Why Choose the 1810 Tubular T-Shirt? Exploring Tubular vs. Side-Seamed Construction

Have you ever pulled on two different tees that looked nearly identical but felt nothing alike? Maybe one had a slimmer, more fitted shape, while the other draped loosely with a lived-in look. It wasn’t your imagination, and it wasn’t just because of the material. The way a T-shirt is constructed can make a big difference in how it looks and wears.

Some shirts feel relaxed and carefree, while others are sharp and fitting, hugging your body in all the right places. That’s because of how they were made, either with a tubular or side-seamed design. Everything from how a shirt falls over the shoulders to how it fits the arms, chest, and waist is influenced by the way it’s sewn.

Understanding the difference between the two helps make sense of why shirts that look indistinguishable on the rack can be worlds apart when it comes to fit, feel, and styling.

Tubular Tees: Comfort in a Continuous Loop

A tubular shirt is knit as a single continuous loop—hence the name—without vertical seams running up the sides. The front and back are one uninterrupted piece of fabric, producing a smooth, clean surface that feels soft and easygoing against the skin. 

Because there are no seams to shape the body, tubular tees tend to hang in a straight, relaxed silhouette. They have an unfussy, relaxed silhouette that makes them an easy choice for everyday wear or pieces designed to evoke a vintage vibe. 

Like the fit itself, the construction is straightforward, making tubular tees an economical option for high-volume production.

Side-Seamed Style with a Tailored Fit and Shape

In contrast, side-seamed pieces are made with separate front and back panels stitched together with vertical seams. These seams aren’t just structural, though. They allow the shirt to follow the body’s natural lines, creating subtle shaping at the waist, shoulders, and chest for a modern, slim look that many men prefer. For women, side-seamed construction creates a contoured fit that enhances the silhouette and remains comfortable throughout the day.

Visually, the effect is immediately noticeable; side-seamed shirts fit smoothly without twisting or bunching, hugging the body where they should, while providing enough room to move comfortably. The result is a piece that feels intentional and refined, with a look that’s polished but still easy to wear.

The added style comes at a price, however. The extra steps needed to join the front and back sections mean side-seamed shirts typically cost more.

Tubular vs. Side Seamed: How the Two Compare

Seeing the two side-by-side helps illustrate where tubular and side-seamed tees shine.

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing between tubular and side seamed isn’t about which one is “better.” It's about which one lines up best with what you’re trying to achieve. 

Tubular shirts offer an effortless, carefree look, suited to relaxed fits, unisex cuts, and throw-on-and-go comfort. The seamless design also supports bold graphics, oversized prints, and experimental placements. That’s why they’re staples in promo runs, concert and event merch, and streetwear collections. 

Side-seamed tees focus on fit and finish. While tubular tees are more relaxed and boxy, side-seamed designs are structured and tailored. They’re especially effective for women’s cuts, fitted styles, or any product line built around consistency in appearance. The more defined shape is exactly why they’re often found in retail environments, premium branded collections, and fashion-forward designs where presentation matters as much as comfort.

Thinking Beyond Fit and Feel

Appearance is the first thing people notice, and often the detail that gets the most attention. But the element of practicality can’t be overlooked. Tubular tees have fewer variations across sizes, which can make inventory control easier and keep costs down on high-volume runs. Side-seamed construction, on the other hand, supports more complex patterning and sizing for a broader range of fits and styles.

Neither is inherently better than the other; they just serve different purposes. If speed and convenience are top priorities, tubular is the way to go. If style and fit are more important, side-seamed shirts win out. 

The 1810 T-Shirt from Next Level Apparel

The 1810 Ideal Tubular T-Shirt blends the effortlessly cool fit of tubular designs with a fashion-forward appeal typically reserved for side-seamed constructions. Made from premium ring-spun cotton for exceptionally soft comfort, the 1810 is ideal for basic casual wear and detailed prints. Screen printing, Direct-to-Garment, and Direct-to-Film methods all perform well on this tee.

The Final Word on Form and Fit

Every shirt has its own story—finding the right construction ensures it’s told well. From relaxed, casual silhouettes to contoured, structured cuts, knowing the difference between side-seamed and tubular construction ensures your tees look as good as they feel.

Next Level Apparel’s selection of premium tees, including the 1810 Ideal Tubular T-Shirt, makes it easy to choose the designs that align with your vision and your customers’ expectations. Contact us today to explore our complete lineup and find your perfect fit. 

Choosing Your T-Shirt Fit: Tubular vs. Side Seamed FAQs

Which option is better suited for oversized or wraparound prints?

The seamless body of a tubular T-shirt makes it the perfect canvas for oversized graphics or designs that wrap from front to back. With no seams to interrupt the art, it’s the go-to for high-volume promos, tour merch, and streetwear where bold, uninterrupted designs are essential.

Does one construction style work better for women's apparel?

Side-seamed T-shirts are the go-to choice for women’s cuts and pieces designed for a structured, tailored fit. The seams allow the shirt to be contoured to follow the body’s natural lines, creating a polished, retail-ready look instead of the boxy silhouette of a standard tubular tee.

Does the lower cost of tubular tees indicate lower quality?

The budget-friendly nature of a tubular tee is a result of its construction, not a reflection of quality. It’s a style choice that prioritizes a relaxed, casual fit. For example, the NLA 1810 Ideal Tubular T-Shirt is designed specifically to blend that effortlessly cool, seamless fit with a fashion-forward appeal, proving that quality and tubular design can go hand in hand.