How to Determine the Best High-Quality T-Shirt for You
Where form meets function.
If you’re looking for the best high-quality t-shirt, there are a few factors to consider. The way a shirt feels on your body is arguably at the top of the list, but when it comes to a custom print job, you’ll also want to think about how the ink will apply to the shirt you choose. You may also want to consider how the shirt impacts the environment. We are firm believers that shirts aren’t meant to be one-size-fits-all in any sense of the term. Keep reading to explore the elements you should consider in finding the right shirt for you and your next print job.
As we said, how the shirt fits may be the most important factor when choosing the best high-quality t-shirt for your next print project. Even when a shirt checks all the boxes on paper, if the vibes are off, it’s not the one for you.
These are all things to pay attention to when looking at your options. If you want to take a few styles for a test drive before you commit to a large order, let us know and we can get samples for you to try out. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a spin around the block and we don’t expect you to commit to a big order before testing out the goods.
100% organic cotton is at the top of the list when it comes to comfortable fabric. This is because organic cotton is processed naturally. Non-organic cotton manufacturers often rely on chemicals to make the fabric soft. The chemicals can come out in the wash over time resulting in a stiffer feeling. Organic cotton, on the other hand, goes through a process called combing. This removes any of the shorter fibers creating softer and more durable strands for the fabric.
On the other end of the spectrum, man-made fabric such as polyester gets a bad rap. Queue flashbacks to the 100% polyester leisure suits from the 70s with zero breathability. However, a cotton/polyester blend can actually provide a softer feel than some 100% cotton alternatives. Throw rayon into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a tri-blend tee. Tri-blends typically come with a higher price tag but are well worth it for the optimum comfort they provide.
While 100% organic cotton and tri-blend shirts are both top-tier picks for the best high-quality t-shirt, the materials yield drastically different results when printed on with water-based and discharge inks. Colors appear vibrant and opaque on 100% cotton tees. Alternatively, the design on a tri-blend shirt will have a vintage, weathered feel – which can be great if that’s the look you’re going for.
Quality goes beyond the look and feel of the end product. Also, consider the quality of life of the human labor that facilitates the production process and how that process affects the environment. To ensure a garment is ethically sourced, look for GOTS certified cotton which ensures that the process is held to a high social and environmental standard. That’s a win for everyone involved.
Now that you know what you’re looking for in a high-quality t-shirt, get started with your next design and contact a Daymaker today. For more information about organic cotton check out our blog: