Which T-Shirt Fabric is Right for You - Cotton, Polyester, or Blend?

Which T-Shirt Fabric is Right for You - Cotton, Polyester, or Blend?

Custom shirts require more than just standout designs to entice people to wear them. In most cases, your choice of fabric is what will ultimately decide whether your creation will see the light of day or if it will be stuffed at the back of the closet.

If you're getting shirts for a family event, a sports-related activity, or to wear as company uniform, this guide is for you. Get to know the difference between three of the most common shirt fabrics for custom T-shirts - cotton, polyester, and blend - and find out which one suits your needs best.

Cotton T-Shirts

Cotton is the most popular option among all three. After all, it's the most widely produced natural fiber globally. Aside from being soft and breathable, cotton is also hypoallergenic, which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin.

However, this fabric doesn't wick moisture well. It also has the tendency to shrink and fade over time.

Choose cotton if...

• You prefer natural fibers
• You need an apparel that will last long
• You are ordering custom shirts for an event or as company uniform

Check out our bestselling cotton t-shirts:

• Gildan Adult Unisex Ultra Cotton® T-shirt
• Gildan Adult Ultra Cotton® Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• Gildan Adult Ultra Cotton® Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Polyester T-Shirts

If cotton is the most popular natural fiber, polyester is its synthetic counterpart. This synthetic fiber is the go-to choice of sportswear and outerwear brands because it's lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and it can withstand wear and tear.

But unlike cotton, polyester doesn't feel as soft on the skin. Lastly, while polyester can withstand repeated use, remember that it's not biodegradable. Keep this bit in mind for when it's time to dispose polyester clothing.

Choose polyester if...

• You want a shrink-resistant custom shirt
• You are looking for something breathable and moisture-wicking
• You are designing custom shirts for outdoor athletes and fitness enthusiasts

Check out our bestselling polyester t- shirts:

• Sport-Tek® Adult PosiCharge® Competitor™ T-Shirt
• Custom Mens Sublimated Crew Neck T-Shirt
• Sport-Tek® Adult PosiCharge™ Long Sleeve Competitor™ T-Shirt

Blend T-Shirts

Torn between cotton or polyester? Fret not because you can have the best of both words with a blend! As the name suggests, blend is a combination of two or three types of fiber: cotton, polyester, and if you are getting a tri-blend, rayon.

Despite being a newcomer in the T-shirt fabric market, all blends quickly became a favorite among T-shirt producers and consumers.

Choose blend if...

• You want a soft and lightweight custom shirt
• You want a custom shirt that's durable and won't fade as quickly

Check out our bestselling poly/cotton and tri-blend t-shirts:

Poly/Cotton T-Shirts

• Bella + Canvas Unisex Heathered Jersey Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
• Nike Men's Dri-FIT Cotton/Poly T-Shirt
• Gildan Adult DryBlend™ 50/50 Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Tri-blend T-Shirts

• Next Level Adult Unisex Tri-Blend Crew
• Augusta Men's Tri-Blend T-Shirt
• Badger Men's Tri-Blend T-Shirt

Other Factors to Consider When Getting Custom T-shirts

The battle is far from over after you've settled on a T-shirt fabric and approved a shirt design. Here are other things you need to mull over when getting custom shirts.

T-Shirt Printing Method

The main reason we have so many T-shirt printing methods in the market today is because customization is never a one-size-fits-all process. Based on what we have discussed earlier, each T-shirt fabric has unique qualities that make them perfect for specific uses. This also applies to printing as well. For instance, cotton T-shirts are best printed on using direct-to-garment printing (DTG) because their surface can easily take on crisp and vibrant prints. Meanwhile, polyester makes a great canvas for heat transfer, screen print, and sublimation.

Purpose of the T-Shirt

Are you getting custom shirts for a one-time activity, or do you need one that can withstand daily use like a uniform would? Not all fabrics are the same, and this applies to their durability and longevity as well. If you are working on a tight budget or if you just need a custom shirt for an outing or a reunion, you can never go wrong with cotton. However, if you are dressing up an athletic team or the whole office staff, you might want to look into polyester or blends.

People Who Will Wear the Shirt

By now it's clear what your custom shirts will be used for, but did you also take into consideration the people who will wear it? For example, children and older people will surely prefer comfort above all else, so go with cotton if you are designing custom shirts for preschoolers or seniors.

Now that you're familiar with the most popular types of T-shirt fabrics and the situations they suit best, what are you waiting for? Shop for custom t-shirts with LogoSportswear today.

Read More T-Shirt Articles:

• A Guide to Choosing the Right T-Shirt Sizes for Large Orders
• What to Consider When Choosing a T-Shirt Printing Company