The Ultimate Comfort Colors 1717 T-Shirt Guide
The Comfort Colors 1717 t-shirt isn't just another blank tee; it's a heavyweight, garment-dyed icon known for feeling perfectly broken-in right off the hanger. It strikes that sweet spot between a sturdy, thick shirt and one with a vintage softness, making it a go-to for anyone creating premium custom apparel or just looking for their next favorite tee.
What Makes the Comfort Colors 1717 an Icon?
There's a good reason the Comfort Colors 1717 has earned such a dedicated following. It sits in a unique category, somewhere between a rugged workwear staple and a trendy, vintage-inspired piece. Imagine your favorite old concert tee—the one that's been washed a hundred times and fits just right—but built with the quality and structure of a brand-new shirt. That blend of lived-in comfort and fresh durability is what it's all about.
This isn't your average cotton tee. It's a canvas engineered for comfort that lasts. The magic is in the manufacturing process, which is a world away from the stiff, mass-produced basics that tend to shrink or lose their shape after a few cycles in the laundry.
A Foundation of Quality and Comfort
Everything about the 1717 starts with a solid foundation. It's a heavyweight adult tee made from 100% ring-spun US cotton, which is a big deal. This type of cotton is known for being incredibly soft yet strong, and you can feel the difference the moment you touch it.
The fabric has a substantial weight of 207 grams per square meter (gsm), giving the shirt a premium, structured feel without ever being stiff or uncomfortable. The result is a tee that feels solid and well-made but is still soft against your skin. You can dig into all the details on the brand's official specifications page.
The Art of the Garment-Dye
The real game-changer for the 1717 is its garment-dyeing process. Most t-shirts are made from fabric that's already been dyed. Comfort Colors does it differently: they sew the entire shirt first and then dye the whole thing. This unique approach is responsible for two of its most loved features:
- That Signature Softness: The dyeing process involves a ton of washing, which naturally breaks down the fabric's initial stiffness. This is what creates that signature "lived-in" feel from the very first wear.
- A Vintage Vibe: This method gives each shirt a slightly weathered, faded look with subtle color variations around the seams. No two are exactly alike, giving each one a bit of unique character.
A huge bonus of this process is that it pre-shrinks the fabric. The fit you get out of the box is the fit you can count on, wash after wash. It’s a small but crucial detail that speaks to the shirt's reliability.
At the end of the day, the Comfort Colors 1717 became an icon because it delivers on a simple, powerful promise: a high-quality, durable t-shirt that feels like an old favorite from day one. It's a trusted staple for personal wardrobes and a top-tier canvas for brands and creators.
Deconstructing the Signature Fabric and Feel
To really get the Comfort Colors 1717, you have to look closer at what makes it tick. It's not just one thing, but a thoughtful mix of top-tier materials and a very specific production process that gives you a shirt feeling both brand new and perfectly broken-in, all at once.
This teamwork between the fabric and the finish is what takes the 1717 from just another t-shirt to a genuine wardrobe staple. Let’s pull back the curtain and see how it all comes together.
The Foundation of Ring-Spun Cotton
Everything starts with 100% ring-spun US cotton. That's not just a fancy label; it points to a manufacturing method that creates a much better thread. Think of the difference between a rough, generic rope and a smoothly braided cord—that’s the leap in quality we're talking about.
Most standard cotton tees use what's called "open-end" cotton, where fibers are basically just twisted together. It works, but it can feel a bit rough and inconsistent. Ring-spinning is different. The cotton strands are continuously twisted and thinned, creating a yarn that is:
- Softer: This process smooths out the coarse, scratchy fibers, leaving a yarn that feels incredible against the skin.
- Stronger: All that twisting interlocks the fibers tightly, making the final fabric far more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- More Refined: It results in a tight, smooth weave that makes for a fantastic printing surface.
This high-quality cotton base gives the Comfort Colors 1717 its first big win in both comfort and longevity. It’s a difference you can feel right away.
The Magic of Garment Dyeing
Now for the main event: the garment-dyeing process. This is the secret sauce behind the 1717's signature look and feel. Instead of cutting and sewing from massive rolls of pre-dyed fabric, the shirts are built first in their natural, undyed state. Only after the shirt is fully constructed is it submerged in dye.
This flip in the production order has a massive impact. The entire shirt gets washed and tumbled over and over during the dyeing cycle, which essentially "beats up" the fabric in the best way possible, aggressively softening those ring-spun cotton fibers. This is exactly what creates that lived-in, super-soft feel from the very first wear.
The garment-dyeing process also gives the shirt its subtle color variations and a slightly weathered look, especially around the seams. It's what gives each piece a unique, vintage vibe that you just can't get from standard dyeing.
One of the biggest practical perks of this intense washing process is that the fabric is effectively pre-shrunk. We all know how notorious 100% cotton shirts can be for shrinking in the wash, but the 1717 holds its size and shape incredibly well. This makes it a reliable choice for custom designs, as you can trust that both the shirt and your print will stay true. If you're planning to add your own graphics, understanding the basics of different methods is crucial. You can learn more about how to approach DTF shirt printing on premium fabrics like this to get the best results.
Built to Last Construction Details
It's not just about the fabric and dye. The Comfort Colors 1717 is also packed with small construction details that ensure it holds up over time. These are the unsung heroes that separate a premium tee from a fast-fashion throwaway.
- Double-Needle Stitching: Look closely at the collar, sleeves, and bottom hem. You'll see two parallel rows of stitches, a technique that heavily reinforces these key stress points and stops them from unraveling.
- Twill-Taped Neck and Shoulders: A thin strip of durable twill fabric is sewn over the seams inside the neck and shoulders. This little detail does a lot—it helps the shirt keep its shape, prevents stretching, and makes it more comfortable by covering up potentially scratchy seams.
Put it all together, and you have a shirt that doesn't just feel good—it's engineered to last for years, becoming a go-to favorite you'll reach for again and again.
Diving into the Garment-Dyed Color Palette
Aside from the great fabric and solid construction, the real soul of the Comfort Colors 1717 is its color palette. This isn't your standard-issue rack of primary colors. What you get is a whole range of shades that look like they were pulled straight from a faded vintage photo or a calm, natural landscape.
The magic comes from the garment-dyeing process. Because the entire shirt is dyed after it's been stitched together, no two are ever exactly the same. This technique gives each shirt subtle color variations and a soft, lived-in character that you just can't get with regular dyeing methods. That unique aesthetic is a huge part of why this shirt is so popular right now.
Understanding the Color Families
To really get a feel for the options, it helps to think of the colors in groups. Each family has its own vibe, which makes it way easier to find the perfect shade for your brand, a special event, or just your personal style.
- Earthy Tones: We’re talking about colors like Moss, Hemp, and Sandstone. These shades are grounded and organic, making them perfect for brands with a natural or rustic identity. They feel authentic and calming.
- Coastal Hues: Colors like Bay, Seafoam, and Lagoon immediately bring to mind misty mornings by the ocean. These soft blues and greens are a go-to for beachwear lines, resort merch, or anyone trying to capture a relaxed, breezy feel.
- Washed Neutrals: This group includes all-time favorites like Pepper, Grey, and Chalky Mint. They’re a more subdued, vintage take on classic black and white, giving you a versatile foundation for almost any design you can think of.
This isn't just a random assortment of colors; it's a collection that elevates the 1717 from a basic blank into a genuine fashion piece. With dozens of rich, vintage-inspired hues, you can achieve anything from a sleek modern look to a retro washed-out style. This versatility has helped it find a home in streetwear, casual fashion, and high-quality branded merchandise.
The garment-dye process means the color soaks into the shirt after it’s sewn. This is why you’ll often notice the color looks a little deeper around the seams and collar, which just adds to its unique, handcrafted character.
