Real Thread Staff Custom Apparel Picks

When ordering custom apparel, we understand that selecting the garment that best suits your needs can be tricky—there are so many options nowadays.

Do you need a T-shirt, sweatshirt, pair of shorts, tank top, or all of the above? Don’t be overwhelmed; we’ve got you covered with options, but not TOO many options, you feel?

To help narrow things down, we asked several members of the Real Thread team to share their custom apparel favorites- they are the experts, after all. wink wink

Let’s dive right on in, shall we?

Aria Behfar – People & Culture Manager

Aria’s Pick: Alternative - Eco-Cozy Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt - 8800PF

“Seeing so many different types of shirts can be overwhelming, especially for someone who does not work directly with them daily. This one is my favorite because of its simplicity. I love the feel of it, how it wears, and the variety of colors it comes in!”

Colleen McCaffrey – Content Manager

Colleen’s Pick: Bella+Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee

“I love this tee from Bella + Canvas because it’s soft and lightweight. I love a unisex-fit tee because it’s not too tight. It’s perfectly loose and comfortable compared to tighter-fitting women’s tees, which I tend to avoid. One of my favorite shirts in my wardrobe is the band Paramore’s tour merch, printed on a Bella + Canvas 3001 in color ‘Asphalt,’ it’s the best thing ever. I wear it all the time.”

Drew Dowgiallo- Account Specialist

Drew’s Pick: AS Colour 5001 Staple Tee

"Honestly, I just like the colors. AS Colour carries the best colors, in my opinion. 5001 is a nice tee as well."

Emily Cummings – Product Manager

Emily’s Pick: AS Colour 4160 Women's Relax Crew

"I’m obsessed with this AS Colour sweatshirt! The relaxed fit strikes the perfect balance between stylish and cozy, and the color options are so good. The fabric and construction are top-notch, holding up perfectly after countless washes. This is my go-to for fall and winter!"

Filomena Coppola – Accounting Specialis

Filomena’s Pick: Allmade AL2015 Women’s Relaxed Tri-Blend Scoop Neck Tee

"I love how super soft this tee is and it becomes even soft with each wash. It is a relaxed comfortable scooped shirt that has a little flare with its shaped hem. This is a versatile tee that can be dressed down for a day of lounging or dress it up with a little jewelry for a day out with friends."

Hannah Bozenhardt – Ink Specialist

Hannah’s Pick: Next Level Apparel 1533 Ideal Racerback Tank

“This is my perfect tank top. It’s got a slightly curved hem for a flattering fit and is longer than other tanks, which is great if you’re tall like me! The racerback and scooped neck are cute and sporty, and combined with the breathable cotton blend of this tank, it keeps you nice and cool even in the summer heat.”

Ian Markel – Technical Marketing Lead

Ian’s Pick: Comfort Color 1717 – Ringspun Garment-Dyed T-Shirt

“This boxy tee is my go-to blank. The loose fit of this T-shirt is perfect for everyday comfort. The 1717 line has a wide array of colors, from the bright hues of red and oranges to cool shades of blues and grays. This t-shirt is heavyweight at 6.1oz but is breathable with 100% cotton. I have found that this shirt holds up to its size through multiple runs of washes. If you like long sleeves, check out the 6014 line.”

Isaiah Reyes – Visual Content Lead

Isaiah’s Pick: AS Colour 1001 Carrie Tote

After buying or receiving a free tote, I’ll use it for a few weeks until a strap breaks or a tear gets in. After purchasing the Ascolour carrier tote, I knew it was made of high-quality material. I have used this tote for months and recently picked up another one. It has a lot more space due to the shape of the bottom than other traditional totes. It may cost slightly more than an average flimsy tote, but it is worth it.

Jeremiah Bates – Printing Manager

Jeremiah’s Pick: AS Color 5080 Men’s Heavy Tee

“This garment is made for printing. The fabric's finish allows for the smoothest print surface, which translates to a smooth finish. The construction of the blanks is very consistent from shirt to shirt. Many blanks have noticeable inconsistencies in the build, whether sizing, stitching, or color variations. AS Color has solved these issues.”

Jeremiah Bates – Printing Manager

Jeremiah’s Pick: AS Color 5080 Men’s Heavy Tee

“This garment is made for printing. The fabric's finish allows for the smoothest print surface, which translates to a smooth finish. The construction of the blanks is very consistent from shirt to shirt. Many blanks have noticeable inconsistencies in the build, whether sizing, stitching, or color variations. AS Color has solved these issues.”

John Radford – Central Operations Manager

John’s Pick: Bella + Canvas 3414c FWD Fashion Unisex Triblend Raw Neck T-Shirt

The 3414C is a tremendous all-around t-shirt I wear, and I don’t have to put too much thought into it. I’m a big fan of raw necklines, and the tri-blend material is very comfortable and soft. Living in Florida, this is a solid shirt to wear outdoors during summer. There are great color options, as well!

