Skip to content

Side Seam vs Tubular T-Shirts: Which is better?

By ShirtSpace | Aug 23, 2019 |  Updated Aug 15, 2023

When searching for t shirts that fit well, feel good, and look great there are a couple of really important things to look for: those with side seams and those without.

One of two basic ways that t shirts are constructed is using side seams. Tees made using side seams have a more structured look, and while they are generally more expensive to make, they are also more flattering too. 

woman-wearing-side-seam-and-man-wearing-tubular-t-shirts-shirtspace.jpg

Side seamed t shirts are typically what you’ll find in a retail setting and are available in a variety of styles for men, women, and kids alike. For those who prefer a tailored fit, there are plenty of fitted, fashion-forward options available. On the flip side, there are boxy, less fitted options available too. Regardless of the fit, side seam t shirts are far and away the most flattering tee to go with.

Bella+Canvas-3001RCY-t-shirt-shirtspace.jpg

Tubular is the second basic way t shirts are constructed. This type of t shirt is just how it sounds. It’s constructed without the use of side seams and has a tubular shape. While cheaper to manufacture given that tubular t shirts require less sewing, they aren’t exactly figure-flattering because people’s bodies aren’t tubes. With that said, if you’re looking for a cheap t shirt option and fashion isn’t an important factor, tubular tees are the way to go.

man-wearing-g500-yellow-t-shirt-shirtspace.jpg

Having a basic understanding of the way t-shirts are constructed lays the groundwork for choosing the perfect tee. Wading through the countless t-shirt styles available today will take time and likely some trial and error, but knowing the difference between side seam and tubular is the best place to start.

Comments

Bonnie Williamson03/03/2021 07:12 pm

Okay 👌 thanks.

Reply

Bonnie Williamson03/03/2021 07:11 pm

How do they make T-shirts 👕 without side seams?

Reply

ShirtSpace08/18/2022 04:20 pm

Hi, Bonnie. To give you an idea of how tubular shirts are made, a tube of fabric is used, and a slice is cut from the tube. Then the head holes and armholes are cut and sewn, as well as the seams along the edges to finish the construction of the shirt. A popular brand we carry, Bella+Canvas, has a wonderful video illustrating this. The explanation starts at 0:30 if you would like to skip forward to that part: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoLlAnDB-vw If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to our friendly Customer Service Team for more info.

Reply

Rico05/20/2020 03:36 am

This is ridiculous. Seamless shirts are FAR more expensive to produce which is why you never see them anywhere. The big companies like Hanes, FOTL, &c. make up for the cost with quantity, but dollar for dollar a low-run t-shirt house simply can't afford seamless construction, but if they could, they would because it is all around better as far as comfort, fit, and durability go.

Reply

Ken05/04/2020 06:51 pm

Far and away, a tee shirt without side seams is far more comfortable. I wear seamed shirts inside out for comfort

Reply

ShirtSpace10/13/2022 09:15 pm

Hi Ken! Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!

Reply

Leave a Comment

All fields marked with * are required

We take your privacy seriously and will not share or publish your email address.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.