A Closer Look at Popular Comfort Colors 1717 Hues and Their Characteristics
While the entire palette is incredible, a few colors have become absolute fan favorites. Their unique look and versatility make them standouts for all kinds of projects. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes them special.
| Color Name | Visual Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pepper | A perfectly faded charcoal grey with subtle brown undertones. It looks like a black tee that's been loved and washed for years—soft and vintage without looking worn out. | Brands going for a timeless, slightly edgy aesthetic. It’s a fantastic alternative to solid black, as colors from screen printing and DTF transfers really pop against the muted background. |
| Bay | A soft, muted green with cool, greyish-blue undertones. It's a sophisticated and calming color that feels both modern and natural, like coastal fog or eucalyptus leaves. | Lifestyle brands, wellness companies, or any design that needs a serene and stylish backdrop. It pairs beautifully with minimalist designs in white or cream. |
| Ivory | A warm, creamy off-white that’s much softer and more inviting than a stark, bright white. It has a natural, unbleached look that gives it a touch of understated elegance. | Wedding party shirts, boutique brands, and artistic designs. Its gentle tone is a beautiful canvas that's less harsh than pure white, making intricate, colorful artwork stand out. |
Ultimately, choosing a color for the Comfort Colors 1717 is about more than just picking a shade—it's about setting a mood. Each hue tells a story, adding a layer of depth and personality to your project before you've even printed a thing on it.
Finding Your Perfect Fit and Sizing
Let's talk about the most important question for any t-shirt: how does it actually fit? The Comfort Colors 1717 is famous for its relaxed, classic cut. This isn't one of those super-tight, slim-fit shirts you see everywhere; it's designed for pure comfort.
Think of it as your go-to, perfectly worn-in tee. It has a bit more room in the chest and sleeves, giving it a laid-back feel without looking baggy or sloppy. This build offers a great drape that works for almost any body type and makes an incredible canvas for your designs.
Unlike a modern athletic shirt that clings to you, the 1717 gives you space to breathe and move. It’s all about all-day comfort, which is why it’s such a solid choice for everything from personal wear to brand merchandise.
Nailing Your Size
The absolute best way to get the right size is to measure a t-shirt you already own that fits you perfectly. Just lay it flat, measure the chest from one armpit to the other, and compare that number to the sizing chart. It takes all the guesswork out of the equation.
This image shows you the chest measurements for the most common sizes, making it easy to see how the fit scales up.
As you can see, the cut is generous. If you want a comfortable, true-to-size look that’s relaxed but not huge, just stick with your usual size. But if you’re after that trendy, oversized streetwear vibe, going up one size is the way to go.
To help you visualize the specifics, we've put together a detailed sizing guide. Use these chest and length measurements to pinpoint the exact fit you're looking for, whether it's the standard relaxed cut or a more modern oversized style.
Comfort Colors 1717 Sizing Guide
| Size | Chest (inches) | Length (inches) | Recommended Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 18.5 | 27 | Standard relaxed fit for smaller frames. |
| M | 20.5 | 28.5 | A classic, comfortable fit for average builds. |
| L | 22.5 | 30 | The most popular size, offering a great relaxed look. |
| XL | 24.5 | 31.5 | Generous room for a comfortable, non-restrictive fit. |
| 2XL | 26.5 | 32.75 | Extra room for a true oversized feel or for larger builds. |
| 3XL | 28.5 | 33.5 | Maximum comfort and a pronounced oversized drape. |
Remember, measuring one of your favorite tees at home and comparing it to this chart is the surest way to get a fit you'll love from day one.
What About Shrinkage?
We've all been there. You buy a 100% cotton shirt, wash it once, and it comes out of the dryer looking like it belongs to a doll. This is one of the biggest headaches with cotton tees, but it’s also where the Comfort Colors 1717 really stands out.
The secret is its garment-dyeing process. The shirt is dyed after it’s been fully sewn together, which involves a series of intense hot washes and drying cycles. This entire process essentially pre-shrinks the fabric for you.
What does that mean for you? You get what you see. The fit you try on the first day is the fit you’ll have wash after wash, with little to no noticeable shrinkage. This reliability is a game-changer, especially if you’re ordering for a business and need consistent quality for your customers.
Here's a simple breakdown for choosing your size:
- For a Classic Relaxed Fit: Order your normal t-shirt size. The 1717 is designed to have a comfortable, easygoing cut right out of the box. It’s not tight, but it’s not baggy either—it’s just right.
- For a Modern Oversized Look: Go one size up. This will give you a longer, wider drape and more room through the body and sleeves, perfect for nailing that current streetwear style.
