When it comes to laid-back, vintage-style tees with a lived-in feel, the Comfort Colors 1717 Heavyweight Ring Spun Tee reigns supreme. This heavyweight, garment-dyed cotton tee has become a go-to for brands, bands, breweries, and anyone looking for that soft, broken-in vibe right out of the box.
But what makes it so special? And are there other options worth considering? Let’s break it down!
The Comfort Colors 1717: The Gold Standard of Vintage Tees
Why We Love It:
This tee is the OG of garment-dyed shirts. Comfort Colors perfected the soft, vintage-washed aesthetic with a 100% ring-spun cotton, heavyweight fabric (6.1 oz) that gets softer with every wash. It’s pigment-dyed for that perfectly faded, worn-in look, and the relaxed, boxy fit makes it feel effortlessly cool.
Key Features:
✔ Fabric: 6.1 oz, 100% ring-spun cotton—thick, durable, and incredibly soft.
✔ Fit: Relaxed and slightly oversized for that effortless vintage look.
✔ Color Options: Tons of muted, pigment-dyed shades that only get better with age.
✔ Printing: Works great with screen printing, embroidery, and DTF, though the garment dye can cause slight variations in print colors.
✔ Price: Higher-end but worth it for the premium quality.
Best For:
- Streetwear brands, vintage-inspired designs, breweries, coffee shops, and bands
- Anyone who loves a thicker, ultra-soft tee with a relaxed fit
- People who want a tee that looks and feels vintage right away
Great Alternatives to the Comfort Colors 1717
If you love the vintage, heavyweight, garment-dyed look but want to explore other options, here are four solid contenders:
1. Port & Company® Beach Wash® Garment-Dyed Tee (PC099)
A budget-friendly alternative to Comfort Colors, the PC099 gives you that soft, sun-washed feel without breaking the bank. It’s a lighter-weight tee (5.5 oz), making it a great option for those who want the vintage look but prefer a slightly softer drape.
✔ Fabric: 5.5 oz, 100% ring-spun cotton—lighter than Comfort Colors but still super soft.
✔ Fit: Standard relaxed fit—not as boxy, but still comfortable.
✔ Color Options: Nice selection of garment-dyed hues, though not as extensive as Comfort Colors.
✔ Price: More affordable, making it great for bulk orders.
Best For:
- Events, giveaways, or brands looking for a garment-dyed look at a lower cost
- Those who want a softer, more lightweight option than Comfort Colors
2. M&O Vintage Garment-Dyed T-Shirt (6500M)
The M&O 6500M is another strong alternative, offering a 6.5 oz heavyweight feel—even heavier than Comfort Colors! If you’re after a true, thick cotton tee with a structured fit, this is a fantastic choice.
✔ Fabric: 6.5 oz, 100% cotton—one of the heaviest garment-dyed tees available.
✔ Fit: More structured and slightly boxier than Comfort Colors.
✔ Color Options: Good range of pigment-dyed colors, but fewer than Comfort Colors.
✔ Price: Mid-range—more affordable than Comfort Colors but still premium quality.
Best For:
- Those who love an ultra-heavyweight tee that still feels soft and broken-in
- Streetwear brands looking for a durable, garment-dyed option
3. American Apparel® 1301GD Heavyweight Garment-Dyed Tee
American Apparel is known for their high-quality, ethically made blanks, and the 1301GD is their take on the heavyweight, garment-dyed tee. It’s 6 oz, heavyweight, and slightly more fitted than Comfort Colors, making it a great choice for those who like a more structured, tailored look.
✔ Fabric: 6 oz, 100% cotton—heavyweight but slightly softer than M&O.
✔ Fit: More fitted than Comfort Colors but still relaxed.
✔ Color Options: Classic garment-dyed shades with that washed-out, vintage aesthetic.
✔ Price: Mid to high-range—great quality, but you’re paying for the American Apparel name.
Best For:
- People who love the vintage look but prefer a more fitted silhouette
- Brands that want ethically made, high-quality blanks
4. Shaka Wear Garment-Dyed Crewneck T-Shirt (SHGD)
If you love thick, oversized tees with a streetwear edge, Shaka Wear’s Garment-Dyed Crewneck (SHGD) is a fantastic alternative. This hefty 7.5 oz tee is the heaviest on this list, making it perfect for oversized fits and bold prints.
✔ Fabric: 7.5 oz, 100% cotton—thickest option available.
✔ Fit: Oversized and boxy—ideal for streetwear brands.
✔ Color Options: Solid selection of muted, vintage-wash colors.
✔ Price: Mid-range—heavier than Comfort Colors, but slightly more affordable.
Best For:
- Streetwear and oversized fits
- Brands looking for the thickest, most structured garment-dyed tee
- Those who want a heavier alternative to Comfort Colors
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
| T-Shirt | Weight | Fit | Softness | Color Options | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Colors 1717 | 6.1 oz | Relaxed/Boxy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 💰💰💰 |
| Port & Company PC099 | 5.5 oz | Standard | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 💰💰 |
| M&O 6500M | 6.5 oz | Boxy/Structured | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 💰💰 |
| American Apparel 1301GD | 6 oz | Slightly Fitted | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 💰💰💰 |
| Shaka Wear SHGD | 7.5 oz | Oversized/Streetwear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 💰💰 |
At the end of the day, the Comfort Colors 1717 is the king of garment-dyed tees, but these alternatives offer great options depending on your budget, preferred fit, and weight preference.
Need help picking the perfect blank for your next project? Hit us up at Press Room, and we’ll help you choose the best tee for your custom prints!