T-Shirt Fabrics Guide: Cotton, Blends, Performance & Eco Options
Types of T-Shirts by Fabric
Choosing the right t shirt fabrics means knowing the different types of t-shirt fabrics and t-shirt material types available. This guide compares cotton t shirts, polyester t shirts, blended options, and eco friendly t shirts so you can pick the best fabric for custom t shirts. We’ll show when each material works best for everyday wear, performance, or branded apparel. As one of the softest options, cotton t shirts are ideal when you want soft t shirts for everyday comfort. Many consider cotton the best fabric for custom t-shirts thanks to its versatility.
Want the full picture — including styles, printing methods, and pricing? Explore our Custom T-Shirts Guide.
Cotton T-Shirts – Classic Comfort
Cotton t-shirts are the gold standard of comfort. Cotton t shirts are soft, breathable, and often the best fabric for custom t shirts when comfort is the priority.
Features:
100% natural fiber
Soft and comfortable
Breathable, absorbs moisture
Pros:
Widely available in all fits and styles
Affordable across most brands
Biodegradable (eco-conscious option)
Cons:
Shrinks if not pre-shrunk
Wrinkles easily
Holds sweat longer than synthetic fabrics
Buying Tips:
Choose organic cotton t-shirts for sustainability
Look for ringspun cotton for extra softness
Ideal for everyday wear and layering
Cotton is also the most common choice for custom printed t shirts because it absorbs ink well. It is often considered the best fabric for screen printing.
Polyester & Performance T-Shirts – Built for Activity
Polyester has become the go-to fabric for sports and activewear t-shirts thanks to its durability and moisture-wicking properties. Polyester t-shirts are durable and quick-drying; they’re ideal performance t-shirt fabric and required for sublimation.
Features:
Lightweight and fast-drying
Strong and wrinkle-resistant
Holds shape well
Pros:
Excellent for workouts and uniforms
Doesn’t shrink or stretch much
Resistant to wrinkles and fading
Cons:
Less breathable than cotton
Can hold odors if not washed properly
Feels less “natural” on the skin
Buying Tips:
Great choice for gym wear, team uniforms, and outdoor use
Look for moisture-wicking polyester blends
Polyester polos and raglan tees are popular for sports
Polyester is the go-to among performance t-shirts fabric, offering moisture-wicking and durability.
Polyester is especially popular for sublimation printing because the ink bonds directly with the fibers. It’s also the required fabric for sublimation printing, since sublimation only works on polyester.
Blended Fabrics – Tri-Blends & Cotton-Poly Mixes
Blended fabrics combine the best of both worlds: comfort + durability. Tri-blends (cotton, polyester, rayon) are especially popular for premium casual wear. Tri blend t shirts (cotton/poly/rayon) are popular blended fabrics t-shirts that balance softness and durability.
Features:
Cotton adds softness
Polyester adds strength
Rayon adds drape and smoothness
Pros:
Soft “heathered” look
Lightweight and breathable
Long-lasting shape retention
Cons:
More expensive than standard cotton
Can pill if lower-quality blends are used
Buying Tips:
Perfect for fashion-forward and premium t-shirts
Choose tri-blends for ultra-soft everyday wear
Often used in custom printed t-shirts due to fabric quality
Blends balance softness and durability, making them a favorite for branded t shirts that need to look great and last.
Tri-blends are often chosen as custom printed t-shirts fabric because they balance softness with print quality. Tri blend t shirts (cotton/poly/rayon) are one of the most popular blended fabric t-shirts.
Learn more about tr-blends and the Best T-shirts for Screen Printing and DTF.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics – The Future of T-Shirts
Eco-conscious fabrics are on the rise, with bamboo, hemp, and recycled polyester leading the charge in sustainable fashion. With sustainable t shirt fabrics like bamboo, hemp, and recycled polyester, eco friendly t shirts are become a must have option for the industry. Eco-friendly t-shirts are available at Print Habit.
Bamboo T-Shirts:
Silky soft texture
Naturally antibacterial and moisture-resistant
Eco-friendly crop
Hemp T-Shirts:
Extremely durable
Breathable and long-lasting
Becomes softer with each wash
Recycled Polyester T-Shirts:
Made from repurposed plastic bottles
Keeps waste out of landfills
Retains performance features like moisture-wicking
Buying Tips:
Great for eco-conscious consumers
Often priced higher but last longer
Best option for brands wanting to promote sustainability
Eco-friendly fabrics are increasingly requested for custom logo shirts as brands align with consumer values. Brands are turning to sustainable t shirt fabrics like bamboo and hemp to meet eco-conscious demand.
How to Choose the Right Fabric for Custom T-Shirts
Choosing the best fabric for custom t shirts depends on how you plan to use them. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cotton → Soft, breathable, affordable, and the best fabric for screen printing. Great for everyday wear and comfort.
Polyester → Durable, lightweight, and quick-drying. Perfect for sports, performance gear, and sublimation printing.
Blends (Cotton + Polyester + Rayon) → Balance of comfort, durability, and modern style. Popular for fashion-forward or branded t shirts.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics (Bamboo, Hemp, Recycled Polyester) → Sustainable, premium feel. Best for brands and buyers who value sustainability.
👉 Still not sure which fabric works best for your project? Get a Free Quote and our team will recommend the right option for your needs.
Want to see how fabric choice fits into styles, printing methods, and costs? Check out our Custom T-shirts Guide.
Explore More About Custom T-Shirts
Your complete resource on custom t-shirts — styles, fabrics, printing methods & costs.
Your local partner for fast, high-quality custom t-shirt printing and logo shirts.
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Compare t-shirt material types: cotton t-shirts, polyester performance shirts, blends & eco-friendly t-shirts.
Find the best shirts for screen printing and DTF transfers — from affordable Gildan to premium Bella+Canvas blanks.
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Compare DTF vs screen printing — costs, durability, print quality & when each method is the best choice for custom t-shirts.
Learn how to wash, dry, and store custom printed t-shirts to keep screen prints, DTF, sublimation, and heat transfers looking fresh and lasting longer.
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Ready to design custom t-shirts? Request a free quote and start your order today.