The Comfort Colors 1717 has become the most requested blank in print-on-demand. Etsy buyers search for "comfort colors shirt" by name — they know the brand, they want the garment-dyed softness, and they're willing to pay more for it.
For POD sellers, that means higher margins, fewer returns, and a built-in audience that already trusts the product. But the 1717 plays by different rules than a standard blank like the Bella Canvas 3001. The sizing runs different, the printing has quirks, and the pricing strategy needs to account for a higher base cost.
This guide covers everything you need to sell the Comfort Colors 1717 profitably — from exact specs and sizing to color selection, print methods, pricing, and mockup strategy.
Why the Comfort Colors 1717 Is Dominating POD in 2026
The 1717 isn't just popular — it's a trend that keeps accelerating. Search volume for "comfort colors shirt" has grown steadily since 2023, and in 2026 it's one of the top-searched blank brands on Etsy.
Three things drive the demand:
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The garment-dyed feel. Comfort Colors pioneered the soft, vintage, pre-washed look. Buyers describe it as "already broken in" out of the package. That tactile quality creates repeat customers — once someone owns one, they want more.
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Brand recognition. Unlike most POD blanks, buyers actually know the Comfort Colors name. College bookstores, Greek life, and outdoor brands have made it mainstream. When a buyer sees "Comfort Colors" in your listing title, it carries trust that "Gildan 5000" doesn't.
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The color palette. Comfort Colors offers unique garment-dyed shades you won't find from other manufacturers. Colors like Pepper, Seafoam, Chalky Mint, and Lagoon Blue are aesthetically distinct — they photograph beautifully and stand out in Etsy search results.
For sellers, this translates to a concrete advantage: buyers will pay $25-35 for a Comfort Colors tee. Try charging that for a Gildan and you'll hear crickets.
Product Specifications
Here's what you're working with:
| Spec | Detail | |------|--------| | Style Number | 1717 | | Fabric | 100% ring-spun cotton | | Weight | 6.1 oz (heavyweight) | | Construction | Double-needle stitched collar, shoulders, armholes, cuffs, and bottom hem | | Fit | Relaxed / boxy (not fitted) | | Dyeing | Garment-dyed (each piece dyed after assembly) | | Feel | Soft, pre-washed, vintage hand-feel | | Neck | Twill-taped neck and shoulders | | Available Sizes | S – 4XL |
The 6.1 oz weight makes this a heavyweight tee — noticeably thicker than the Bella Canvas 3001 (4.2 oz) or Gildan 64000 (4.5 oz). Buyers who want that substantial, quality feel gravitate toward this weight class. It also means the shirt holds its shape better wash after wash.
The garment-dyeing process is what gives the 1717 its signature look. Instead of dyeing the fabric before cutting, the entire assembled shirt is dyed. This creates subtle color variations and that lived-in aesthetic that's impossible to replicate with piece-dyed blanks.
Sizing Guide
The 1717 runs larger and boxier than most modern POD blanks. This is the number one thing sellers need to communicate clearly in their listings — if a buyer orders their usual size expecting a fitted cut, they'll be swimming in it.
| Size | Chest Width (inches) | Body Length (inches) | |------|---------------------|---------------------| | S | 20 | 28 | | M | 22 | 29 | | L | 24 | 30 | | XL | 26 | 31 | | 2XL | 28 | 32 | | 3XL | 30 | 33 | | 4XL | 32 | 34 |
These are flat measurements (laid flat, pit to pit for chest). The relaxed fit means a Medium in Comfort Colors fits more like a Large in Bella Canvas.
This matters for your listings. If you don't address sizing proactively, you'll get two things: messages asking "what size should I order?" (slowing your response time) and returns from buyers who ordered their usual size and got a tent.
Include a size chart in every 1717 listing. Call out the relaxed fit in your description. A simple note like "Relaxed fit — size down if you prefer a more fitted look" saves you returns and support messages. For a printable size chart you can drop into your listings, see our Comfort Colors 1717 size chart.
