What to Know Before Choosing Your Products

At The Church Shop, we care about making your merch something your church can be proud of. Every shirt you print isn’t just fabric and ink. It carries your ministry’s message, builds community, and helps people feel connected. We’re here to help you find the option that makes your message stand out.

A big part of that comes down to choosing the right shirt. Different fabrics and finishes interact with ink in their own way, which is why two shirts can look and feel so different even with the exact same design. One of the key things that affects this is something called fibrillation.

Fibrillation is when tiny shirt fibers show slightly through the ink. Some shirts have more visible fibers than others depending on how the fabric is made. This is completely normal and doesn’t hurt the overall print quality, meaning certain garments may look a little softer or less sharp than others.

DTG works best on smooth, tightly knit cotton fabrics because the ink sits evenly. If a shirt has more texture or a looser weave, prints may look softer or slightly faded. The type of cotton and how it’s finished makes a big difference.

Each shirt in our catalog has a different fabric makeup and finish, which directly affects how much the tiny cotton fibers show through the ink. Here’s how they compare:

Bella+Canvas 3001 (BC3001)
This tee uses Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, which is extra smooth and tightly woven. That means very little fibrillation, so designs print crisp and vibrant. If sharp, professional-looking DTG prints are your priority, Bella+Canvas is the perfect choice.

Comfort Colors 1717 (C1717)
Comfort Colors are garment-dyed for that vintage, relaxed look. The trade-off is more texture on the fabric surface, which increases fibrillation. Prints may appear softer or slightly faded, which works well if your church prefers a “worn-in” style.

Gildan Softstyle 64000
Made with ringspun cotton, Softstyle has a smoother finish than traditional heavy cotton but not as refined as Bella+Canvas. Fibrillation is moderate, your prints will look good, but not as sharp as on higher-end fabrics.

Next Level 3600
Like Bella+Canvas, this shirt is made with combed and ringspun cotton. That reduces surface fibers, keeping fibrillation low and designs clean. It’s a strong premium alternative if you want quality prints and a modern fit.

Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton)
This tee uses carded open-end cotton, which is thicker and rougher. That rough texture creates more fibrillation, so prints look softer and less detailed. It’s best for giveaways or big events where durability matters more than print sharpness.

Fibrillation doesn’t just depend on fabric, it also shows differently depending on shirt color.

• Light garments: Designs print directly onto the fabric, so they have a smooth, lightweight feel. Fibrillation is minimal and less noticeable.

• Dark garments: A thin white “under base” is printed before the design so colors stand out. This makes colors vibrant but can also make fibrillation (tiny fibers showing through) more visible.

In short: fibrillation is more noticeable on dark shirts because of the white under base, while light shirts generally keep prints cleaner and softer to the touch.

Q: Why do some prints feel different from others?
Different fabrics absorb ink differently. Smooth cotton (Bella+Canvas) feels lighter, while heavier cotton (Gildan 5000, Comfort Colors) can make prints feel thicker or more textured.

Q: Will my design look exactly the same on every shirt?
Not always. The same design may appear sharper on smooth shirts and more vintage on textured shirts. Color, fabric, and finish all affect the final look.

Q: Can I print on polyester blends?
Yes, but DTG works best on 100% cotton. Blends may print slightly duller, and dark blends may show more fibrillation.

Q: Why do dark shirts cost more to print?
Because of the white underbase needed to make designs pop. This adds extra ink and print time.

Q: What’s the safest choice if I want vibrant, consistent prints?
Stick with Bella+Canvas 3001 in lighter colors for the best results.

Choosing the right shirt is the first step to getting prints your church will love. The next step is making sure your design files are set up for success. Pairing the right garment with the right design setup gives you the best possible results.

• Choosing the Right Print Method – Compare DTG and screen printing to find the best fit for your project.

• Best Design Settings for Quality DTG – Learn how to set up your artwork for sharp, vibrant prints.

• Can Any Image Be Printed? – Understand what works (and what doesn’t) for custom printing.

• Optimizing Your Design for Impact – Tips to make your artwork stand out on any product.