The Comfort Colors 1717 is a heavyweight, garment-dyed tee with a relaxed fit — and it sizes completely differently from the Bella Canvas 3001 or Gildan 5000. If you sell multiple blanks and use the same size chart for all of them, your customers are getting bad information and you are generating returns.
The CC 1717 runs shorter in the body, wider through the torso, and boxier in the sleeves than most other popular POD blanks. It also starts at size Small (no XS) and tops out at 4XL. The garment-dyed process means the shirt arrives with a broken-in drape — it feels more relaxed than the raw measurements suggest.
Every measurement below comes from Comfort Colors official product specifications and verified distributor data from Merchize and CreateMyTee. Bookmark this page and stop guessing.
SellerMockups now offers a free, ready-made Size Chart listing image for the Comfort Colors 1717 — already formatted for Etsy and Amazon. Grab it in the Studio under "Free Listing Images" and add it directly to your product photos.
Comfort Colors 1717 Size Chart — Garment Measurements (Inches)
These are flat garment measurements. Width is measured across the chest one inch below the armhole, seam to seam. Length is measured from the highest point of the shoulder (HPS) to the bottom hem.
| Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Sleeve Length (in) | |------|-----------|------------|-------------------| | S | 18.25 | 26.625 | 16.25 | | M | 20.25 | 28 | 17.75 | | L | 22 | 29.375 | 19 | | XL | 24 | 30.75 | 20.5 | | 2XL | 26 | 31.625 | 21.75 | | 3XL | 27.75 | 32.5 | 23.25 | | 4XL | 29.75 | 33.5 | 24.625 |
Notice the sleeve length column — the CC 1717 has longer, roomier sleeves than most blanks. This contributes to the relaxed, oversized feel that Comfort Colors is known for.
The CC 1717 starts at size Small — there is no XS. It also tops out at 4XL, not 5XL like the Bella Canvas 3001. If your shop needs XS or 5XL, this is not the blank for those sizes.
Garment Measurements in Centimeters
For international sellers listing on Etsy UK, Etsy EU, or Amazon international marketplaces.
| Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Sleeve Length (cm) | |------|-----------|------------|-------------------| | S | 46.4 | 67.6 | 41.3 | | M | 51.4 | 71.1 | 45.1 | | L | 55.9 | 74.6 | 48.3 | | XL | 61.0 | 78.1 | 52.1 | | 2XL | 66.0 | 80.3 | 55.2 | | 3XL | 70.5 | 82.6 | 59.1 | | 4XL | 75.6 | 85.1 | 62.5 |
Chest-to-Fit Ranges (Body Measurements)
These body chest measurements indicate which size to recommend to your customers. Unlike the Bella Canvas 3001, the CC 1717 has a relaxed fit — it sits looser on the body at the same chest measurement.
| Size | Chest to Fit (in) | Chest to Fit (cm) | Best For | |------|-------------------|-------------------|----------| | S | 34–37 | 86–94 | Slim builds, petite frames who want oversized | | M | 38–41 | 97–104 | Average women, slim men | | L | 42–45 | 107–114 | Average men, larger women | | XL | 46–49 | 117–124 | Broad-chested, athletic builds | | 2XL | 50–53 | 127–135 | Plus size | | 3XL | 54–57 | 137–145 | Extended plus | | 4XL | 58–61 | 147–155 | Extended plus |
The CC 1717 already has a relaxed, oversized fit. Unlike the Bella Canvas 3001 where sizing up is common, most customers should order true to size in the 1717. If they size up, the shirt will be very baggy — which some want, but many don't expect.
How the CC 1717 Fits Compared to Other POD Blanks
The CC 1717 looks similar to other blanks on the measurement chart but wears completely differently because of its relaxed cut, heavier fabric, and garment-dyed drape.
| Blank | Size L Width (in) | Size L Length (in) | Weight | Fit Style | |-------|-------------------|-------------------|--------|-----------| | Comfort Colors 1717 | 22 | 29.375 | 6.1 oz | Relaxed (boxy, oversized feel) | | Bella Canvas 3001 | 22 | 30 | 4.2 oz | Retail fit (tapered, modern) | | Gildan 5000 | 22 | 30 | 5.3 oz | Traditional fit (boxy, tubular) | | Gildan 64000 | 22 | 30 | 4.5 oz | Softstyle (slightly fitted) | | Next Level 3600 | 21 | 29.5 | 4.3 oz | Premium fit (slimmest) |
The numbers look close, but the CC 1717 wears noticeably different. According to T Sport's comparison, the 1717 has a "loose, relaxed fit" while the BC 3001 has a "modern retail fit with a slimmer profile." The 6.1 oz heavyweight fabric also drapes differently — it hangs away from the body rather than conforming to it.
