Why Port & Company T-Shirts Are Still Leading in the Wholesale Apparel Market?
By: ShirtsBargain Posted on: Feb 3, 2026Port & Company has been one of the most
talked-about brands in the wholesale apparel industry for a long time now. This
reputation is partly due to the incredible value the brand delivers with
budget-friendly blank apparel that does not compromise on quality construction
and comfort.
Launched in 1998 and owned by
SanMar Corporation, Port & Company has grown from offering simple shirt
styles to a comprehensive collection of over 140 items, including t-shirts,
polos, sweatshirts, fleece, caps, and accessories. Today, a number of these
products are top preferences for hundreds of startups and organizations, making
Port & Company a favorite among American organizations for imprinted
and customizable apparel.
This blog explores why and how
Port & Company remains competitive in the wholesale t-shirt market, how it compares to industry competitors like Gildan, Fruit of the Loom, and Hanes,
and highlights the brand's most popular t-shirt offerings that continue to
dominate bulk orders for retail, customization, corporate programs, and special
events.
Why Port & Company Is Known for T-Shirts
Port &
Company was conceived with a vision to provide buyers with the greatest value
while delivering well-styled clothing that lasts. And they have been successful
on that account for over two decades. The brand is part of SanMar's private
label portfolio, benefiting from SanMar's extensive expertise in apparel
manufacturing and distribution.
Port & Company
earned a lot of praise over the years for its commitment to quality
craftsmanship and high production standards. Users who have worked with the
brand for over 25 years report consistent quality across product lines, from
the iconic PC78H hooded sweatshirt to polos with a wide range of color options,
headwear, and fleece. 
- Consistent Quality in Fabrics and Fits: Port & Company T-shirts are known for their fabric quality and construction. The brand offers heavyweight options like the 6.1-ounce PC61 Essential Tee made from soft spun cotton and cotton-blends, as well as midweight choices like the 5.4-ounce PC54 Core Cotton Tee and the lighter 4.5-ounce PC450 Fan Favorite Tee made from ring-spun cotton. These varied fabric weights give customers the right options for their specific needs, be it for everyday wear, uniforms, or promotional events. Port & Company T-shirts maintain their shape and quality through multiple washes. Though some of our customers noted occasional sizing variations (approximately 1 in 100 shirts), the overall consistency remains high compared to many alternatives.
- Style & Color Variety: Port & Company offers extensive color selections for most of the styles across its t-shirt lines. The PC61 100% cotton t-shirt is available in over 60 colors with sizes up to 6XL, while the PC54 Core Cotton t-shirt comes in an impressive 75 color options. The PC450 Fan Favorite Tee provides 42 athletic-inspired colors perfect for sports teams and schools. This color palette allows buyers to find a match for branding requirements, team colors, or retail merchandise assortments. Port & Company isn’t behind on style variety either. Their tri-blend options, like the PC330, deliver unbelievable softness through a proprietary finish with a 50/37/13 poly/cotton/rayon blend available in 23 colors. For those seeking eco-conscious options, Port & Company offers recycled tees like the PC01 Core Blend made with 50% recycled cotton and 50% recycled polyester from plastic bottles.
Strong
Presence in Bulk Orders and Corporate Programs: Port & Company t-shirts
are a preferred choice for bulk orders, corporate branding, promotional
merchandise, and event apparel due to the competitive wholesale pricing. The brand’s
offerings are also among the most competitively priced in our store’s entire
wholesale apparel selection. Companies consistently choose Port &
Company for product merch, special events, and promotions due to the brand's
commitment to quality, design variety, and affordability. The removable tags
on most Port & Company T-shirts facilitate easy relabeling, making them
ideal for custom branding and private label applications. The brand's
compatibility with various decoration methods - including screen printing,
embroidery, heat transfer vinyl, and direct-to-garment printing - ensures
versatility for customization
projects.
Differences Between Port & Company and Other Brands
Port
& Company is often compared to major competitors, including
Gildan, Fruit of the Loom, and Hanes. While all brands offer quality
products, there are distinct differences in fabric feel, construction, and fit
characteristics. We have covered Gildan t-shirts in a separate blog; if you
want to check it out.
- Fabric Quality and Softness: Port & Company's soft spun and ring-spun cotton options provide a noticeably softer hand-feel compared to standard cotton tees, often priced slightly higher, of competitors. Users report that Port & Company fabrics, particularly the PC61, feel softer than comparable Gildan products, though Hanes Beefy-T (which uses ring-spun cotton) is described as the softer option between Port & Company PC61 and Hanes 5180. When comparing Port & Company to Fruit of the Loom, both brands offer 100% cotton options, but Port & Company is often praised for better quality than Fruit of the Loom in terms of fabric construction and consistency. Fruit of the Loom T-shirts tend to be lighter and more breathable, however.
