The Complete Guide to Comfort Colors Shirts

Do you have a favorite T-shirt with a worn-in softness, a faded natural color, and a relaxed fit that feels like an old friend? Imagine those same qualities in a brand-new shirt. That’s the essential idea behind Comfort Colors.

This article covers everything you need to know about the brand that pioneered garment dyeing and the soft-washed style. We also answer common FAQs and provide our product recommendations for creating custom Comfort Colors shirts.

What is Comfort Colors?

Comfort Colors is a top-tier T-shirt brand and an industry leader in blank apparel for over 40 years. Their high-quality garments are garment-dyed with nature-inspired hues and designed for a relaxed fit with a lived-in feel—right from the first wear.

The Style vs. The Brand

Comfort Colors’ signature look and feel have become so iconic—especially among college students—that it’s evolved into a popular style category. While some brands imitate the soft-washed aesthetic and vintage hues, nothing beats the original.

Since Comfort Colors is trademarked, other T-shirt brands describe their versions using terms like “washed,” “beach,” or “vintage comfort.”

The Company

Founded in the late 1970s by Barry T. Chouinard in rural Vermont, Comfort Colors grew from a small dyeing operation into a market innovator. By 1995, they were officially marketing under the Comfort Colors name and had introduced the industry’s first garment-dyed, ring-spun cotton tees.

In 2015, Chouinard sold the company to Gildan for $100 million. Today, Comfort Colors remains a major brand under the Gildan umbrella, with its dyeing techniques and quality control fully intact.

The Look and Feel

Comfort Colors apparel features a distinctive soft, weathered appearance due to its garment dyeing and washing processes. Here’s how it works:

Garment Dyeing

Unlike traditional piece-dyeing (where fabric is dyed before construction), garment dyeing colors the item after it’s sewn. This results in unique color variations for every piece.

Dye Techniques

Pigment Dyeing: Offers a vintage, washed-out look. Pigments attach to the fabric’s surface, slowly fading over time.
- Example: Comfort Colors Heavyweight T-Shirt (Style C1717)
Direct/Reactive Dyeing: Produces vibrant, colorfast hues by chemically bonding the dye deep into the fabric.
- Example: Comfort Colors Crewneck Sweatshirt (Style 1566)
Pigment Spraying (Color Blast): Dye is sprayed, not soaked, giving each garment a randomized, tie-dye-like appearance.
- Example: Comfort Colors Color-Blast T-Shirt (Style 1745)

What Is Garment Washed?

Garment washing means the item has been pre-washed after construction to achieve a broken-in, vintage look. Techniques include enzyme wash, acid wash, stone wash, and pigment wash.

Product Spotlights

Here are four of Comfort Colors’ most popular products:

1. Adult Heavyweight T-shirt

Style: 1717
Fabric: 6.1 oz., 100% ringspun cotton
Fit: Unisex, S-4XL
Features: Twill taped shoulders, ribbed collar, garment-dyed, soft-washed

2. Heavyweight Long-Sleeve T-shirt

Style: 6014
Fabric: 6.1 oz., 100% ringspun cotton
Fit: Unisex, S-3XL
Features: Ribbed cuffs, taped shoulders, garment-dyed, soft-washed

3. Heavyweight Tank Top

Style: 9360
Fabric: 6.1 oz., 100% ringspun cotton
Fit: Unisex, S-3XL
Features: Self-bound neck and armholes, garment-dyed

4. Adult Crewneck Sweatshirt

Style: 1566
Fabric: 9.5 oz., 80% cotton / 20% polyester
Fit: Unisex, S-2XL
Features: Ribbed collar and cuffs, soft-washed, garment-dyed

Comfort Colors Fit

Comfort Colors garments tend to have a relaxed fit. Compared to fashion or slim-fit shirts, these items are slightly roomier, making them comfortable and easy to wear.

Size Chart

Comfort Colors offers sizing from YXXS to 4XL, with specific measurements available for each garment style.

Color Chart

Comfort Colors boasts over 82 nature-inspired hues. Color availability varies by garment. Separate charts are available for:

Pigment Dye Colors
Direct/Reactive Colors

Washing Tips

Use cold water and mild detergent.
Turn garments inside out.
Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals.
Pigment-dyed items will fade slightly over time, enhancing their vintage appeal.

Customizing Comfort Colors

Comfort Colors shirts are ideal for customization. Their soft, durable fabric holds up well to printing and embroidery.

With over 20 years of experience, our team at RushOrderTees makes it easy to design and order your custom Comfort Colors apparel. Use our online Design Studio to get started.

Comfort Colors FAQs

Are Comfort Colors high quality?
Yes. They use premium ringspun cotton, durable stitching, and pre-shrinking for long-lasting wear.

What material are Comfort Colors shirts made of?
Primarily 100% USA-grown ringspun cotton, with some cotton/polyester blends.

How many colors are available?
Over 82 colors, not all available in every garment.

Do they run big or small?
Comfort Colors apparel generally runs slightly larger than fashion-fit items.

Do they shrink?
Very little. Items are pre-shrunk to reduce shrinkage.

Are they environmentally friendly?
Yes. Comfort Colors and Gildan have developed sustainable dyeing practices that use less water and energy.

Are there similar brands?
Yes. Competitors include ComfortWash (Hanes), Inspired Dye (Next Level), Beach Wash (Port & Company), and Champion Garment Dyed. But Comfort Colors remains the gold standard.

Is Comfort Colors made in the USA?
Cotton and threads are U.S.-grown, but some garment construction occurs overseas. Dyeing is done in the U.S.

Can I order items not in the catalog?
Yes, we can source additional Comfort Colors styles upon request, though availability may vary.

Ready to get started? Jump into our Design Studio and start creating your custom Comfort Colors shirt today!