Fit & Sizing
The American Apparel 1301 has a classic, traditional fit - not too tight, not too loose. It's designed to be a unisex t-shirt that works well for both men and women, though we'd recommend women size down or consider the American Apparel 1301L (ladies' cut) for a more fitted look.
The sizing runs true to standard North American sizing. Here's our recommendation:
- For a classic fit: Order your normal size
- For a looser fit: Size up one
- For ladies: Size down one or choose the 1301L
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent value - one of the most affordable quality blanks
- Huge color selection (50+ colors)
- Great for screen printing - holds ink well
- Consistent sizing across batches
- Available up to 5XL in most colors
- Preshrunk for minimal shrinkage
- Durable - holds up well to repeated washing
Cons
- Not the softest t-shirt (try American Apparel 64000 for softer feel)
- Boxy fit may not suit everyone
- Can feel stiff before first wash
- Heather colors contain polyester blend
Print Performance
This is where the American Apparel 1301 really shines. The tight cotton weave provides an excellent printing surface for both screen printing and DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers.
Screen Printing
The 1301 is an industry favorite for screen printing. The cotton fibers absorb ink well, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting prints. The fabric weight prevents ink from bleeding through, and the consistent fabric texture ensures even coverage.
DTF Printing
DTF transfers adhere excellently to the American Apparel 1301's cotton surface. The slightly textured fabric provides good grip for the transfer film, resulting in durable prints that flex with the fabric.
Embroidery
While primarily designed for printing, the American Apparel 1301 can handle light embroidery designs well. For heavy embroidery, we recommend a heavier weight shirt like the American Apparel 18000 sweatshirt.
Best Uses
American Apparel 1301 vs Alternatives
How does the American Apparel 1301 stack up against other popular blank t-shirts? Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | American Apparel 1301 | Bella+Canvas 3001 | American Apparel 64000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.3 oz | 4.2 oz | 4.5 oz |
| Fit | Classic/Boxy | Modern/Fitted | Semi-Fitted |
| Softness | Standard | Very Soft | Soft |
| Price Point | $ | $$ | $ |
| Best For | Value/Durability | Retail/Fashion | Everyday Comfort |
Care Instructions
To get the most out of your American Apparel 1301 t-shirts:
- Machine wash cold with like colors
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- Do not bleach
- Iron on low heat if needed (avoid ironing directly on prints)
- Turn inside out when washing to protect prints
Our Verdict
The American Apparel 1301 Heavyweight Cotton T-Shirt earns its reputation as the workhorse of the custom apparel industry. While it may not be the softest or most fashionable blank on the market, its combination of quality, durability, color options, and value is hard to beat.
We recommend the American Apparel 1301 for:
- Large orders where budget matters
- Events, promotions, and giveaways
- Team uniforms and staff shirts
- Any project where durability is key
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a softer, more retail-quality feel (try Bella+Canvas 3001)
- You want a more modern, fitted cut (try American Apparel 64000 or Next Level 3600)
- You're creating premium merchandise for resale