The Color Advantage
The Comfort Colors color palette is a genuine competitive advantage in POD. These aren't flat, synthetic-looking colors — garment-dyeing produces rich, muted tones with natural variation that photograph exceptionally well.
Trending colors for 2026:
- Pepper — A dark charcoal with heathered texture. Best-seller across most POD niches. Works with virtually any design.
- Ivory — Warm off-white. Outsells pure white on Etsy for the 1717 because it matches the vintage aesthetic.
- Bay — Muted sage green. Strong performer in botanical, nature, and minimalist design niches.
- Seafoam — Light blue-green. Popular for beach, coastal, and summer-themed designs.
- Lagoon Blue — Deep teal. Stands out in search results and pairs well with light-colored prints.
- Chalky Mint — Soft pastel green. Consistent seller for aesthetic and cottage-core niches.
- Blossom — Dusty pink. Top performer for feminine designs and gift-oriented listings.
- Grey — Neutral mid-tone. Versatile workhorse color for any niche.
One important note: garment-dyed colors vary slightly between batches. This is a feature, not a bug — it's part of the authentic hand-dyed look. But it means your mockup colors need to be based on actual manufacturer color specs, not generic swatches. For the full palette with accurate hex values, check our Comfort Colors 1717 color chart.
Printing on the 1717: What Works and What to Watch For
The garment-dyeing process affects print quality differently than standard blanks. Here's what you need to know for each method:
DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
DTG is the most common POD print method, and it works well on the 1717 — with caveats. The garment-dyed fabric absorbs ink differently than piece-dyed cotton. Prints may appear slightly softer or more vintage-looking compared to the same design on a Bella Canvas 3001.
For most sellers, this is actually a benefit. The softer print integrates with the garment-dyed fabric for a cohesive vintage aesthetic. But if your design requires razor-sharp edges or extremely fine detail, test it first.
Key DTG consideration: Dark colors (Pepper, Lagoon, Navy) require a white underbase layer, which adds cost per print. Factor this into your pricing for dark colorways.
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
DTF transfers produce vibrant, opaque prints on the 1717. The transfer sits on top of the fabric rather than being absorbed into it, so colors pop more than DTG. DTF works equally well on light and dark garment colors.
The trade-off is feel. DTF prints have a slightly more noticeable hand (you can feel the transfer on the fabric) compared to DTG. For the 1717's soft, vintage aesthetic, some sellers feel DTF creates a mismatch — a plasticky print on a soft vintage shirt.
Screen Printing
Screen printing and the 1717 are a natural match, especially for simple designs with 1-3 colors. The ink cures beautifully on the heavyweight cotton, and the print develops that perfectly worn-in look after a few washes.
If you do your own fulfillment or work with a local printer, screen printing the 1717 gives you the most premium result. For POD sellers using print providers, screen printing typically isn't available on-demand — it's a bulk method.
For the best print quality on dark Comfort Colors, ask your POD provider about their white underbase process. The quality of the underbase directly affects how vibrant your colors look on dark garment-dyed fabric.
Pricing Strategy: How to Profit on a Higher-Cost Blank
The 1717's base cost is higher than budget blanks — typically $3-5 more per unit than a Gildan 5000 or Bella Canvas 3001 through most POD providers. Some sellers see that higher cost and avoid the blank entirely. That's a mistake.
The math works in your favor because the Comfort Colors name commands premium pricing. Here's how the numbers break down:
| | Budget Blank (Gildan 5000) | Comfort Colors 1717 | |---|---|---| | Base cost | ~$7-9 | ~$11-14 | | Typical retail price | $18-22 | $25-35 | | Profit per unit | $9-15 | $11-24 | | Return rate | Average | Lower (buyers know what they're getting) |
Buyers searching for Comfort Colors expect and accept premium pricing. A $28 Comfort Colors tee doesn't raise eyebrows the way a $28 Gildan would. You're selling into a market that's already conditioned to pay more.
