Back to Blog
DTF Basics
Types of T-Shirts, Apparel Fits & Necklines Guide for DTF Printers
Understanding different types of shirts — from crewnecks to muscle tanks — helps DTF printers recommend the right blanks and adjust transfer placement. This guide covers fit types, neckline styles, sleeve variations, and fabric categories like heather and woven.
Darrin DeTorres• DTF Database Founder
February 11, 2026
12 min read
Table of Contents
Types of T-Shirts, Apparel Fits & Necklines Guide for DTF Printers
Understanding different types of shirts helps DTF printers recommend the right blanks, adjust transfer sizing and placement, and serve a wider range of customers. This guide covers t-shirt fit types, neckline styles, sleeve variations, and fabric categories like heather, woven, and performance materials.
Types of T-Shirt Fits
Classic/Regular Fit
- Straight body with a relaxed silhouette
- The most common fit for blank t-shirts (Gildan 5000, Hanes Beefy-T)
- Best for: General-purpose printing, team shirts, events
Fashion/Retail Fit
- Side-seamed with a tapered body that follows the torso
- Slightly longer body length, slimmer through the chest and waist
- Examples: Bella Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600
- Best for: Direct-to-consumer brands, retail products, e-commerce
Slim Fit
- Narrower body, shorter length, tighter through the arms
- Popular in streetwear and fashion brands
- Best for: Trend-driven designs, younger demographics
- DTF note: Use slightly smaller transfers — standard sizing may look oversized on a slim-fit garment
Oversized/Drop Shoulder
- Extra-wide body, dropped shoulder seams, longer length
- A trending silhouette in streetwear and lifestyle brands
- Best for: Statement designs, oversized graphics, urban fashion
- DTF note: Oversized placements (14–16" wide) work well on this silhouette
Muscle Tank Tops
- Sleeveless, with deep-cut armholes exposing the shoulder and upper arm
- Popular for gym wear, fitness brands, and summer events
- DTF note: Transfer width is limited (8–10" max) due to the narrow front panel. Avoid designs that extend into the armhole area.
Neckline Types for Shirts
| Neckline | Description | Common Garments |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Neck | Round neckline sitting at the base of the neck. The standard t-shirt neckline. | T-shirts, sweatshirts |
| V-Neck | V-shaped neckline that dips below the collarbone | Fashion tees, undershirts |
| Scoop Neck | Wider, lower curve than a crew neck | Women's tees, fashion tops |
| Henley | Crew neck with a 3–5 button placket | Casual/outdoor shirts |
| Mock Neck | Stands up 1–2 inches, does not fold over | Performance wear, base layers |
| Polo / Collar | Fold-over collar with 2–3 button placket | Polyester polo shirts, corporate wear |
Crewneck vs Long Sleeve
A crewneck refers to the neckline shape (round), not the sleeve length. Both crewneck t-shirts (short sleeve) and crewneck long sleeve shirts share the same neckline. The "crewneck sweatshirt" is a pullover with no hood and a round neckline.T-Shirt Neck Styles for Men
The most common men's neck styles are crew neck (standard), V-neck (slightly dressier), and Henley (casual/outdoor). Polo collars are standard for corporate and golf wear. For DTF printing on polo shirts, place the transfer below the button placket to avoid interference.Sleeve Types
| Sleeve | Description | DTF Placement Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short Sleeve | Standard t-shirt sleeve ending at mid-bicep | Standard chest placement |
| Long Sleeve | Extends to the wrist | Arm/sleeve prints are popular |
| 3/4 Sleeve (Baseball/Raglan) | Raglan t-shirt with contrasting color sleeves ending below the elbow | Chest transfers only — avoid printing over the raglan seam |
| Sleeveless/Tank | No sleeves, various armhole depths | Narrower transfer width |
| Cap Sleeve | Very short sleeve covering just the shoulder | Minimal sleeve printing area |
Heather Fabric Explained
What Is a Heather T-Shirt?
A heather shirt is made from a blend of two or more fiber colors twisted together during the yarn-spinning process. The result is a muted, multi-tonal appearance that looks softer and more textured than a solid color.What Does Heathered Mean in Clothing?
Heathered means the fabric contains a mix of colored and neutral (usually gray or white) fibers blended together. Common heather colors include:- Heather gray: The most recognizable — gray cotton blended with lighter fibers
- Black heather: Black fibers blended with charcoal or dark gray
- Ash heather: Light gray with a warm undertone
- Premium heather: A branded color name used by some manufacturers for their blended-fiber shirts
What Are Heather Colors?
Heather colors are any fabric shade produced by blending multiple fiber colors. You will see names like "heather navy," "heather red," "heather forest," etc. — each is a muted, blended version of the solid color.What Is Heather Material?
Heather material is not a specific fabric type — it describes the blending technique. Most heather shirts are cotton/polyester blends (like Gildan's DryBlend heather options) because the two fibers dye differently, creating the characteristic multi-tonal look.DTF on Heather Shirts
Heather shirts typically contain polyester. Lower your press temperature to 280–295°F and test first to avoid scorching. The heathered texture can slightly affect how the transfer adhesive bonds, so a post-press step is recommended for maximum durability.Woven vs Knit Shirts
| Type | Construction | Examples | DTF Compatible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knit | Interlocked loops of yarn; stretchy | T-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts | Yes — the standard DTF substrate |
| Woven | Interlaced threads on a loom; structured, less stretch | Button-down shirts, dress shirts, flannel | Limited — DTF works but the adhesive may sit on the surface. Test first. |
Polyester Pique and Performance Fabrics
What Is Polyester Pique?
Polyester pique is a textured knit fabric with a raised diamond or waffle pattern. It is the standard material for polo shirts and athletic tops. The textured surface can affect DTF transfer adhesion — use medium-firm pressure to push the transfer into the pique texture.Polyester Iron-On Considerations
When applying DTF transfers or iron-on vinyl to polyester:- Lower temperature to 270–290°F to prevent scorching and glazing
- Use a Teflon cover sheet to protect the fabric surface
- Test first — polyester reacts differently to heat than cotton
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of t-shirt fits?
The main t-shirt fits are classic/regular (boxy, relaxed), fashion/retail (side-seamed, tapered), slim (narrow, short), and oversized/drop-shoulder (extra wide, trending in streetwear). Each fit requires different DTF transfer sizing.What is a heather t-shirt?
A heather t-shirt is made from blended fibers (typically cotton and polyester) that create a muted, multi-tonal fabric appearance. Heather shirts require lower DTF press temperatures due to polyester content.What is the difference between a crewneck and a long sleeve?
A crewneck refers to the round neckline shape, not the sleeve length. Both short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts can have crewneck necklines. A "crewneck sweatshirt" is a pullover with no hood and a round neckline.What are woven shirts and can you DTF print on them?
Woven shirts are constructed by interlacing threads on a loom (button-downs, dress shirts). DTF transfers are designed for knit fabrics (t-shirts, hoodies), but can work on woven shirts with testing. The adhesive may sit on the surface rather than bonding into the fibers.How does a tshirt fit properly?
A well-fitting t-shirt has shoulder seams that align with the edge of the shoulder, a body that follows the torso without pulling or bunching, a hem that falls at mid-hip, and sleeves that end at mid-bicep. Classic fit is more relaxed, while fashion fit is more tapered.About the Author
Darrin DeTorres
DTF Database Founder