Best T-Shirts for Startups & Indie Labels in the UK (2025 Guide)

So, you’re ready to start your clothing brand

But which blanks should you print on? Choosing the right T-shirt is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re launching a luxury label, sportswear line, or bold streetwear brand, your base garment has to feel right, fit well, and print cleanly.

This expert guide breaks down the best UK-available T-shirts and vests for indie labels — from sustainable powerhouses to budget-friendly all-rounders — all available from The T-Shirt Bakery.

For branding tips, design help, and setup support, check out our full guide to starting a clothing brand.

🌿 Stanley/Stella – For Premium Eco Brands

Stanley/Stella is widely recognised as the most sustainable blank clothing brand in the industry — and no one else comes close. Their GOTS-certified organic cotton garments are soft, strong, and designed to last. Every product is PETA-Approved Vegan and Fair Wear Foundation certified, produced in responsible factories that meet the highest social and environmental standards.

Designers love Stanley/Stella for its consistent retail-quality finish and superior DTG printing results. If you're building a conscious fashion label or luxury indie brand, this is your go-to.

• ✅ Top Pick: Creator 2.0 T-Shirt (STTU169) — upgraded fit, longer sleeves, and ribbed collar for a premium edge.
• ✅ Ideal for: Sustainable fashion, premium branding, event merch, embroidered uniforms
• ✅ Sizes: XS–5XL
• ✅ Custom Organic T-Shirts | Embroidery Services

👟 Bella+Canvas – For Sportswear & Fitness Apparel

Currently stocked in unisex vests, Bella+Canvas is a great option for fitness brands, gym merch, and event tank tops. Their Airlume combed, and ring-spun cotton ensures a smooth print surface, while the lightweight, breathable design makes them ideal for activewear.

This US-based company is WRAP-certified, eco-minded, and known for fashion-forward cuts. They balance sustainability with street-smart styling, making them a favourite for younger brands and fast-moving lifestyle merch.

• ✅ Top Pick: Unisex Jersey Vest (3480) — soft, vibrant, and DTG-ready
• ✅ Ideal for: Fitness brands, summer collections, festival merch
• ✅ Sizes: XS–4XL
• ✅ Bulk Vest Printing | Artwork Guidelines

🧥 AWDis – For Streetwear & Bold Colour Matching

AWDis JustHoods is a UK favourite for a reason. Known for its huge colour range and relaxed streetwear cuts, the brand’s sweatshirts, hoodies, and tees are print-tested favourites for teams, clubs, and merch collections.

The JH001 hoodie and JH030 sweatshirt are midweight and ideal for both DTG and embroidery. Their relaxed fit — not oversized — makes them wearable across age groups and styles. Matching colours across hoodies, tees (AT001 / AT002) and sweaters ensure a cohesive look.

AWDis garments are also PETA-Approved Vegan, with increasing eco ranges now available.

• ✅ Top Picks: College Hoodie (JH001) | Relaxed Fit T-Shirts
• ✅ Ideal for: Streetwear labels, event teams, school leavers, club branding
• ✅ Sizes: Up to 5XL on most products
• ✅ DTG Printing Guide

💼 Gildan – For Value, Versatility & Scale

Gildan is the largest clothing manufacturer in the world and a go-to choice for startups thanks to its familiarity, availability, and price. If you want to play it safe — with blanks that are consistent, affordable, and always in stock — Gildan is a solid option.

The 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt is especially popular with indie brands, offering a soft handle and excellent DTG print surface at a low price point. While not organic, Gildan is investing heavily in sustainable production, including water-efficient dyeing and waste-reduction systems.

• ✅ Top Pick: Softstyle 64000 — lightweight, ringspun, print-tested
• ✅ Ideal for: New brands, bulk orders, printed promo, low-risk testing
• ✅ Sizes: S–5XL
• ✅ Bulk T-Shirt Printing

🏋️ AS Colour – For Heavyweight Vests & Urban Lines

AS Colour is an Australian brand known for premium-weight garments, urban silhouettes, and a minimalist finish. Currently, we stock their Men’s Classic Tank (5073) — a heavyweight 220gsm vest that’s tough, breathable, and built for high-impact printing.

Perfect for fitness lines, gym wear, or bold graphics. AS Colour blends street style with top-grade DTG results, making it a rising name for labels that want something clean, confident, and long-lasting.

• ✅ Top Pick: Classic Tank (5073)
• ✅ Ideal for: Gymwear, lifestyle brands, event tanks
• ✅ Sizes: S–2XL
• ✅ Custom Tank Top Printing

💡 Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the best T-shirts for startups — but there are clear frontrunners depending on your brand’s style, message, and market.

• Go Stanley/Stella for a premium feel and sustainable values
• Choose Bella+Canvas or AS Colour for stylish gym and lifestyle pieces
• Pick AWDis for bold colours and relaxed streetwear
• Use Gildan to keep things simple, fast, and affordable

Still unsure? Browse our Custom T-Shirt Range or speak to the team for help picking the perfect blank.

And don’t forget — your brand isn’t just what you print; it’s what you print on.