Creating a custom t-shirt involves many decisions, but one of the most crucial is choosing the right fabric. The fabric you select affects the look, feel, durability, and overall quality of your t-shirt. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider and the different types of fabrics available, helping you make an informed choice for your custom t-shirt project. How do we know?
Morningstar Screenprinting is Vero Beach, Florida’s leading custom tee shirt provider. For years, we’ve educated business owners, event planners, and just custom apparel enthusiasts about their options when it comes to custom tee-shirts. And we can help you too! Contact us today or head to our printery to understand your fabric T Shirt options.
Why is it so important? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Understanding the right fabric type for your t-shirt is crucial for many reasons. What are they? Comfort, durability, functionality, aesthetics, cost efficiency, sustainability, the list goes on and on. Whether for personal use, business, or special events, the right fabric choice makes all the difference in the final product. Here are some typical fabric types we offer, and what makes them different.
Cotton is the most popular textile in the world, and rightly so! 100% cotton is extremely soft and comfortable, and has been used for decades as the best clothing type. It’s also extremely breathable, which makes it extremely comfortable for everyday wear. When given the choice of cotton and other fabrics, based on touch alone, not many people would choose differently.
It is also hypoallergenic, which is great for those with sensitive skin. However, cotton can shrink after washing. Additionally, while it absorbs moisture well, it doesn’t wick away sweat, making it less suitable, and maybe even too heavy, for intense physical activities.
We recommend it for: Everyday wear, casual t-shirts, and those looking for comfort.
A polyester t-shirt offers several advantages, particularly in terms of durability and maintenance. It’s actually a man-made material. While many think of polyester as just an alternative to a comfy cotton tee, it can be the right fit for many reasons. Polyester is resistant to shrinking, stretching, and wrinkling, ensuring the t-shirt maintains its shape and appearance over time. It is also quick-drying and moisture-wicking, making it an excellent choice for athletic wear and active lifestyles.
However, it is less breathable than natural fibers like cotton, which can make it less comfortable in hot weather. Polyester can also retain odors (ew), requiring more frequent washing to stay fresh. Also, some people do find polyester less comfortable against the skin compared to softer, natural fabrics. Despite these cons: there’s no shame in the polyester game!
We Think It’s Best For: Athletic wear, performance t-shirts, and those needing a long-lasting fabric, like employee shirts.
Polyester/cotton blends offer a balanced mix of the benefits of both fabrics, making them a popular choice for t-shirts. You can definitely enjoy enhanced durability and resistance to shrinking and wrinkling, thanks to the polyester component. The cotton provides breathability and softness, ensuring comfort. This combination results in a perfect combination: a versatile, low-maintenance fabric that is comfortable to wear and easy to care for that maintains its shape well over time.
So – What are the downsides to polyester/cotton blends? While they are more breathable than pure polyester, they are still not as airy as 100% cotton, which may affect comfort in very hot weather. The blend can also sometimes feel less natural against the skin compared to pure cotton. Additionally, the presence of polyester means these t-shirts can still retain odors more than pure cotton, necessitating frequent washing. Despite these minor drawbacks, polyester/cotton blends strike an excellent balance between comfort, durability, and ease of care, making them a practical choice for everyday wear and various activities.
Best For: Versatile t-shirts, blending comfort with durability.
Honestly – There’s a lot of options when it comes to fabric types. There’s tri-blends, silk, Rayon, and more. Sometimes you don’t know what you want until you have it, and that’s okay. We recommend three things:
Fabric weight is another essential factor to consider. It’s typically measured in grams per square meter (GSM) or ounces per square yard (oz/yd²). Here’s a quick guide:
When choosing a fabric quality, if you want to get technical, you can consider thread count, yarn type, and the fabric finish. A higher thread count often means the fabric is finer, softer, and more durable. The type of yarn used also plays a crucial role; combed and ring-spun yarns are smoother and stronger than open-end yarns. Additionally, the fabric finish is essential for quality and longevity. Look for fabrics that are pre-shrunk, mercerized, or enzyme-washed, as these finishes enhance the fabric’s performance and durability.
We should note, though, when you use a create custom tee shirt provider, they will already have done this for you! At Morningstar, we have created a collection of great quality options for our clients. Check them out here!
For custom t-shirts, you might also consider specialty fabrics and treatments to achieve specific effects. For example, we do live in Florida! Especially in summer, it’s HOT and HUMID. If you’re creating your custom shirt for a Vero Beach landscape company – you may want to consider something moisture-wicking or with UV protection. By doing this, you can keep the wearer dry by drawing sweat away from the body. This is also great for sports teams!
Speaking of sports teams, it may be good to consider an anti-microbial option. These help reduce odor and bacteria buildup, which is useful for activewear. Especially in sports like Football and Soccer, where you may find yourself in the dirt!
Do you have a green thumb? Maybe one of your business goals is creating more sustainable choices in your industry. If so, why not extend that part of your brand to all of your choices? You can choose eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and even shirts made out of recycled materials for even more sustainable options – Like these!:
Finally, consider the purpose of the t-shirt and your target audience. Are you designing for a corporate event, athletic team, or a fashion brand? Understanding the end use will guide your fabric choice:
Our Florida custom apparel experts are dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life with high-quality, personalized clothing. With years of experience in the industry, the Morningstar Screenprinting team can guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect fabric and design to ensuring precise printing and embroidery. We use the latest technology and techniques to create apparel that meets your exact t-shirt dreams!
Our commitment to exceptional customer service means we work closely with you to understand your needs and deliver products that exceed your expectations. Let our expertise transform your ideas into stylish, high-quality custom apparel that makes a lasting impression. Ready to create the perfect custom t-shirt? Start with the right fabric, and you’ll be well on your way to a product you’ll love! Contact us today to get started!
Exciting News! Our brand-new e-commerce section is now live, showcasing a wide array of premium blanks perfect for your next custom screen printing project. From soft-style tees to cozy hoodies, we’ve got the ideal garments ready for your unique designs.
