other shirts I tested, it’s not even listed under the Women’s section. The unisex sizing ranges from Small to 2XL.
Without any volume or other discounts, the base prices start at $18.50 per shirt when checked on October 9, 2021, with 2XL sizes starting at $20 per shirt. No difference noted in price by color.
It’s by far the most expensive shirt option I’ve reviewed so far. You are paying for the Champion brand and quality construction.
Conclusion
The Champion T105 is a quality shirt that is well-made and takes DTG printing well. But it’s pricey for a POD shirt, and the relaxed styling might not be for everyone. And while the basics are available, the color range is extremely limited.
It’s probably best for designers who are working in a more premium market where they can command higher prices to reflect the costs associated with using a branded product.
