VS Breaking Free Industries · Blank Apparel Guide · Screen Printing OC AS Colour vs BELLA+CANVAS: Which Blank Is Right For Your Brand? A decorator’s honest breakdown — not a vendor pitch. Which blank prints better, holds up longer, and actually fits your customer. By Joshua Nowack · Breaking Free Industries, Santa Ana CA This…
The BELLA+CANVAS 1010 micro rib baby tee — 5.4 oz, stretch fit, sweatshop-free. Order blank or customize with screen printing or embroidery. Made in OC by people who earned their shot.
TL;DR 2026 Trends: Visual maximalism, Y2K nostalgia, and “Smoked Paprika” earth tones. Performance Fabrics: Lightweight poly-cotton blends for desert heat; 6.8 oz heavyweight tees for urban-chic aesthetics. Next Level Essentials: Thermal long sleeves, tubular tees, crop tops, and long sleeve hoodies are the season’s MVPs. Festival Tee Season: Comfort, Creativity, and Merch-Ready Gear for 2026…
TL;DR The Shift: Modern brands are moving away from rigid, high-profile “trucker” styles toward low-profile, unstructured silhouettes. The Strategy: A low-profile cap prioritizes your logo and the wearer’s comfort over the hat’s own structure. The Picks: AS Colour Access Cap (1130) and Access Faded Cap (1134) are the current industry gold standards for this…
TL;DR These are the “hero blanks” for color: Bella+Canvas 3001 (solids) + 3001CVC (heathers) win when your brand needs a specific shade—not just “another black tee.” Why it matters: Most mills can PMS-match… but usually only when you’re playing in big-order territory. The 3001 gives you 86+ ready-to-run colors without the custom-dye circus. Operator move:…
TL;DR Staple Tee (5001): The industry standard mid-weight (180 GSM). Regular fit, combed cotton. Best for broad appeal and high-volume merch. Classic Tee (5026): The heavyweight (220 GSM) transition piece. Relaxed fit, combed cotton. Best for premium streetwear vibes. Heavy Tee (5080): The structural powerhouse (280 GSM). Relaxed fit, carded cotton for a “dry” hand…
TL;DR The Problem: Most event merch ends up as rags because operators prioritize low unit costs over wearable quality. The Solution: The “Lived-In” Strategy focuses on high-frequency wearability, turning a one-time attendee into a long-term brand ambassador. The “50–500” Thesis: This volume range is the strategic sweet spot for testing premium blanks without over-leveraging capital….
TL;DR: The Quick Hits The Reality: This time of year, beach cities can be cool and the desert can be downright cold—SoCal swings fast, especially mornings and nights. The Core Message: Your branding shouldn’t disappear when temperatures drop. Custom thermals keep your logo visible, wearable, and high-quality even when it’s chilly. The Gear: Thermals (like…
When you’re ordering shirts for your staff, event, or organization, price is often the first thing discussed. But price alone rarely determines whether an order goes smoothly. Before you approve a quote, here are five questions worth asking. These aren’t about negotiating a better deal: they’re about avoiding problems that cost more than money. 1….
When you don’t have enough data points, you do what every human does: you default to price. It’s the same logic as looking at a $5 steak next to a $45 steak with no context. Without knowing about cut, grade, marbling, or how it’s been handled, the price feels like the only “signal” you can…
