Hold on to your hats, because we're about to tackle one of the biggest questions in the custom apparel world: “Does Bella + Canvas run small?” Short answer: Maybe in some cases, depending on which style and product you're after. Long answer: It's a little more complicated than that.
When trying to figure out the answer to the question, “How do I size Bella + Canvas?” you really need to get down to the nitty-gritty details to reveal the true answer. In this case, we're boiling things down to the very stitching that makes up the beloved Bella + Canvas t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tank tops.
Because it's not enough to simply give a blanket yes or no, at least not in this case. That's why we're diving deep into the world of Bella + Canvas sizing to provide you with a clear and definitive picture of what you can expect when shopping for bulk Bella + Canvas garments. Let's get down to the threads of it all, shall we?
The 3001 Ft View: General Fit, Fabric, & Feel
Before we delve into the Bella + Canvas size chart, let's explore a few foundational truths about what you can expect in terms of fit, material, feel, and general considerations.
Bella + Canvas Fit
First, it's essential to understand that Bella + Canvas offers a range of fits within its lineup, including slim, relaxed, and retail fits. Each product will feature a generic fit description, providing a baseline idea of how you can expect it to fit.
Of course, in certain products, like the Bella + Canvas 3001 100% Cotton Men's Best-Fit T-Shirt, you may find a specific designation for the shape and fit. In the case of the 3001, Bella + Canvas incorporated a ”men's best fit” shape and size, which is specifically designed for the boys.
Pairing this fit with the impeccable feel of the world-famous Bella + Canvas airlume combed and ringspun cotton, and this t-shirt is a perfect combo of fit and feel.
Bella + Canvas Fabric
Believe it or not, fabric plays a significant role in sizing. Although several Bella + Canvas t-shirts feature pre-shrunk materials, that's not the case in every garment. As you likely know, Bella + Canvas has a robust reputation for using premium materials, including its world-famous airlume combed and ringspun cotton. While this material is soft, breathable, natural, and pretty darn comfortable, it can impact sizing, particularly in the form of shrinking.
For example, the Bella + Canvas 3501 Unisex Long Sleeve T-Shirt is a delightfully comfortable long-sleeve Bella + Canvas t-shirt made of 100% premium cotton. As such, this tee could potentially shrink if washed in high-temperature water or if proper care is not followed. That said, it could be a fabulous addition to any Atlanta-based boutique, New York souvenir shop, or custom merchandiser in Dallas. Of course, any retailer or large group organizer would consider the sizing factor from the outset, so they make an informed and smart choice.
Other fabrics used by Bella + Canvas could be more your speed if shrinking is a major concern. You may consider a t-shirt or sweatshirt made from a tri-blend material for a cotton/polyester blend, both of which are less prone to shrinking and hold their shape well, even after multiple wears and washes. These fabrics typically have a little stretch to them, meaning they can feel less restrictive than other, more rigid options.
Bella + Canvas Feel
There are a few t-shirts on the market that can truly hold up to the trifecta of fit, fabric, and feel time and time again. Fortunately, Bella + Canvas is one brand you can count on to excel in all three areas. With fabulous fits that generally stay true to size, Bella + Canvas offers a lineup of garments that feel as fantastic as they look.
It's the combination of a shirt that fits in all the right places, features world-class fabric makeup, and feels soft and comfortable against your skin that strikes all the right notes. This trifecta of fabulous means Bella + Canvas is one heck of a clothing manufacturer.
What the Bella + Canvas Size Charts Say
One of the best things about buying Bella + Canvas in bulk is that you never have to go in without knowing what you'll get. Bella + Canvas has published an extremely helpful and detailed sizing chart that spans the entire catalog, including women's t-shirts, men's & unisex t-shirt sizes, toddler tees, and more!
Each category is broken down into exact details, providing you with the insight and measurements to perfectly size a Bella + Canvas garment in your cart.
How Shirt Design Elements Play into Size
Naturally, the way a shirt or hoodie is built plays a significant role in how roomy or form-fitting it feels.
The first major indicator of how a Bella + Canvas garment might fit begins with the stitching style. Well, to be more exact, it begins with the design itself.
Side Seams vs Tubular: Which Is Smaller?
There are two major options when it comes to Bella + Canvas t-shirts: Side seams and tubular construction.
Side seams are made by combining two panels, a front and back panel, with stitching down the sides underneath each arm. This design element provides more flexibility with the overall shape of the t-shirt, offering a more contoured fit. Many of the t-shirts and sweatshirts in the Bella + Canvas catalog feature side seams, giving them curves and dimension.
Due to this contouring, t-shirts with side seams can sometimes fit slightly smaller, or at least feel that way, thanks to their more contoured shape.
T-shirts that feature a tubular design typically do not have side seams, opting instead for a more uniform shape. T-shirts with a tubular design tend to be a little more forgiving when it comes to fit and shape, often having slightly roomier fits than those with side seams.
Although both side seam t-shirts and tubular t-shirts will be categorized in the same sizes, the design difference could impact how they fit and feel in everyday life.
Cut/Style
Just like with blue jeans, the cut and style make a big difference. Bella + Canvas’s catalog offers several style options that would impact whether or not Bella + Canvas runs small. Those options include:
- Slim-Fit: As the name suggests, these designs hug the body more closely, giving them a tighter form and shape. Spoiler alert: slim-fit t-shirts are a typical culprit when people say “Bella + Canvas run small.”
- Relaxed Fit: There's not much mystery in the relaxed-fit category. These t-shirts are designed to feel comfortable and non-restrictive when worn. They may feature a slightly less curvy or contoured design, with a roomier feel.
- Oversized: If relaxed-fit t-shirts have a little extra wiggle room, oversized garments have even more! These t-shirts exude a cozy vibe with plenty of room to move freely, lounge around the house, or simply have a 'Me Day'.
- Retail fit: Retail fit garments are the closest to the actual size of any style or cut. These t-shirts are like the sun rising in the east, steady, reliable, and regular. With a reliable retail fit, you can expect them to be as close to the expected size as possible.
Overall, most Bella + Canvas garments fall into the true-to-size category, with a few exceptions and contributing factors to consider. As you shop for Bella + Canvas t-shirts or sweatshirts for your inventory or big event, bear in mind these factors, and you'll be good to go!
Be sure to check out the full Bella + Canvas library of wholesale apparel right here at blankapparel.com next time you need bulk apparel!
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