For your listings: The CC 1717 is shorter in body length than the BC 3001 at every size. A customer who wears Large in BC 3001 (30 inches long) will find the CC 1717 Large nearly an inch shorter (29.375 inches). If your customers are tall, flag this.
Why the CC 1717 Feels Different from What the Numbers Show
The Garment-Dye Factor
The CC 1717 is garment-dyed, meaning the entire assembled shirt is dyed after construction. According to Comfort Colors, this process gives the shirt "that lived-in feel and almost no shrinkage at home." The garment-dye process also:
- Softens the fabric — it arrives feeling pre-washed, unlike raw cotton blanks
- Relaxes the fit — the dyeing process loosens the weave slightly
- Creates unique color variation — each shirt has subtle tonal differences, which is part of the appeal
This means a CC 1717 Medium will feel roomier and more relaxed than a Gildan 5000 Medium, even though the width is similar on paper.
The Weight Factor
At 6.1 oz/yd², the CC 1717 is 45% heavier than the Bella Canvas 3001 (4.2 oz). This heavyweight cotton does not cling to the body. It creates a structured drape that hangs away from the torso, contributing to the oversized aesthetic even at true-to-size measurements.
For POD sellers, this means your mockup photos should convey this relaxed, heavy drape. Seller Mockups generates lifestyle mockups with fabric-accurate rendering so your customers see how the shirt actually looks on a body, not just a flat measurement chart.
Shrinkage: What to Tell Your Customers
The CC 1717 is garment-dyed and pre-shrunk, which means it has less shrinkage than most raw cotton blanks. According to T-Shirt.ca, expect 2–3% shrinkage after the first wash.
| Measurement | Expected Shrinkage | Real-World Impact | |------------|-------------------|-------------------| | Length | 2–3% | Size L at 29.375 in → ~28.5 in after wash | | Width | 1–2% | Size L at 22 in → ~21.5 in after wash | | Sleeves | 1–2% | Minimal noticeable change |
What this means in practice: The garment-dye process does most of the shrinking before the shirt reaches your customer. A CC 1717 will hold its size much better than an untreated 100% cotton blank. This is a selling point — include it in your listing.
Recommended listing language: "Comfort Colors shirts are garment-dyed and pre-shrunk, so what you see is what you get. Minimal additional shrinkage with cold wash and low tumble dry."
How to Measure for the CC 1717
Step 1: Measure Your Chest
Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
Step 2: Find Your Size
Compare your chest measurement to the "Chest to Fit" column above. If you measure 40 inches, you fall in the Medium range (38–41 inches).
Step 3: Consider Your Fit Preference
Unlike the BC 3001 where sizing up is common, the CC 1717 is already relaxed:
- True to size gives the signature relaxed, slightly oversized Comfort Colors look
- Size down if you want a more fitted appearance (unusual but some customers prefer it)
- Size up only if you want a very oversized, streetwear-style drape
Step 4: Account for the Shorter Length
The CC 1717 runs about 0.5–1 inch shorter than the BC 3001 and Gildan 5000 at the same size. For customers over 6'0" (men) or 5'7" (women), mention this in your listing. They may want to size up for length, but note that adds about 2 inches of width as well.
Size Recommendations for Common Use Cases
Etsy Sellers: What to Put in Your Listing
Lead with the garment measurements table from this page. The clearest format:
- Include the width, length, and sleeve length in inches
- Add: "Width is measured across the chest, laid flat. Double for full circumference."
- Include the fit advisory: "The Comfort Colors 1717 has a relaxed, oversized fit. Most customers should order their normal size. This shirt runs shorter in length than the Bella Canvas 3001."
- Add your free size chart image from SellerMockups Studio as a listing photo
SellerMockups provides a free, professionally designed Size Chart image for the Comfort Colors 1717 in the Studio. Download it and use it as a listing image — no design work needed. Also available: Product Details and Care Instructions cards matched to the CC 1717.
