The most popular T-Shirt colors this year

As a custom apparel business owner, you’re probably frequently asked about the most popular t-shirt colors. This is a common inquiry when starting a t-shirt business, as selecting the right color can be challenging. Everyone wants a shade that not only looks great but also suits the occasion and remains practical.

To assist you in providing the best advice to your customers, we analyzed our best-selling Bella + Canvas 3001 t-shirt collection. We examined the colors that have been the most popular among our sellers, taking into account a diverse range of preferences and styles. In this post, EmbroInk will highlight the top color choices and provide links to high-quality t-shirts ideal for printing. By understanding these popular options, you can better guide your customers in making informed decisions.

What are the most popular shirt colors?

While t-shirt trends and color palettes evolve, some classics consistently top the charts. Black, white, navy blue, red, and gray are among our bestsellers. With the exception of red, these colors are relatively subdued, which is their strength. A neutral base allows vibrant designs to stand out and make an impact.

What is the least popular shirt color?

Neon green and mustard yellow are generally among the least popular choices in print-on-demand t-shirts. Their intense brightness can overpower many designs and they often clash with most wardrobes. As a result, they face lower demand due to limited design options and a smaller customer base.

However, these colors shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. Bright neons, for example, are still very popular in athletic wear and children’s clothing, demonstrating that their appeal can vary by category.

Classic Bestsellers

When it comes to t-shirt trends, some colors remain timeless and consistently popular. Among these enduring classics are black, white, black heather, and dark gray heather. Each of these shades offers unique advantages that make them staples in any wardrobe.

Black

Black t-shirts have long been a wardrobe staple, much like the iconic little black dress. Their enduring appeal lies in their unparalleled versatility and timelessness. Black t-shirts seamlessly adapt to various styles and occasions, making them an essential piece in any wardrobe. They provide a chic, understated backdrop that complements almost any outfit or accessory, allowing for endless fashion possibilities.

One of the key advantages of black t-shirts is their ability to absorb light, which enhances the visibility and impact of printed designs or logos. This quality makes them an excellent canvas for bold graphics and intricate patterns. For instance, the classic black-and-white combination on a black t-shirt creates a striking contrast that makes every design detail stand out with clarity and precision.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, black t-shirts are practical and durable. They are less likely to show stains or wear and tear, which makes them ideal for everyday use. Whether paired with jeans for a casual look or dressed up with a blazer for a more polished outfit, black t-shirts offer unmatched flexibility and style. Their ability to serve as both a base layer and a statement piece underscores their status as a fashion essential.

Popular T-Shirt colors: White

The classic white t-shirt epitomizes simplicity and versatility. Once viewed as too casual for formal occasions, the white tee has evolved into a fundamental element of contemporary fashion. Its ability to be dressed up or down makes it a versatile wardrobe staple suitable for any setting.

White t-shirts effortlessly blend with any color, allowing them to be the perfect canvas for custom designs. Their neutrality not only highlights the vibrancy of printed graphics but also complements a wide range of styles and themes. Whether paired with tailored trousers for a polished look or worn casually with jeans, the white tee adapts seamlessly to different fashion needs.

Its inherent simplicity allows it to serve as a blank slate for creative expressions, making it a popular choice for personal and promotional designs. The timeless appeal of the white t-shirt ensures that it remains a cherished and essential piece in any wardrobe, capable of enhancing both classic and contemporary outfits.

Black Heather

While black heather might seem similar to solid black, it distinguishes itself with its distinctive heathered effect. Unlike the uniform, opaque nature of solid black, black heather features subtle variations in color and texture. This heathered texture gives the shirt a unique appearance, adding depth and dimension to the fabric.

The nuanced texture of black heather creates a visually interesting backdrop for designs, making them stand out in a more dynamic way compared to a solid color. The interplay of light and shadow on the heathered surface can enhance the visual impact of printed graphics, adding a layer of sophistication and complexity to the overall look. This makes black heather an excellent choice for designs that benefit from a bit of texture and depth, providing a more engaging and textured canvas for custom prints.

Dark Gray Heather

Dark gray heather is a popular choice for t-shirt printing, and for good reason. Its slightly varied shade enhances any design while maintaining a neutral background. The practical benefits of dark gray heather include its durability and ability to conceal imperfections, making it a reliable choice for everyday wear.

These classic colors not only offer versatility and style but also serve as excellent canvases for custom designs, ensuring that every t-shirt remains a timeless piece.

Trending Colors

T-shirt printing is always evolving, and incorporating trending colors can keep your designs fresh and engaging. Here’s a look at the latest popular shades that are capturing attention:

Off-White

Off-white t-shirts are surging in popularity as a refined alternative to classic white. This subtle variation offers a unique twist while maintaining the clean, versatile nature of white. Shades like soft cream, heather dust, eggshell, and ivory provide a sophisticated backdrop for bold designs. Off-white is ideal for year-round wear and adds a touch of elegance to any print.

• • Soft Cream: This shade offers a delicate, timeless appeal that enhances print visibility with its subtle warmth.
  • Heather Dust: With its cool, muted tone, heather dust provides a distinctive look that complements designs featuring cooler hues.

Popular T-Shirt colors: Gray

Gray t-shirts have seen a steady rise in popularity, and for good reason. Their versatility and understated style make them a favorite choice for various designs.

• • Athletic Heather: Perfect for sportswear and activewear, this blend of 90% combed and ring-spun cotton with 10% polyester is both durable and comfortable. Its heathered look helps conceal dampness and provides a great contrast for bright designs.
  • Asphalt: A modern alternative to black, asphalt is stain-resistant and suits all skin tones. Its sleek appearance makes it a versatile choice for various styles.
  • Ash: With its light, muted tone, ash offers a sophisticated backdrop for designs, making them stand out subtly.

Green

Green t-shirts are trending as they evoke a connection with nature and freshness.

• • Forest: This deep, rich green exudes earthy vibes, making it ideal for designs related to sustainability and outdoor themes. Pair it with contrasting colors like red for a vibrant look.
  • Heather Deep Teal: Combining green and blue undertones, this color adds depth and versatility to your designs, complementing a wide range of hues.
  • Kelly: Known for its lively and energetic appearance, Kelly green is perfect for eye-catching designs and conveys enthusiasm and vitality.

Red

Red t-shirts from the Bella + Canvas 3001 collection are notable for their exceptional softness and vibrant color. Made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, they offer a standout backdrop for bold designs, especially when paired with complementary colors.

Pink

Pink is associated with love, sweetness, and creativity. Its versatility allows for a wide range of designs, from playful and cute to bold and expressive. Pink t-shirts are a great choice for conveying specific messages or targeting particular audiences.

Purple

Purple t-shirts are a distinguished choice for showcasing print designs. Associated with nobility, luxury, and power, purple adds a touch of sophistication to any design. Whether you choose a striking white contrast, elegant silver, bold black, or a touch of luxurious gold, purple provides a rich backdrop that makes designs stand out.

Yellow

Yellow is a vibrant and energetic color that conveys positivity and warmth. Its bright hue is versatile, allowing for a range of designs from playful graphics to formal logos. Yellow’s ability to capture attention makes it a popular choice for eye-catching t-shirt designs.

Popular T-Shirt colors: Orange

Orange t-shirts are experiencing a resurgence, thanks to a revival of ’90s aesthetics. The warm, sunset-like quality of orange captures the essence of iconic designs from that era. This bold color pairs well with various design styles, making it a fun and trendy option for custom prints.

These trending colors offer unique opportunities to create eye-catching and stylish t-shirts that stand out in any wardrobe.