If you have bought a graphic T-shirt from an independent brand recently, there is a good chance it was a Comfort Colors 1717. It is one of the most popular blank tees for printed clothing, and it is the T-shirt behind every POOR FORM graphic and Essentials tee.
Here is what the 1717 is, how it fits and why we use it.
What is the Comfort Colors 1717?
The 1717 is Comfort Colors’ garment-dyed heavyweight T-shirt. The key specifications are:
- Fabric: 100% ring-spun cotton
- Weight: 6.1 oz/yd², approximately 207 gsm
- Dyeing: garment-dyed, meaning the finished T-shirt is dyed after it has been sewn
- Fit: relaxed
- Construction: topstitched rib collar, shoulder-to-shoulder twill tape and double-needle stitching
Is the Comfort Colors 1717 heavyweight?
For a T-shirt, yes. Many standard printed tees sit somewhere around 140 to 180 gsm. At around 207 gsm, the 1717 feels noticeably more substantial. It holds its shape better, drapes rather than clings and is less see-through, which matters on a white tee.
That weight is also why it works well for large prints. A big back graphic sits better on fabric with some structure.
What does garment-dyed mean for the 1717?
Because the T-shirt is dyed after it is made, the colour takes slightly differently across the fabric, seams and stitching. The result is a softer, washed-in look rather than a flat, uniform colour. Small shade differences between two shirts are normal.
Comfort Colors uses pigment dyes for many of its shades, which gives the most vintage look. Several colours, including black, white and true navy, use reactive dyes instead. Our guide to garment-dyed cotton explains the process in more detail.
How does the Comfort Colors 1717 fit?
The 1717 is cut as a relaxed, unisex fit. It is slightly roomier than a slim fashion tee without looking oversized. Most people take their usual size. If you want a boxier, more oversized look, go up one size.
Because the finished garment has already been through the dye process, shrinkage is minimal. Washing cold and tumble drying on low will still help it keep its shape.
These are the garment measurements we use for POOR FORM tees. Measure flat across the chest from armpit to armpit, and from the top of the shoulder to the hem:
| Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 46.4 | 67.6 |
| M | 51.4 | 71.1 |
| L | 55.9 | 74.6 |
| XL | 61.0 | 78.1 |
| 2XL | 66.0 | 80.3 |
| 3XL | 70.5 | 82.5 |
| 4XL | 75.6 | 85.1 |
Size tolerance is about ±3.8 cm. The simplest check is to lay a T-shirt you already like flat and compare its measurements with the table.
How to wash a Comfort Colors 1717
- Machine wash cold, up to 30°C.
- Turn printed tees inside out to protect the artwork.
- Tumble dry on low or hang to dry.
- Do not iron directly over the print.
Always follow the care label on the specific product.
Why POOR FORM prints on the 1717
Our designs rely on large back artwork: story-led graphics in Curated Curiosity and vandalised billboards in Shits & Giggles. They need a tee with enough weight and structure to carry a big print, and a finish that looks good before anybody reads the joke or the story.
The Essentials tee uses the same 1717 with no graphic at all, just a small POOR FORM chest mark. It is the same garment, left to speak for itself.
Shop all POOR FORM T-shirts on the Comfort Colors 1717.