Joshua Portillo – Account Manager

Joshua’s Pick: AS Colour 5026 Classic Tee 

This is one of the most comfortable shirts I’ve ever worn. The weight is absolutely perfect. Also with it being 100% Cotton the shirt only gets softer with time. I find myself grabbing this tee off the hanger in my closet any chance I can get.

Kai Cooper – Account Development Specialist

Kai’s Pick: Los Angeles Apparel 1801GD S/S Grmnt Dye Crew Neck 6.5oz

The 1801GD is my favorite garment for the variety of colorways, fit, and feel! The different colorways give a perfect garment-washed look reminiscent of a vintage tee. The fit is slightly boxy, which caters to the current streetwear trends. Lastly, I love the heavyweight feel and the high-quality canvas this shirt provides for our water-based ink types.

Kelsee Plenert – Account Manager

Kelsee’s Pick: Next Level - Women's Festival Crop Top - 5080

This is a great-lengthed crop! I love the light, flowy fabric. It’s an excellent style for working out or wearing with high-waisted jeans!

Kristen Longbrake – Account Specialist

Kristen’s Pick(s): AS Colour Wo's Maple Organic Tee: 4001G

This shirt is pretty unassuming - but I think that’s what I like about it. It’s a classic, clean-cut style that fits just right. Most women’s tee’s squeeze you in and cut you off - but this one is a perfect medium of boxy while not leaving you shapeless.I love organic cotton; all AS Colour shirts are printed beautifully with our inks. I paired it with some Levi jeans, which is an effortless outfit.

Luke Wycuff – VP of Operations

Luke’s Pick: Next Level Apparel 3600SW Soft Wash T-Shirt

“I’m a big fan of Next Level, specifically because of the fit of their shirts. I think the 3600sw has cool colors, giving a Comfort Colors vibe but with a more comfortable fabric and fit, in my opinion.”

Marcia Perez – Art Team Manager

Marcia’s Pick: Gildan 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt

“I love the Gildan Softstyle 64000 – this shirt is an eco-friendly wonder that has won my heart! Not only does it make me smile, but it also warms my heart to know that Gildan partners with Better Cotton to improve cotton farming globally.

By supporting sustainable practices, this shirt is a tiny step towards a greener future – fashion with a cause; how cool is that? The vibrant colors that dazzle my eyes are not just about looks; they come with a conscience too! Gildan cares about our planet, so they make it even better by using OEKO-TEX-certified low-impact dyes. It's like wearing rainbows made with love and eco-friendly pixie dust! 

But that's not all – the goodness doesn't stop there! I knew it was true love when I slipped into this cloud-like softness. Comfort and style collide in the most delightful way, and the fit is pure magic. With the Gildan Softstyle 64000, I'm not just rocking an ultra-comfy and stylish shirt but also wearing my values. It's a win-win, and I'm all about spreading positivity! I wear this shirt with pride and am glad to be a part of the fashion revolution – one colorful and eco-friendly step at a time!”

McKenzie Craig – Sales Associate

McKenzie’s Pick: Bella+Canvas 7502 Women's Cropped Fleece Hoodie

“It feels like almost any top I get these days is cropped! Whether I’m working out, headed to bed, or out and about with friends - Bella+Canvas 7502 does not disappoint in comfortability, softness, and style. Dress it up or down, it is not a bad option to have a part of your wardrobe!”

Sheryl Bordenga – Brand Partnerships

Sheryl’s Pick: AS Colour Wo's Relax Crew 4160

“I absolutely love AS Colour products, especially the women's relaxed crew pullover. It's not super fitted and is lined with cozy fleece. The sleeves have a great structure that prevents them

Trey Ramsey – Account Manager

Trey’s Pick: AS Colour 5080 Men's Heavy Tee

“My go-to garment is the AS Colour 5080 Men’s Heavy Tee. Its oversized fit and soft, durable fabric makes it comfortable and long-lasting—perfect for everyday wear.”

Walt Barnett – Embroidery Lead

Walt’s Pick: Adidas A230 Performance Polo

“If there’s one thing I love, it’s a navy blue polo, and this one in particular checks all the boxes: it’s lightweight, breathable, easy to care for, can be worn tucked in or out, and it’s a sustainable style that is ethically produced. Also, it’s so easy to work with; almost anything you’d want to put on it looks great. It’s my go-to when I want something casual/business casual without feeling weighed down.”

You’ve been presented with options aplenty—now what?

There are plenty more custom apparel options we didn’t discuss in this article, so if you’re curious about new products that continue to roll in throughout each season, let us know! 

Our team would love to chat with you about new styles and help you use them on your next custom apparel project. We can’t wait to see what you pick out.