Choosing the Right Fabric for Custom Clothing: A Guide for Print Shops
2025-02-27
Fabric selection is one of the most important factors in clothing customization. The material influences the durability of the print, the comfort of the garment, and even the production cost. To ensure a quality result, it's essential to understand the differences between cotton, polyester, and blends, as well as the best printing methods for each.
1. 100% Cotton: The Classic Choice
Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics due to its soft feel and breathability. It is ideal for screen printing, DTG (direct-to-garment printing), and embroidery, as it allows ink or thread to adhere well to the natural fibers.
Advantages of Cotton:
✔ Comfortable and breathable.
✔ Good ink absorption for screen printing and DTG.
✔ Ideal for embroidery due to its strength.
✔ Natural look and soft feel.
Disadvantages of Cotton:
✖ May shrink after washing.
✖ Less resistant to wrinkles and wear.
✖ Not suitable for sublimation.
Recommended Brands: TH Clothes, Native Spirit, and Kariban offer high-quality cotton t-shirts, perfect for customization.
2. 100% Polyester: Durability and Lightness
Polyester is a lightweight, durable synthetic fabric, widely used in sportswear and promotional clothing. It is essential for sublimation, as the ink fuses with the fibers, making the print permanent.
Advantages of Polyester:
✔ Strong and durable.
✔ Maintains color and shape after multiple washes.
✔ Ideal for sublimation and quick-drying.
✔ Excellent for sports due to its breathability.
Disadvantages of Polyester:
✖ Less comfortable than cotton.
✖ Can retain odors.
✖ Not suitable for DTG printing.
Recommended Brands: JHK and Roly offer polyester sportswear models, perfect for sublimation.
3. Cotton-Polyester Blends: The Perfect Balance?
Blends combine the best features of both materials, resulting in more durable and versatile garments. They are a popular choice for those looking for quality and durability at a competitive price.
Advantages of Blends:
✔ More durable and less prone to shrinking than pure cotton.
✔ More comfortable than pure polyester.
✔ Compatible with screen printing, embroidery, and DTF.
Disadvantages of Blends:
✖ Not ideal for pure sublimation.
✖ May not have the softness of cotton or the lightness of polyester.
Recommended Brands: Sol’s and Mukua have excellent blend options for those looking for versatility.
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
If you want comfort and a natural feel, go for cotton. If you need vibrant and long-lasting prints, choose polyester for sublimation. If you’re looking for a balance of durability and comfort, opt for blends. Each fabric has its specific function, and choosing the right one makes all the difference in the customization result.
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