Best Shirt Types for POD: The Best Types Of Shirts Print-On-Demand Businesses

 

Looking for the best shirt types for POD (Print on Demand) businesses? You're in the right place. The market for print on demand is growing at an exceptional rate right now, expected to reach a value of $45.6 billion by 2030. While you can create all kinds of garments and products with the right print on demand vendor, from skirts, to shoes, shirts are still one of the most popular options.

After all, shirts are relatively affordable and easy to make, great for customization, and they appeal to a wide range of consumers all over the world. No matter who you're targeting with your fashion on demand company, your audience will always have space in their wardrobes for a great shirt.

So, which shirts have the biggest market appeal, which will give you the best profit margins, and where should you get started with your fashion collection?

Find out with this convenient guide.

The Best Shirt Types for POD: 5 Options

Print on Demand is a business model that gives creators a low-risk, low-cost, and low-effort way to start selling all kinds of products online. As fashion trends continue to evolve, the number of custom products you can create with POD vendors is constantly growing.

However, while there are many types of products to choose from with most POD companies, shirts are still one of the top go-to options for most companies. Shirts are a must-have wardrobe staple, allowing you to appeal to a broader audience than virtually any other kind of product.

Plus, they make for an excellent blank canvas, allowing you to add all kinds of design elements and components to your garments, from bold graphics, to intense colors, and unique patterns.

Here are some of the best shirt types for POD success in 2024 and beyond.

T-Shirts

Starting with perhaps the most obvious option for POD sellers who want to appeal to a wider range of customers, custom t-shirts are a fantastic first pick for your new brand.

Not only are t-shirts one of the top-selling garments worldwide, but certain types of t-shirts are also beginning to gain more attention among modern consumers. For instance, the sustainable t-shirt market is expected to reach a value of $5.6 billion by 2027.

T-shirts come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and lengths, to appeal to every audience, as well as a wide range of colors. You can create plain t-shirts, shirts with colors, button-shirts, and more. Plus, you'll be able to pick from a range of materials, from polyester blends to cotton.

Because T-shirts give you such a wide canvas to work with, there's no limit to the selection of quality products you can create, particularly with strategies like all-over printing.

You can create custom t-shirts that match the latest style trends, add your own unique graphic elements, and even allow customers to customize their own shirts with text-based designs. For the best results make sure you:

• Prioritize, high-quality, luxurious, and sustainable materials
• Experiment with a range of minimalist designs and intricate designs
• Offer a range of popular colors to choose from with each design choice
• Ask your customers to submit their own t-shirt design ideas
• Focus on exceptional print quality, particularly for more complex designs
  
  
  
  
  

Polo Shirts

Another staple of everyday fashion, polo shirts are popular for casual wear, office wear, and even sporting apparel. Slightly more formal than the classic t-shirt, polo shirts are very versatile. They're often made from kitted cotton, and offer an excellent blend of breathability and comfort to wearers.

Since they were introduced into the fashion landscape by Rene Lacoste in the early 1900s, polo shirts have become increasingly popular, particularly among world-leading athletes. Custom polo shirts could be a great choice if you want to take advantage of the growing momentum of the athleisure market, which is growing at a CAGR of 9.3%.

Like print on demand t-shirts, polo shirts are easy to customize, and can be compatible with a range of printing techniques. They're also a good go-to choice for sustainable brands, as they can be created in a range of eco-friendly materials, like recycled polyester.

Some quick tips for creators considering polo shirts for their product line include:

• Fill your product listings with insights into top features like breathability and comfort
• Experiment with different materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester
• Stick to simple graphics and minimalist designs where possible
• Explore different collar and button styles (such as two or three button polos)
  
  
  
  
  

Hoodies

Hoodies have become one of the most popular fashion items in the world, worn by people of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, the global market for hoodies is expected to reach a value of $324.94 billion by 2031. Although hoodies used to be more popular in the hip-hop and skating culture, they've captured global attention for their comfort and versatility.

Custom hoodies are great for summer periods when people want to experiment with layers, and they're great for staying warm during the winter too. They're also a fantastic option for self-expression. Many people wear hoodies that showcase the logos of their favorite bands, or feature inspirational quotes, funny statements, and unique images.

Once again, the right print on demand partner will allow you to create a wide range of quality products in a range of materials and styles. When you're designing hoodies, remember:

• Focus on comfortable fabrics, ideal for relaxing or working out
• Offer a range of size options, including larger sizes for those who prefer a relaxed fit
• Concentrate on durability - hoodies should be long-lasting and resilient
• Consider different printing styles, like screen printing, for bold images
• Explore different styles, like sleeveless hoodies, or hoodie dresses
  
  
  
  
  

Sweatshirts

Similar to hoodies, Sweatshirts are long-sleeved pullover shirts, designed with thicker materials, like woven polyester and brushed cotton. The main difference is that hoodies feature a hood, and sometimes a zip, whereas sweatshirts don't have the added hood.

