Comfort Colors vs Bella+Canvas: Which Tee Is Right for You?
Most of our tees come on one of two blanks: the Comfort Colors 1717 and the Bella+Canvas 3001. Both are unisex, both are 100% cotton, and both take the same designs. The difference is weight, fit, and finish. Here is the short version so you can pick the one you will actually reach for.
At a Glance
| Comfort Colors 1717 | Bella+Canvas 3001 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavyweight, 6.1 oz | Lightweight, 4.2 oz |
| Fabric | 100% ring-spun cotton | 100% combed ring-spun cotton (heather shades are a cotton/poly blend) |
| Fit | Relaxed and boxy, with a dropped shoulder | Modern retail fit, trimmer through the body |
| Feel | Thick, soft, and broken-in from day one | Light, smooth, and drapey |
| Look | Garment-dyed for a faded, vintage colour | Clean, even colour |
| Construction | Ribbed collar, twill-taped neck and shoulders, double-needle hems | Side-seamed, shoulder taping, tear-away label |
| Sizing | Runs roomy. Size down for a fitted look | True to size. Size up for a relaxed look |
| Size chart | Size chart · Fit guide | Size chart · Fit guide |
Comfort Colors 1717
This is the heavy, lived-in tee. Each shirt is sewn first and dyed afterward, which is what gives Comfort Colors its soft, slightly faded colour and its worn-in feel straight out of the package. Because of the garment-dye process, no two shirts are exactly the same shade, and that is part of the charm. The cut is relaxed and a little boxy, with a dropped shoulder, so it wears like a favourite weekend shirt. If you like a substantial, cosy tee with a vintage look, this is the one.
Bella+Canvas 3001
This is the light, everyday tee. The combed ring-spun cotton is smooth and soft, and at 4.2 oz it is noticeably lighter than the Comfort Colors, which makes it the better pick for warm weather, layering, or anyone who prefers a shirt that drapes rather than holds its shape. The fit is a modern retail cut, trimmer through the body and side-seamed, so it looks tailored without being tight. Colours are even and true rather than faded.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Want a thick, relaxed, vintage-feeling tee? Comfort Colors 1717.
- Want a light, soft, fitted everyday tee? Bella+Canvas 3001.
- Between sizes? Size down on Comfort Colors, size up on Bella+Canvas.
- Hot climate or layering? Bella+Canvas.
- Cool weather or a shirt that will soften more with every wash? Comfort Colors.
Every tee is printed to order with the same inks and the same care regardless of blank. Care for both the same way: wash cold, inside out, and tumble dry low or hang to dry.