6 of the Best Types of Shirts To Print On

100% Polyester

What is it: Polyester was invented in 1941 is a man-made fibre that’s been sourced from petroleum-based products. The overall feel of the material is soft but it’s also known for being durable and long-lasting and is becoming a popular choice in the garment industry.

Pros

• Polyester is a durable material and will last for many years. Its durability also means it’s less susceptible to stains so you’ll be able to keep it in good condition even if it gets dirty.
• This material will keep its shape for a long time and won’t shrink and fade like others. You can wash it as you would your other clothes without any special care instructions to follow and it’ll still look just as good.

Cons

• Printing on polyester is harder to do than on cotton, which means the process is more expensive to get it right. If you’re looking for budget-friendly but good quality, it’s not the most ideal.
• Many printing processes and dyes won’t work as well on polyester, so although it’s a good basic tee to have, it won’t make the design pop as much if it’s got something printed on it.

100% Cotton

What is it: Cotton is a natural fibre and the most widely produced on earth, and with good reason. The material is versatile and used to make all kinds of garments, bedding, and other household goods. Cotton can come in a standard form or any number of styles depending on how it’s spun, and all of them are suitable for printing.

Pros

• Plain cotton t-shirts are the perfect material for printing on, and this includes screen printing, DTG, and heat transfer.
• Cotton is an affordable and easily accessible material to work with so you can keep prices low while still offering a quality garment.
• The feel of cotton is soft but breathable and it’s a good choice for those in warmer climates as well because it keeps the skin cool.

Cons

• Not all cotton garments are created equally so you’ll need to make sure you choose one that’s known for its quality. In addition to the process used to prepare the cotton, it can also be sourced from different places, and fluctuate in price and quality.
• Cotton may shrink faster than its synthetic counterparts so when compared to something like polyester, it might not hold its shape for as many years.

100% Cotton – Combed Cotton

Perfect for print-on-demand

What is it: Combed cotton is considered a premium cotton variety and is made by removing the short fibres so that only the longer ones are left, which are then arranged to create a high-quality yarn. This material is sometimes used for premium t-shirts and can be printed using a variety of methods, but usually left for higher-priced garments.

Pros:

• The look and feel of combed cotton are recognisable as a premium fabric and feels different from a regular shirt. Having a basic t-shirt made out of this will boost its price and quality instantly.
• Although softer, combed cotton is still durable, and a shirt constructed of it will be able to stand the test of time with minimal fading and wear.

Cons:

• The process that this cotton goes through makes it more expensive and if you’re trying to print merchandise that’s affordable for customers, it’s likely out of their reach.
• Combed cotton is more prone to shrinking than other kinds and should only ever be washed in cold water. Even the slightest exposure to heat will change its construction so it requires extra care.

100% Cotton – Ring-Spun Cotton

What is it: Ringspun cotton is another form of this natural fibre that’s sometimes used to make t-shirts and other garments, and is able to take on most forms of printing with great results. The process used to make it means the cotton undergoes frequent spinning and twisting so that it’s woven more tightly, but with softer and thinner cotton strands.

Pros

• The feeling of a t-shirt made of ring-spun cotton will be softer and more breathable, so it’s more of a luxurious feel compared to regular cotton.
• This is a durable material that can take a beating and is resistant to many types of stains. The tighter and longer cotton strands used to make them mean they’re tougher than most.

Cons

• The process of spinning cotton adds more to the overall price, so a basic t-shirt could cost a little extra. However, it’s a popular mid-range choice for tees even if it’s more expensive.
• Washing a ringspun cotton t-shirt requires some extra patience as it can’t come into contact with heat. Cold water and line drying are the only ways to keep it clean without shrinking or damaging it.

Poly-Cotton Blend

What is it: A poly-cotton blend combines the synthetic fabric polyester with the natural fibres of cotton, hoping to give the best of both worlds. The fabric is made with a yarn of cotton and yarn of polyester, spun together to create it. These shirts work with sublimation printing best, but also DTG and heat transfer, but not as adequately.

Pros

• A shirt made of poly cotton is cost-efficient and even more so when purchased in bulk. The printing process is easy and so is the way the fabric is manufactured which is a bonus for merchandisers.
• This fabric has a good level of colour retention so the shirt underneath your printed design will keep its looks for longer. Better still, it’ll do this without any extreme care instructions and won’t shrink as easily as pure cotton.

Cons

• In terms of safety, these shirts are less flame retardant than other materials. You’ll need to be careful where you wear them and avoid any kind of open flame or excessive heat.
• A poly-cotton blend isn’t considered the highest quality, especially when compared to other types of spun cotton. Although it’s cheaper and holds its colour well, it’s also not going to last as long and might need to be replaced sooner.

Tri-Blend

What is it: A tri-blend fabric is made of three materials and usually with 50% polyester combined with 25% cotton and 25% rayon. This type of material is common in DTG printing but doesn’t work as well with other methods, although it’s a smart, cost-effective solution if you’re trying to create on the cheap.

Pros

• The cost of making a tri-blend t-shirt is a lot cheaper when you use this base. The price comes down even further when it’s made in bulk.
• The feel of a tri-blend shirt is soft and it drapes easily over the body for a comfortable fit. It’s a breathable fabric so you can wear it comfortably in all climates without feeling smothered.

Cons

• In terms of quality, a tri-blend shirt isn’t as long-lasting or durable, and you’ll likely start to notice the colour fading and the designs looking less vibrant over time.
• The softness of these shirts might start to wear down and it can feel thinner, which leads to transparency. After some time and regular washing, the shirt might become see-through.