- Fabric Weight Options: Port & Company offers varied fabric weights to suit different applications. The PC61 Essential Tee at 6.1 ounces competes directly with Gildan's Ultra Cotton 2000 (6-ounce) and Hanes Authentic 100% Cotton 5250 (6-ounce). The midweight PC54 Core Cotton Tee at 5.4 ounces offers a lighter alternative comparable to Fruit of the Loom 3930 (5-ounce). For those seeking premium lightweight options, the PC450 Fan Favorite Tee at 4.5 ounces provides a modern retail-quality feel.
- Fit and Construction: Port & Company t-shirts generally run true to size, according to our customers. Most t-shirts offer a classic, relaxed fit. Some users note that the fit is slightly smaller or more fitted in the neck area compared to Gildan, which tends to have a more relaxed, slightly roomier fit. This tighter neck construction can be advantageous for maintaining collar shape, but may feel constricting for some wearers.
- Pricing: Port & Company earned its reputation as a value-driven brand. You can find them at competitive prices across wholesale platforms like ShirtsBargain. This makes the brand accessible for businesses of all sizes. The pricing of Port & Company blank t-shirts wholesale in ShirtsBargain starts at $2.09 per piece for the PC43 lightweight, 100% cotton t-shirt in single and bulk quantities, with tiered discounts available for most styles as order volumes increase. The PC54 Core Cotton Tee is the brand’s bestseller in ShirtsBargain, alongside the PC78 sweatshirt and the PC78H hooded sweatshirt, coming at very low per-unit price points. As a matter of fact, Port & Company hoodies are great budget-friendly alternatives to the likes of District and Jerzees.
When
compared to Gildan, Port & Company pricing is competitive, with Gildan
products generally being a few dollars cheaper per unit in comparable styles.
However, Port & Company often delivers superior softness and quality
for a modest price increase, making it an excellent value proposition. Compared
to Hanes, Port & Company typically offers better pricing on comparable
fabric weights and construction
quality.
The Most Praised Traits of Port & Company T-Shirts
Shrinkage Performance: One of Port &
Company's strengths is relatively low shrinkage, particularly in cotton-poly
blends. The PC55 Core Blend Tee (50/50 cotton/poly) is known to maintain
true-to-size fit after laundering. Our customers report minimal shrinkage when
washing most Port & Company tees. Still, cotton, being a natural fiber,
is prone to shrinkage one way or the other over time. If you follow the
instructions in the care label, you can considerably minimize shrinkage. We
also recommend pre-washing 100% cotton t-shirts in general before customizing,
as this can help prevent warping of the prints or embroidery to an
extent.
- Sizing Consistency: Port & Company maintains relatively consistent sizing across production runs, though occasional variations do occur (approximately 1 in 100 units). The brand offers comprehensive size charts and extended sizing options, with most styles available from Small through 6XL, and tall sizes available in select styles.
- Colorfast Quality: Port & Company t-shirts generally maintain their color well through a lot of washes, which isn’t usually expected from low-budget apparel wholesale. The cotton-poly blends are particularly resistant to fading compared to 100% cotton options. The brand's garment-dyed collections, such as the PC099H Beach Wash blank hooded t-shirt, are designed with garment-dyeing processes that infuse each garment with unique character while still maintaining the vibrancy of the color.
- Screen Printing Compatibility: The smooth, tight-knit fabric of most Port & Company tees takes screen printing really well. The PC54 Core Cotton Tee is particularly popular for screen printing projects, with 100% cotton colors being ideal for plastisol inks, water-based discharge inks, and heat transfer vinyl applications. The heavyweight PC61 Essential Tee offers excellent ink adhesion and durability, ensuring printed designs last as long as the shirt itself.
- Embroidery Performance: Port & Company t-shirts aren’t popular preferences for embroidery. But this does not mean the tees are any less effective. We have customers in ShirtsBargain with over 20 years of experience in embroidering apparel, and they report very good results when embroidering specific t-shirt styles from the brand. These tees, which include the PC61, hold stitches well and maintain shape around the designs mostly.
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Port & Company or not, blank ringspun cotton t-shirts are pretty much made for DTG. Port & Company t-shirts deliver sharp DTG prints, particularly when the styles have a higher yarn count, like the PC450 Fan Favorite tee with a 30 singles yarn count.
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Port & Company t-shirts work well with heat transfer vinyl applications across both cotton and cotton-poly blends. However, we recommend verifying proper heat settings for different fabric blends for the best results that do not damage the fabric.