A Creator's Guide to Printing on the 1717
The Comfort Colors 1717 is so much more than a comfortable t-shirt—it’s a premium canvas just waiting for your creative touch. Its unique, garment-dyed finish has made it a massive favorite among brands and artists. But to get a perfect print, you need to understand how to work with the fabric, not against it.
Whether you're working with Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers, screen printing, or even embroidery, the heavyweight ring-spun cotton gives you a wonderfully stable and smooth surface. Let's walk through the best practices to get vibrant, durable, and professional-looking results every single time.
Mastering DTF Transfers on the 1717
Direct-to-Film has become a go-to method for customizing the Comfort Colors 1717, and for good reason. It delivers full-color, highly detailed designs that feel soft to the touch. But the shirt's heavyweight, garment-dyed fabric demands a specific approach with your heat press to get it right.
Think of it like baking a perfect cake. You can have the best ingredients in the world, but if the oven temperature is off, the result will be a letdown. The same logic applies here.
For the Comfort Colors 1717 t-shirt, here are the heat press settings we've found work best:
- Temperature: Stick between 290-310°F (143-154°C). The garment-dyed fabric can be sensitive to high heat, and this lower range is your best bet to prevent scorching or discoloration.
- Pressure: Go for Medium to Firm pressure. You need enough force to bond the transfer’s adhesive into the cotton fibers without completely flattening the shirt's natural texture.
- Time: An initial press of 10-12 seconds is usually all you need. After you peel the film, a quick second press for 3-5 seconds with a protective sheet is a great pro-tip for locking in the design and boosting durability.
Always pre-press your shirt for 5-7 seconds before applying the transfer. This simple step removes any residual moisture and wrinkles from the fabric, creating a perfectly flat and dry surface for optimal adhesion.
Tackling Dye Migration Head-On
One of the biggest hurdles when printing on garment-dyed fabrics is something called dye migration. This is what happens when the dye from the shirt itself "bleeds" into the ink of your design, messing with the colors. It's most obvious on darker shirts, where a bright white print can end up looking a dingy grey or even pinkish.
So, what causes it? In a word: heat. Too much heat can reactivate the dyes in the shirt. Since the 1717 is dyed after it's been sewn together, it can be more susceptible to this problem if you're not careful.
Here are a few pro tips to stop it in its tracks:
- Use a Low-Cure Adhesive: When you order your DTF transfers, make sure they're made with an adhesive powder specifically designed for lower application temperatures.
- Stick to the Temperature Guidelines: It can be tempting to crank up the heat to speed things up, but don't do it. Keeping your press in that 290-310°F range is your best defense against dye migration.
- Always Test First: If you’re trying a new shirt color or starting a big batch, always press a test transfer first. Use a scrap piece of fabric or find a hidden spot on the shirt to make sure everything looks right.
Why the 1717 Is a Superior Printing Canvas
The Comfort Colors 1717 t-shirt isn't just popular because it feels great; its construction makes it an ideal choice for all kinds of customization. The tight weave of the ring-spun cotton creates an incredibly smooth surface, which allows for crisp, sharp details whether you're screen printing or using DTF. For those exploring other heat application methods, our guide on how to use heat transfer paper offers some great additional insights.
That beefy 6.1 oz heavyweight fabric is also perfect for embroidery. The material is sturdy enough to support dense stitching without the puckering or warping you see on thinner shirts, ensuring your embroidered logos look clean and high-end. When you're planning a custom run of 1717s, it’s smart to weigh all your options, and looking into professional t-shirt printing services can give you a better idea of what's possible.
Comfort Colors is a huge player in the U.S. cotton apparel market, which was valued at roughly $9 billion in 2022. This market keeps growing, and premium shirts like the 1717 are a big reason why. With a base price that can be as low as $6.25 per shirt, it’s an accessible starting point for everyone from individual creators to large shops taking advantage of bulk pricing.
You’ve got your hands on a premium Comfort Colors 1717, and you want to keep that signature softness and lived-in color for the long haul. Good news—it’s built to last. But because it’s garment-dyed, it needs a slightly different kind of care than your average tee.
Think of that unique color as a living thing. It's designed to age gracefully and develop character over time, not fade into oblivion. A few simple habits will protect its unique vibe and any custom designs you’ve added.