Include "Comfort Colors" in your listing title and tags. Buyers search for the brand name specifically. A title like "Comfort Colors 1717 Hiking T-Shirt" immediately communicates quality and justifies the premium price — no convincing needed.
Don't try to compete on price with Comfort Colors. Sellers who price their 1717 tees at $19.99 to undercut are leaving $5-10 per sale on the table. The audience buying this blank isn't price-shopping — they're quality-shopping. Price accordingly.
Comfort Colors 1717 vs. Bella Canvas 3001
These are the two most popular POD blanks, and they serve different buyers. Here's an honest comparison:
| Feature | Comfort Colors 1717 | Bella Canvas 3001 | |---------|---------------------|-------------------| | Fabric | 100% ring-spun cotton | 100% Airlume cotton (or blends) | | Weight | 6.1 oz (heavyweight) | 4.2 oz (midweight) | | Fit | Relaxed / boxy | Modern / fitted | | Feel | Soft, vintage, pre-washed | Smooth, retail-quality | | Color Range | ~60 garment-dyed colors | 100+ colors including heathers | | Base Cost | Higher ($11-14) | Lower ($7-9) | | Retail Price Range | $25-35 | $18-25 | | Best For | Vintage/aesthetic niches, premium positioning | Volume selling, fitted modern look | | DTG Print Quality | Soft, integrated look | Crisp, sharp detail |
Neither blank is universally better. The 3001 is the workhorse blank that works for everything. The 1717 is the premium option that commands higher prices in the right niches.
Many successful sellers offer both. They use the 3001 for price-competitive listings and trend-chasing designs, and the 1717 for their premium, evergreen, and aesthetically-driven products. For a deep dive on the 3001, see our Bella Canvas 3001 mockup guide.
Best Niches for the Comfort Colors 1717
The 1717 performs best in niches where the aesthetic matches the product. Garment-dyed vintage vibes pair naturally with:
- Outdoor and nature — hiking, camping, national parks, fishing
- College and Greek life — sorority/fraternity designs, university towns
- Coastal and beach — surf, ocean, lake life
- Cottage-core and botanical — floral, garden, herbalism
- Retro and vintage — throwback designs, vintage typography
- Dog and pet — breed-specific designs, "dog mom" lifestyle
- Faith and inspirational — scripture, motivational quotes with clean typography
These niches tend to attract buyers who value aesthetics and quality over the lowest price — exactly the 1717's sweet spot. In these categories, a Comfort Colors mockup in Seafoam or Bay with a well-placed nature design will consistently outperform the same design on a generic white tee.
Creating Mockups for the Comfort Colors 1717
Mockup quality matters more for the 1717 than for budget blanks. You're asking buyers to pay $25-35, so your listing photos need to justify that premium. A flat mockup on a white background won't cut it.
What works for 1717 mockups:
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Show the garment-dyed texture. The fabric has visible color variation and a soft, washed look. Your mockup should capture this — it's a key selling point buyers want to see before purchasing.
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Lifestyle scenes that match the niche. A Comfort Colors tee in an outdoor setting, a coffee shop, or a cozy home scene reinforces the lifestyle buyers associate with the brand.
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Multiple color options. Since the unique color palette is a major selling point, show the design on at least your top 3-4 color options. Buyers who are choosing between Seafoam and Bay want to see both.
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Accurate garment colors. This is critical with Comfort Colors because the garment-dyed shades are distinctive. A mockup showing the wrong shade of "Pepper" or "Chalky Mint" leads to buyer disappointment and returns.
Seller Mockups generates AI lifestyle scenes with manufacturer-accurate Comfort Colors hex values — so "Seafoam" in your mockup matches the actual Seafoam the buyer receives. The "Make It Unique" feature lets you describe scenes that match your niche (like "woman hiking in a forest" for an outdoor brand) so your listing looks nothing like competitors using recycled templates.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our Comfort Colors 1717 mockup guide.