Comparison
Table: Port & Company vs. Competitors Value Addition Compared to Other
Brands
| Feature |
Port & Company
(PC61) | Gildan
(G2000) |
Hanes
(5280) |
| Fabric
Weight | 6.1 oz | 6.0 oz | 5.2
oz |
| Primary Fabric | 100% soft spun
cotton | 100% US
cotton | 100% US
cotton |
| Color
Options | 60+
colors | 61 colors | 50+
colors |
| Size
Range | S-6XL | S-5XL | S-5XL |
| Softness Rating | Very Soft | Moderate | Very Soft (if
Beefy-T) |
| Shrinkage | Low-Moderate | Low-Moderate | Low-Moderate |
| Wholesale Price
Range Up to XL (ShirtsBargain) |
$2.95 | As low as $3.04 | $2.16 |
| Best
For | Quality + Value, Corporate wear,
Events | Budget bulk orders,
Printing | Comfort, Premium
feel |
| Customization | Excellent (all
methods) | Excellent (all
methods) | Excellent (all
methods) |
| Print
Surface Quality | Smooth,
excellent | Tight weave,
excellent | Smooth,
excellent |
| Durability | High | High | High |
- Longer Lifespan, Premium Feel for the Price: Port & Company t-shirts deliver remarkable comfort through their soft spun cotton and ring-spun cotton construction processes. The durability of Port & Company T-shirts is enhanced by quality construction.
- Multiple Colors, Heather Tones, Unisex, and Fitted Options: Port & Company's extensive color palettes set it apart from many competitors. The brand offers both unisex and women's fitted styles across most product lines, ensuring appropriate fit options for diverse groups.
- Eco-Conscious Sourcing Where Applicable: Port & Company demonstrates commitment to responsible sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices. Their factory monitoring program includes third-party verification and engagement with multi-stakeholder initiatives like the Fair Labor Association (FLA). In November 2012, Port & Company was recognized by the FLA for dedication to Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing Principles when its compliance program received accreditation. This accreditation was renewed in March 2023 after a rigorous review of policies and oversight mechanisms, representing the highest level of programmatic evaluation. Port & Company is one of only a small number of companies to hold this level of distinction. In terms of environmental sustainability, many Port & Company products incorporate eco-friendly materials.
- Suitable for Resale, Corporate Wear, Uniforms, Events, or Personal Use: Port & Company T-shirts serve diverse markets and applications, demonstrating remarkable versatility across use cases. The quality construction, extensive color options, and competitive pricing make Port & Company T-shirts ideal for retail operations and online stores. The ability to easily relabel products through removable tags facilitates private label opportunities for retailers. Companies invest in Port & Company apparel for employee uniforms, corporate events, and branded merchandise. The combination of affordable bulk pricing and excellent printability also makes Port & Company a go-to choice for promotional giveaways, trade show apparel, company events, and fundraising campaigns. The athletic color options in styles like the PC450 Fan Favorite Tee cater specifically to sports teams and school spirit wear needs. The moisture-wicking performance options, like the PC380 100% polyester t-shirt, expand the brand's versatility into active and athletic applications. Lastly, the comfortable fabrics and classic fits make Port & Company tees popular for everyday personal wear.
Popular T-Shirts from Port & Company
- PC61 100% cotton t-shirt: The Port & Company Essential Tee PC61 is one of the brand's two absolute best-selling t-shirts, voted "most popular" by groups, teams, clubs, and schools nationwide. This heavyweight 6.1-ounce soft spun cotton tee (solids) delivers exceptional durability and a notably softer hand-feel than standard economy cottons.
- PC54 Core Cotton Tee: The Port & Company Core Cotton Tee PC54 is an indispensable midweight T-shirt in the brand's classic silhouette, offering a large color range at a very friendly price. This 5.4-ounce 100% cotton tee provides excellent value for budget-conscious buyers without sacrificing quality.
- PC099H Beach Wash Garment Dyed hooded t-shirt: At 5.5 ounces, this tee provides a worn-in, vintage look through pigment-dyeing processes while maintaining durability.
- PC450 Fan Favorite Tee: This 100% ring-spun cotton tee is engineered for exceptional softness and comfort, named for its popular retail-like quality.
- PC330 Tri-Blend Tee: Primed for 24/7 comfort, this tri-blend tee features a proprietary finish that gives it unbelievable softness at a great value.
- PC150 Ring Spun Cotton Tee: This additional ring-spun option delivers extra soft comfort with 100% ring-spun cotton construction and features 1-inch extra length in the body for enhanced coverage.
Conclusion
Port
& Company t-shirts deliver an outstanding balance of quality,
affordability, and versatility in the wholesale apparel market. When compared
to competitors like Gildan and Hanes, Port & Company delivers
commendable softness through soft-spun and ring-spun cotton options while
maintaining competitive pricing. The brand has also shown commitment to ethical
sourcing with accreditation from the Fair Labor Association, which makes it
more preferable for today's conscious consumers. These t-shirts are reliable,
perform consistently, and satisfy end users.
Explore
Port & Company t-shirts for your next bulk order or retail stocking
initiative at ShirtsBargain. With reliable customer support, professional-grade
customization services, competitive wholesale pricing, and reliable inventory
availability, we offer value that extends far beyond the initial purchase
price. Let us enhance your apparel program, strengthen your brand presence, and
satisfy your customers with Port & Company t-shirts at surprising
wholesale prices.