When shopping for shirts (and t-shirst), one might think it's all about the design. However, the fabric is equally important. It's crucial to understand the different types of fabrics: cotton, polyester, and blends.
100% Cotton
Cotton, a popular choice for t-shirts, is loved for its breathability, softness, and comfort. Being gentle on the skin and non-clingy, cotton shirts are comfortable for prolonged wear. As a downside, they are prone to shrinkage, wrinkling, and staining. Moreover, the prints should be more solid when using direct-to-garment (DTG) printing on thicker cotton. However, their popularity and customisability are undeniable.
100% Polyester
Polyester, a synthetic fabric, offers a silky smooth drape, durability, and quick-drying properties. It's an excellent choice for sportswear due to its lightweight and odour-resistant nature. However, polyester can be clingy, less breathable, and irritate the skin. While it's a versatile fabric, printing on polyester can be challenging, and some high-quality brands can be pricey.
Read: Clothing You'll Love To Wear. Why Polyester Should Be Your Go To.
Cotton-Polyester Blend
Blends utilise the best qualities of cotton and polyester. These shirts are soft, comfy, and lightweight with better drapes. Blends offer less wrinkling and shrinkage than cotton and dry quicker than their 100% cotton counterparts. They also add a dash of durability from the polyester. However, blends can be slightly clingy, potentially irritating to sensitive skin, and have minor print restrictions.
A specific blend, the Polyester-Cotton-Rayon Blend (50/25/25), holds a special place in the industry. Rayon, a semi-synthetic fibre, adds softness and stretchability to the garments, delivering a snug feel. This tri-blend fabric also creates a distinctive vintage feel when printed using the DG method.
Deciding on the Best Fabric
The fabric choice depends on the wearer's fashion style, expectations, and age range. Other considerations include desired qualities like moisture-wicking, durability, softness, breathability, and the print method (sublimation, direct-to-garment, screen printing, etc.). One should also factor in the budget and the purpose of the apparel (sports event, work uniform, merchandise, etc.).
Your fabric choice depends on your unique needs. We're here to help you understand your options and make an informed decision. Ready to elevate your brand with our expert knowledge? At BrandPro, we combine modern ingenuity and industry expertise to guide you through fabric choices. Contact us today – let's craft your brand story together.
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