ShirtsBargain Blog | Wholesale Apparel Guide, Apparel Trends, Customization Options, and more.

What Are Hammer Tees? Comparing the Gildan Hammer and Carhartt CTK87

Confused about Hammer tees? This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about Gildan's game-changing Hammer line and how it stacks up against the legendary Carhartt CTK87. Discover why the 6.0 oz Gildan Hammer H000 has become the go-to choice for screen printers, streetwear brands, and DTG printing, offering ring-spun softness at a fraction of premium prices. We compare fabric weight, print surfaces, durability, fit, and wholesale costs to help you choose between budget-friendly versatility and workwear durability. Whether you're printing band merch, equipping construction crews, or building a clothing brand, learn which heavyweight tee delivers the best ROI for your specific needs. Includes expert printing recommendations, sizing insights, and answers to common questions about rebranding, pocket placements, and decoration techniques.

ShirtsBargain, 02/23/2026

What is Pullover: Meaning, Style, and the Best Picks

Pullovers represent essential American wardrobe staples positioned between hoodies and button-downs, characterized by seamless front designs pulled over the head without zippers or buttons (though quarter-zip and half-zip variants exist). Originally designed for fishermen avoiding hardware that caught on nets or rusted in salt spray, continuous chest fabric provides superior wind resistance and draft prevention. The distinctive V-stitch ribbed fabric under crewneck collars serves dual purposes: collecting sweat to keep collars dry and allowing neckline stretching during wear without fabric warping. Modern applications span corporate offices embracing "Business Comfort" aesthetics, sports teams requiring uniform decoration canvases, and athleisure weekend wear. Fabric options include 100% cotton for breathability, polyester for durability and moisture-wicking, fleece-lined variants for insulation, and tri-blends offering soft vintage drape. Leading wholesale brands include Port Authority for corporate polish, Port & Company for value basics, and Sport-Tek for athletic performance featuring PosiCharge color-locking technology and moisture-management systems ideal for team customization projects.

ShirtsBargain, 02/13/2026

Why Port & Company T-Shirts Are Still Leading in the Wholesale Apparel Market?

Port & Company has dominated the wholesale apparel market since 1998 through exceptional value, consistent quality, and extensive variety. As part of SanMar Corporation, the brand offers 140+ items, with t-shirts representing their flagship category, trusted for corporate programs, retail merchandise, and custom decoration projects across diverse industries. Key strengths include varied fabric weights spanning the lightweight 4.5-ounce PC450 Fan Favorite to the heavyweight 6.1-ounce PC61 Essential Tee, all featuring soft spun or ring-spun cotton construction for superior hand-feel. Extensive color palettes provide 60-75 options per style with sizes up to 6XL, with wholesale pricing starting at $2.09 per piece. Port & Company excels at all major decoration methods, including screen printing, embroidery, DTG, and HTV. The brand holds Fair Labor Association accreditation for ethical manufacturing practices and incorporates recycled materials in eco-conscious styles, delivering outstanding quality-to-price ratios that satisfy budget-conscious buyers without compromising performance or durability.

ShirtsBargain, 02/03/2026

How to Soften a Stiff Carhartt Jacket: 5 Proven Methods

New Carhartt jackets feature intentionally stiff "Firm Hand" duck canvas engineered for snag and abrasion resistance, requiring break-in periods before achieving comfortable fit. While natural wear over weeks provides the safest softening method creating custom body-contoured fits, five proven techniques accelerate the process. The vinegar wash method preserves DWR and FR coatings by adding one cup white vinegar to cold water cycles, soaking for one hour to dissolve factory starch. Washer/dryer agitation with tennis balls or sneakers mimics years of wear in 60 minutes through mechanical pummeling. Steam or damp towel techniques offer no-wash alternatives for spot-treating stiff collars and hoods. The unconventional freezer method uses water expansion to fracture sizing agents. Critical maintenance warnings include avoiding fabric softeners that compromise water-repellent coatings, never using high heat causing shrinkage, and eliminating bleach that degrades cotton fibers. CornerStone enzyme-washed alternatives offer instant softness versus Carhartt's legendary durability requiring earned comfort through proper break-in techniques.

ShirtsBargain, 01/22/2026

Carhartt Jackets vs. CornerStone Jackets: Which Work Jacket Will Work For You?

Carhartt and CornerStone represent two approaches to durable work jackets, each serving different budget and performance requirements. Carhartt, the legendary American workwear brand, delivers exceptional durability with premium cotton duck fabric, specialized treatments, and decades-long lifespan expectations. Their jackets feature blanket lining insulation, tailored structured fits, and multiple reinforced pockets, priced from $75-$150 wholesale. CornerStone offers functional alternatives with tough cotton duck construction, effective polyfill insulation, and practical features including embroidery-friendly Port Pockets. Their roomier fits accommodate layering, with wholesale pricing ranging $49.66-$96, representing 30-40% savings versus comparable Carhartt models. Key differences include fabric treatment philosophy (Carhartt's superior molecular-level strength vs CornerStone's functional toughness), insulation strategies (extreme cold vs moderate winter protection), fit styles (tailored structured vs relaxed roomy), and pricing approaches (premium investment vs exceptional value). Both feature cotton duck fabric, triple-stitching at stress points, and work-specific design elements for construction, warehousing, and outdoor work environments.

ShirtsBargain, 01/12/2026