Print-on-Demand: Design Placement
The CC 1717 has a slightly wider print area than the BC 3001 due to its boxier cut. Standard safe print areas:
| Size | Max Print Width (in) | Max Print Height (in) | |------|---------------------|----------------------| | S | 12 | 13 | | M | 13 | 14 | | L | 14 | 15 | | XL | 15 | 16 | | 2XL | 16 | 17 |
Note: The CC 1717's heavier 6.1 oz fabric can affect DTG print results. The thicker cotton absorbs more ink, which can make colors appear slightly more muted than on a lighter blank. Screen printing and heat press transfers work exceptionally well on this fabric.
Sizing for Streetwear and Vintage Brands
The CC 1717's relaxed fit and garment-dyed aesthetic make it the go-to blank for streetwear, vintage-inspired, and lifestyle brands. For this use case:
- Standard oversized look: Order true to size — the relaxed cut does the work
- Extra oversized / dropped shoulder: Size up one
- Cropped style: Some sellers order true to size and market the shorter length as intentional
The vintage, lived-in colors are a major selling point. Unlike the BC 3001's crisp, modern palette, the CC 1717's garment-dyed colors have a muted, sun-faded quality that photographs beautifully in lifestyle settings.
Comfort Colors 1717 Fabric Specs
| Specification | Detail | |--------------|--------| | Style Number | 1717 / C1717 | | Fabric Weight | 6.1 oz/yd² (207 g/m²) | | Material | 100% ring-spun cotton | | Dye Process | Garment-dyed (dyed after assembly) | | Fit | Relaxed, boxy | | Construction | Double-needle stitched | | Sizes | S through 4XL | | Collar | Twill-taped neck and shoulders | | Total Colors | 60+ garment-dyed shades | | Print Compatibility | Screen print, heat press, DTF, embroidery (DTG works but heavier fabric absorbs more ink) |
For a complete breakdown of every CC 1717 color with hex codes, see our Comfort Colors 1717 Color Chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Comfort Colors 1717 run true to size?
Yes, but "true to size" means something different here than with the BC 3001. The CC 1717 is a relaxed-fit shirt, so true to size gives you a loose, slightly oversized look. If you are used to the fitted feel of the Bella Canvas 3001, the same size in the CC 1717 will feel noticeably roomier and shorter.
Does the Comfort Colors 1717 shrink?
Minimal shrinkage — around 2–3% after the first wash. The garment-dye process pre-shrinks the shirt during manufacturing. Comfort Colors states their shirts have "almost no shrinkage at home." Cold wash, tumble dry low will keep the shirt closest to its original dimensions.
Why is there no XS in the CC 1717?
Comfort Colors does not manufacture the 1717 in XS. The smallest available size is Small. If you need XS for your shop, consider the Bella Canvas 3001 (XS–5XL) or Gildan 5000 (S–5XL) for those customers.
Is the CC 1717 good for DTG printing?
It works, but the 6.1 oz heavyweight cotton absorbs more ink than lighter blanks, which can mute colors slightly. Screen printing and heat press transfers produce excellent results on this fabric. Many POD sellers note that the thicker cotton gives prints a more embedded, vintage look — which can actually be a selling point depending on your brand aesthetic.
How does the CC 1717 compare to the Bella Canvas 3001?
They are fundamentally different shirts. The CC 1717 is 45% heavier (6.1 oz vs 4.2 oz), has a relaxed boxy fit vs the BC 3001's tapered retail fit, runs shorter in body length, and has garment-dyed vintage colors vs the BC 3001's crisp modern palette. According to T Sport, "Comfort Colors' relaxed silhouettes and plush fabrics offer a laid-back, easygoing feel" while "Bella Canvas' tailored cuts provide a more streamlined fit." Most successful POD sellers offer both and let customers choose based on preference.
Should I tell customers to size up or down?
For the CC 1717, true to size is the right recommendation for most customers. The relaxed fit is the whole point of this shirt. Only recommend sizing up if the customer explicitly wants an extra-oversized, streetwear-style drape. For customers who want a fitted look, this is not the right blank — point them to the BC 3001 instead.
Where can I get a free size chart image for my Etsy listing?
SellerMockups Studio offers free, professionally designed listing images including a Size Chart, Product Details card, and Care Instructions card — all matched specifically to the Comfort Colors 1717. Available under "Free Listing Images" for all users, no subscription required.