The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Comfort Colors & Gildan Apparel for Custom Prints
Welcome to Luxipi — your destination for premium custom apparel. Choosing the right blank sweatshirt or hoodie is just as important as the artwork itself. This guide helps you decide between Comfort Colors 1717, Gildan 18000, Gildan 18500, and DTF Prints so every drop looks and feels amazing. 🌟
🎨 Why the Blank Matters
- Fabric weight & softness — heavier fabrics hold prints better; softer fabrics feel premium.
- Shrinkage & pre-shrinking — prevents post-wash surprises.
- Surface texture — smoother surfaces keep fine details crisp.
- Stitching & construction — rib cuffs, reinforced seams = durability.
🌈 Comfort Colors 1717 — Ultra-Soft Favorite
Why artists love it: pigment-dyed vintage look + lived-in softness from day one. Perfect for retro palettes and premium lifestyle collections.
Pro tip: pigment dye can vary slightly between garments—use a solid white underbase in DTF for bold colors.
💪 Gildan 18000 — The Classic Crewneck
Reliable, structured and widely trusted for daily wear. Great balance of cost and printability, ideal for logos, typography and everyday staples.
Pro tip: cure DTF transfers at the correct temp/time to avoid cracking or peeling.
🧥 Gildan 18500 — The Hoodie Champ
Double-lined hood, pouch pocket, rib cuffs—everything you want in a go-to hoodie. Holds prints well and feels cozy for streetwear or seasonal drops.
Pro tip: avoid printing over seams or too close to the pocket; keep designs centered.
🔥 DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing — Modern & Versatile
- Vibrant full-color on light or dark fabrics
- Strong wash durability when properly cured
- Great on cotton, poly, blends and pigment-dyed garments
Tips: always use a solid white underbase for dark blanks; test press temp/pressure per fabric; trim film edges cleanly to avoid ghosting.
🧩 Quick Comparison
| Feature | Comfort Colors 1717 | Gildan 18000 | Gildan 18500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softness / Feel | Ultra-soft, pigment-washed | Medium-soft, classic | Structured comfort |
| Print Surface | Slight texture, lived-in | Smooth & consistent | Smooth, supportive |
| Best Use | Vintage / premium drops | Everyday staples | Hoodies / bold graphics |
🧼 Care Tips
- Wash cold, inside out, with similar colors
- Avoid bleach or harsh detergents
- Tumble dry low or air dry
- Do not iron directly over prints
✨ Ready to Create?
Build your perfect custom piece with the right blank + DTF method. Your design deserves the best fit, feel and finish — and we’re here to make it happen.