Article: Pro Club vs Shaka Wear: Which Heavyweight Tee Should You Buy?
Pro Club vs Shaka Wear: Which Heavyweight Tee Should You Buy?
Pro Club and Shaka Wear are the two names that come up first when you shop for a heavyweight tee. Both are Los Angeles brands, both make thick plain tees built to last, and both fit true to size. The differences are in the weight, the cut and the size range. Here's how they compare, so you can pick the right one.
The Quick Answer
- Pick Pro Club if you want the classic 6.5 oz heavyweight with a straight, relaxed body, a tight collar and tall sizes.
- Pick the Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight if you want the thickest tee we carry (7.5 oz) with a boxy, 90s-style cut.
- Pick the Shaka Wear Active if you want a lighter 6.0 oz tee for warm days or layering.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pro Club Heavyweight | Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.5 oz | 7.5 oz (245–255 GSM) |
| Fabric | 100% cotton; USA-made fabric, assembled in Mexico | 100% USA cotton, 16 singles yarn |
| Fit | Classic relaxed fit, straight body | Classic boxy fit |
| Collar | Tight ribbed knit collar with Lycra | Lycra mock ribbing |
| Sizes | S–5XL, plus tall LT–5XLT | S–5XL |
| Size L (width × length) | 21½" × 30" (tall: 32" long) | 22" × 31" |
| Classic colors | White, Black, Navy, Charcoal, Heather Grey | White, Black, Navy, Charcoal, Heather Grey |
| Founded | Los Angeles, 1986 | Los Angeles, 2004 |
Charcoal and Heather Grey are cotton blends on both brands: Charcoal is 50% cotton / 50% polyester and Heather Grey is 90% cotton / 10% polyester.
Weight and Fabric
The Pro Club heavyweight tee is 6.5 oz cotton. It's thick and structured, with a firmer, crisper feel than a regular tee, and it softens with every wash. This is the tee that built Pro Club's name, and it holds its shape for a long time.
The Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight goes a full ounce heavier at 7.5 oz (245–255 GSM), knit from 16 singles USA cotton. It's the thickest tee we carry, with a heavier drape that keeps its structure all day. If you want something lighter, the Shaka Wear Active is 6.0 oz with a regular fit.
Fit and Sizing
Both brands fit true to size, so order your usual size. The difference is the cut. Pro Club drapes straight down the body with a relaxed fit. Shaka Wear's Max Heavyweight has a boxy fit that took off in 90s streetwear. In sizes S to XL it runs a little wider and longer than Pro Club; from 2XL up, the two measure about the same.
At size L, a Pro Club tee measures 21½" across and 30" long. The Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight measures 22" across and 31" long. If you're tall, Pro Club's tall sizes (LT to 5XLT) keep the same width and add 2" of length. Compare every size in our Size Guide, or measure a shirt you already like and match it.
Collar and Construction
Pro Club is known for its collar: a ribbed knit collar with Lycra that stays tight and keeps its shape wash after wash. It's built with double-needle stitched sleeves and hem, plus a cover-seamed neck with shoulder-to-shoulder tape.
Shaka Wear's Max Heavyweight uses Lycra mock ribbing at the collar, reinforced stitching and retro short sleeves for that vintage look.
Colors and Multipacks
Both tees come in the five classic colors: white, black, navy, charcoal and heather grey. For more shades, see Pro Club More Colors, Pro Club Pink, Sky Blue & Purple and Shaka Wear More Colors.
Stocking up? Pro Club comes in a 3-Pack and a 6-Pack, and the Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight comes in a 3-Pack.
Care Tips
To keep either tee looking new, turn it inside out, wash in warm or cool water and tumble dry low. Cotton can shrink slightly on high heat.
So Which One Should You Buy?
- Your everyday staple, or you need a tall size: Pro Club.
- The thickest tee with a boxy, vintage look: Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight.
- Something lighter for hot days: Shaka Wear Active.
You can't go wrong keeping both in rotation: Pro Club for everyday wear and the Shaka Wear Max when you want extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shaka Wear thicker than Pro Club?
Yes. The Shaka Wear Max Heavyweight is 7.5 oz, and the classic Pro Club heavyweight tee is 6.5 oz. The Shaka Wear Active is lighter at 6.0 oz.
Do Pro Club and Shaka Wear run true to size?
Yes. Both fit true to size, so order your usual size. Shaka Wear's Max Heavyweight is cut a little boxier, about ½" wider and 1" longer than Pro Club at size L.
Does Pro Club come in tall sizes?
Yes. The Pro Club heavyweight tees come in tall sizes from LT to 5XLT, with the same width and 2" more length than the regular sizes.
Are your Pro Club and Shaka Wear tees authentic?
Yes. AI Fashion Mart is an authorized Pro Club retailer, and our Shaka Wear is 100% genuine.
