How to Source Custom T-Shirts and Tops in China: A Buyer Checklist

A practical buyer checklist for sourcing custom T-shirts and tops in China, covering fabric composition, GSM, fit, measurements, construction, printing, embroidery, color, labels, packaging, samples, and supplier confirmation.

T-shirts and tops are easy to compare visually but difficult to compare accurately from photos alone. Two garments can have the same shape and still differ significantly in fabric weight, knit construction, hand feel, shrinkage behavior, fit, collar structure, stitching, printing, and finishing. This checklist helps buyers identify the information that materially affects quotation and sampling. It is not a fixed garment specification. Final fabric composition, GSM, measurements, color, construction, decoration, labels, quantity requirements, and production feasibility should be confirmed with the selected supplier. 1. Start with the garment style and intended use Share a product photo, existing sample, supplier link, sketch, tech pack, or product code. Explain whether the target is a basic T-shirt, oversized tee, fitted top, crop top, long-sleeve top, polo-style top, performance top, heavyweight streetwear tee, or another style. The intended use helps define the priorities. A promotional T-shirt, retail fashion piece, sports top, and premium heavyweight tee may require different decisions on fabric, fit, seams, printing, and packaging. 2. Treat fabric composition and GSM as separate decisions A label such as 100% cotton or cotton/polyester does not fully define a fabric. Fabrics with similar fiber composition can differ in yarn, knit structure, weight, finishing, stretch, softness, surface appearance, shrinkage, and durability. Fiber composition target Fabric type or knit structure Approximate GSM or weight target Stretch requirement Soft, dry, brushed, washed, compact, heavyweight, lightweight, or another hand feel Surface finish or treatment Color and dye effect Material composition, fabric type, GSM, stretch, finish, and color shown on a reference garment should be treated as a reference configuration. They can be developed around the buyer’s requirements, subject to garment construction, quantity, intended use, and supplier confirmation. 3. Confirm fit with measurements, not only size labels Do not rely only on S, M, L or a generic “US size” description. If fit matters, provide a measurement chart or a reference garment that fits correctly. Chest width Body length Shoulder width Sleeve length and opening Bottom opening Neck opening Front and back length if different Any oversized, boxy, cropped, slim, relaxed, or longline target If several sizes are required, confirm the grading rather than assuming every supplier uses the same size progression. 4. Review neckline, collar, seams, and garment construction Crew neck, V-neck, polo collar, mock neck, or another neckline Rib composition and width Collar height and stretch Shoulder tape or reinforcement Side seam or tubular body Hem construction Sleeve construction Visible stitch style if important Wash or distress effect where relevant Small changes in collar and shoulder construction can noticeably change the appearance of the finished garment. 5. Decide the logo and artwork method together with the fabric The most suitable decoration process depends on fabric, artwork, color count, print area, desired hand feel, stretch, and intended appearance. Screen printing Heat transfer or other transfer methods Direct-to-garment or another digital method where appropriate Embroidery Applique or patch Woven or printed label Specialty print or surface effect where feasible Provide artwork size, position, colors, and whether the design is front, back, sleeve, neck, or multi-position. A vector file is useful for production, but a clear normal image is enough to begin discussing feasibility. 6. Handle color approval on the actual fabric Fabric color can look different depending on fiber, dye process, surface finish, washing, lighting, and screen display. If a brand color matters, provide a clear target and agree how the physical fabric will be approved. Also check that rib, thread, labels, print, and other trims look acceptable with the main fabric. 7. Plan labels and branding details before bulk production Main brand label Size label Care and composition label Printed neck label Hangtag Barcode or retail sticker Country-of-origin information where required Label wording and placement should be checked for the actual garment and destination market rather than copied automatically from a reference product. 8. Treat packaging and size assortment as part of the order Individual polybag or alternative packaging Fold method Size sticker Barcode Hangtag placement Color and size assortment Carton quantity and carton marks Retail or e-commerce packaging if required 9. What information helps produce a more useful quotation? Reference garment, photo, tech pack, sketch, product link, or product code Garment style and intended use Approximate quantity Number of colors and designs Fabric composition target Fabric GSM or thickness target if important Size range and measurements Fit direction Construction details that must be retained Logo artwork and preferred decoration method if known Labels and packaging requirements Destination country or market Target price range if you already have one Sample or timing requirement 10. Use the sample to confirm fabric, fit, and decoration Review fabric feel and weight, measurements, fit, collar shape, seams, hem, print or embroidery, color, labels, and packaging. If the order includes several sizes, make sure the size chart and grading are confirmed instead of assuming one sample proves the entire range. What to send Benson Sourcing Start with a garment photo, product link, tech pack, or physical sample plus the approximate quantity. Add the target fabric, GSM, fit, size range, logo, colors, labels, packaging, destination market, and timing if you already know them. Missing details can be clarified during supplier communication and sampling.

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