The Right Way to Wash Your 1717
The secret to preserving your shirt really comes down to the wash cycle. The goal here is simple: be gentle. You want to protect both the fabric's soft-spun cotton fibers and that special dye.
First thing's first: always turn your shirt inside out before tossing it in the wash. This is a non-negotiable step. It creates a shield for the outer surface, cutting down on the friction that can wear down the color or damage custom prints like DTF transfers.
For the best results every time, just stick to these simple rules:
- Wash with cold water: Hot water is the enemy of garment dye. It can cause the color to bleed and puts a ton of stress on the cotton. Cold water is way gentler and helps keep the color locked in.
- Use a mild detergent: Steer clear of harsh chemicals or anything with bleach. Those will strip the shirt of its unique, soft-washed color in a heartbeat.
- Wash with similar colors: This is especially important for the first few washes. To be safe, just group your 1717 with other clothes in the same color family to avoid any dye transfer drama.
Taking these small steps is like building a good foundation. Just as you pre-press a shirt to remove moisture before applying a transfer, proper washing prepares your shirt for a long and vibrant life.
Drying for Maximum Softness and Fit
How you dry your Comfort Colors 1717 is just as important as how you wash it. Since the shirt is already pre-shrunk, you’ve got a bit more wiggle room than with other cotton tees, but a gentle approach is still your best bet.
Tumble drying on a low heat setting is the way to go. The low, gentle heat brings back that incredible softness without blasting it with high temperatures that can make cotton feel stiff and scratchy. Just be sure to pull it out of the dryer as soon as it’s done to keep wrinkles at bay.
Of course, air drying is always a fantastic, foolproof option. You can lay the shirt flat or hang it up, but try to keep it out of direct sunlight, which can cause the color to fade unevenly. This method is the absolute kindest to the fabric and any graphics you've added.
If your tee has a custom DTF design, following specific DTF washing instructions will give that print an even longer, more vibrant life. By sticking to this simple routine, your Comfort Colors 1717 won't just last—it'll get even better with age.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you're digging into the world of high-quality blank tees, a few questions always pop up. We've compiled the most common ones we hear about the Comfort Colors 1717 to give you real, straightforward answers. This way, you can feel confident whether you're grabbing one for yourself or ordering a hundred for your next big project.
Let's break down everything from its price tag to how it handles different printing methods.
Is the Comfort Colors 1717 Really Worth the Extra Money?
Yes, and it really comes down to better materials and a smarter manufacturing process. The shirt is built on a foundation of 100% ring-spun cotton, which feels noticeably softer and holds up way better than the basic cotton you find in most budget tees. You're not just buying a t-shirt; you're investing in a garment that's made to last.
The secret sauce, though, is the garment-dyeing process. This technique is what gives the shirt its famous faded, vintage look, but it also pre-shrinks the fabric. That means the 1717 you buy today will fit the same way after a dozen washes, giving you a reliable fit and much better long-term value.
How Does the 1717 Fit Compared to a Standard Gildan Tee?
The Comfort Colors 1717 has a distinctively relaxed, classic fit. Think a little roomier in the body and sleeves compared to a standard Gildan, which typically has a straighter, more traditional cut. The 1717 is designed from the ground up to feel comfortable and lived-in right off the hanger.
For a relaxed-but-true-to-size feel, stick with your usual size. If you're chasing that modern, oversized streetwear vibe, sizing up one is the way to go.
This forgiving silhouette makes it a go-to choice that works well for all kinds of body types and styles.
Can You Screen Print or Embroider on This Shirt?
Absolutely! The 1717 is a top-tier canvas for both methods, and it's a favorite for a reason. Its beefy 6.1 oz fabric creates a solid, stable surface that takes screen printing ink beautifully, resulting in designs that are vibrant and sharp.
That same sturdy fabric is also a dream for embroidery. It can handle dense stitch counts without the puckering or warping you often see on lighter-weight shirts. The smooth, tight weave of the ring-spun cotton ensures that both printed graphics and stitched logos look crisp and professional every time.
Ready to put your designs on a premium canvas? At Raccoon Transfers, we make top-quality DTF transfers that look incredible on the Comfort Colors 1717. Get started on your project today!