Common Mistakes Sellers Make with the 1717
1. Not mentioning the relaxed fit. This is the biggest source of returns. Buyers who don't know the 1717 runs large will order their usual size and be disappointed. Always include sizing guidance.
2. Pricing too low. Sellers who price 1717 tees at $19-22 are competing against Gildan-quality pricing on a premium product. You're leaving money on the table and devaluing the blank.
3. Using generic mockups. The 1717 audience is aesthetically-driven. They notice — and scroll past — generic template mockups. Invest in unique, lifestyle-appropriate mockup images.
4. Ignoring the color palette. Offering the 1717 only in black and white misses the entire point. The unique garment-dyed colors are what buyers come for. Stock your listings with the trending colors.
5. Not including a size chart. The relaxed fit means standard sizing assumptions don't apply. A size chart in your listing images prevents confusion, reduces messages, and cuts returns. Seller Mockups offers free downloadable size charts, product details, and care instructions specifically designed for the Comfort Colors 1717 — ready to drop into your Etsy listings.
6. Skipping "Comfort Colors" in the title. Buyers search for the brand name. If "Comfort Colors" isn't in your listing title, you're invisible to the highest-intent buyers.
Care Instructions to Include in Listings
Including care instructions in your listings signals professionalism and reduces post-purchase complaints. For the 1717:
- Machine wash cold with like colors (garment-dyed fabric can transfer color in early washes)
- Inside out to protect the print
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- Do not bleach — garment-dyed colors are sensitive to bleach
- Expect slight fading — this is normal and adds to the vintage character over time
Call out that slight fading is intentional and part of the garment-dyed charm. Buyers who don't know this may think the shirt is defective. Framing it as a feature ("gets softer and develops more character with every wash") sets the right expectation.
FAQ
Is the Comfort Colors 1717 good for print on demand?
Yes — it's one of the best POD blanks available. The brand recognition, premium pricing potential ($25-35 retail), soft garment-dyed feel, and unique color palette make it ideal for sellers targeting quality-conscious buyers. The higher base cost is offset by higher margins.
What sizes does the Comfort Colors 1717 come in?
The 1717 is available in S through 4XL. It runs large with a relaxed, boxy fit — a Medium fits more like a Large in fitted blanks like the Bella Canvas 3001. Always include a size chart in your listings and recommend sizing down for a more fitted look.
What's the best print method for Comfort Colors 1717?
DTG works well for most POD sellers and produces a soft, vintage-feeling print that integrates with the garment-dyed fabric. DTF is a good option for vibrant, opaque prints on dark colors. Screen printing produces the most premium result but typically requires bulk orders.
How much should I charge for a Comfort Colors 1717 t-shirt?
Most successful sellers price between $25-35 for the 1717. Buyers who search for Comfort Colors by name expect and accept premium pricing. Don't undercut to $19.99 — you'll attract the wrong buyers and leave margin on the table.
Why does the Comfort Colors 1717 feel different from other t-shirts?
The garment-dyeing process is the difference. The 1717 is dyed after assembly, which gives it a pre-washed, broken-in softness from day one. Combined with the 6.1 oz ring-spun cotton fabric, it has a heavyweight, quality feel that standard piece-dyed blanks can't match.
Can I use AI mockups for Comfort Colors listings on Etsy?
Yes. Etsy allows AI-generated listing images. What matters is that the mockup accurately represents the product the buyer will receive — especially the garment color. Use a mockup tool with manufacturer-accurate Comfort Colors hex values to ensure color accuracy.
Start Selling the 1717
The Comfort Colors 1717 is one of the best blanks available for POD sellers who want to move beyond the race-to-the-bottom pricing of budget tees. The brand carries trust, the fabric delivers quality, and the color palette gives you a visual edge in search results.
Start with the highest-demand colors (Pepper, Ivory, Seafoam, Bay), price at $27-32, include clear sizing guidance, and invest in quality mockups that match the premium positioning. Those fundamentals alone put you ahead of most 1717 sellers on Etsy.