These garments are often most popular throughout the colder months of the year, making them an excellent choice if you want to create more seasonal garments. Like many other shirt types for POD, Sweatshirts can feature a range of different style elements and fit choices.

You can get fitted sweatshirts, baggy "boyfriend style"; sweatshirts, and even options with crewneck or v-neck collars. Like hoodies, sweatshirts often work well with sublimation printing, but they can be a good choice for all-over-printing, and screen printing too.

For the best results with your custom sweatshirts:

• Choose thick, warmer materials and fabrics for colder weather
• Give your customers style ideas by showing them what they can pair sweaters with
• Explore a range of bold colors and basic colors
• Take a luxury approach by adding embroidery to premium sweatshirts
  
  
  
  
  

Tank Tops

Finally, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts are the go-to summer wardrobe staple for many people. They're comfortable, breathable, and highly flexible. Ideal for those who want to ensure they can stay cool during the hotter days of the year, as well as people who enjoy layering, tank tops can appeal to a wide audience.

Custom tank tops are great for experimentation too. Just like t-shirts, they can be created with vibrant designs, bright colors, and various other elements. You can create entire collections of unique tank tops to appeal to any type of target audience. There's even the option to experiment with different materials. For instance, sleek, moisture-wicking materials like Lycra are great for athletes.

Aside from creating standard tank tops, depending on your POD vendor, you'll be able to experiment with other, interesting variants too. For instance, if you want to reach a wider audience with a broad range of items, you could create spaghetti-strap tanks, tank dresses, or polo tank tops.

When you're designing your tank tops remember:

• Explore a range of male, female, and unisex tanks
• Consider bundling this versatile item with other products, like button-down shirts
• Get creative with different designs, floral patterns, and text-based designs
  
  
  
  
  

The Best Shirt Types for POD: Pros and Cons

Now we've introduced you to some of the top shirt types for POD, let's take a look at the pros and cons of each option, side by side. Remember, all garments have their positive and negative points to consider, that's why it's such a good idea to create a wide range of products for your store.

Shirt Type	Pros	Cons
T-Shirts	Extremely popular and versatile Affordable to create and customize Lots of customization options	Can be difficult to differentiate from other shirts. Not suitable for all occasions.
Polo Shirts	Excellent for formal occasions and events Casual and comfortable design Highly customizable	Can be more expensive to create than T-shirts May have fewer printing options.
Hoodies	Comfortable and casual cold weather wear Excellent choice for younger customers	Not ideal for all kinds of weather Can offer fewer design options
Sweatshirts	Great for cold weather climates Available in a range of materials and styles	May not be suitable for all occasions Fewer printing options than some shirts
Tank tops	Great for hot weather climates Suitable for a range of occasions Highly customizable	May not be ideal for cold weather Sizing can vary

Important Considerations for POD Shirts

When it comes to selling the best shirt types for POD, it's important to keep a few things in mind with virtually every type of garment. Make sure you take the following factors into account when choosing your shirt collection, and your print on demand partner:

• Printing method: Choosing the right printing method is crucial to enhancing the appearance and durability of your custom prints. Different types of shirts and materials will be more suitable for specific printing methods. Consider everything from all-over print for t-shirts and sweatshirts, to sublimation printing, and screen printing.
• Fabric: The right fabric will influence how luxurious, comfortable, and durable your custom shirts are. Choose long-lasting, and sustainable materials whenever possible. Additionally, remember to consider the characteristics of the shirt you're trying to create. For instance, sweatshirts and hoodies should feature thicker fabrics.
• Sustainability: Around 30% of customers consider sustainability before buying new clothing. Make sure you take eco-friendly practices into account. Consider using recycled and sustainable materials, as well as non-toxic inks for shirt design. Additionally, work with a provider that offers eco-friendly packaging options.

Additionally, remember the best dropshipping clothing niches can change from one month to the next, so make sure you're keeping track of the trends.

Start your POD Shirt Business with Coolcustomjerseys

If you’re planning on starting your own fashion business, creating custom shirts with a print on demand provider is an excellent strategy. Shirts are sure to attract a wide audience of customers to your store. The key to success is making sure you work with a vendor that can bring your unique designs to life, offer the right level of quality, and help you achieve your sustainability goals. Coolcustomjerserys offers a large range of customizable AOP shirt options to choose from, available in a range of sustainable materials and styles. We work with the world’s leading suppliers, and use cutting-edge equipment to make our clients shirts stand out from the crowd.