Understanding Different Types of T-Shirts

V-neck t-shirt. Scoop-neck shirt. Raglan-sleeve t-shirt. Crop tee. Yes, the sheer number of different t-shirt styles and features could make your head spin. If you’re new to decorating clothing or you’re starting your own t-shirt business (congratulations!), you could use a quick crash course in men’s, women’s and unisex styles. We cover the most popular t-shirt features and styles to give you an idea of what types of basics are available to you from a t-shirt supplier like Threadsy.

There are so many different t-shirt styles that choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming, if you haven’t searched for t-shirts before. We’ll outline the features you need to know (along with best-selling styles!) so you can browse our top product recommendations.

Whether you’re outfitting yourself, your family, your employees, customers or team members, the most important aspect is choosing the right basics that deliver optimal fit, comfort and style. The t-shirt styles we sell are perfect to wear blank, or to decorate and customize for a one-of-a-kind or branded look.

When you’re looking for the right t-shirt style, there are several aspects you should consider, including function, fit, neckline, sleeve and fabric types. There are so many types of t-shirts, so you should understand the anatomy of a basic tee and how to tell the difference between styles. That way, you can narrow down your choices and select the right shirt for your needs. 

Pro Tip: Note that throughout this article we’ll be sharing examples of t-shirts utilizing their brand names (often called a “mill” in the industry) and style numbers. Among commercial printers and manufacturers, T-shirts are often referred to by only their style number since each mill has a unique set of style numbers. You can click on any of the style numbers in  this article to see up-to-the minute pricing, size range, color range, and inventory levels.

Function: Depending on how you or your wearers will use the t-shirts, you can choose between regular and premium tees. A regular t-shirt is usually your everyday, soft classic crewneck t-shirt. Some regular t-shirts have a tubular shape (no side seams) in order to keep manufacturing costs low. Some of Threadsy’s most popular regular t-shirt styles are the Hanes 5280, Gildan G500, and Fruit of the Loom 3931.