There are many options to choose from when it comes to t-shirt types. Each fabric type can greatly dictate how the garment is used and can even change the way the ink responds to the garment. In this blog we'll discuss the best t-shirt styles for when you're ready to order custom apparel.
When it comes to selecting a shirt a few things to keep in mind are:
Weight - Heavyweight, Mid-Weight, or Light weight
Fit - Tubular/Fashion, Boxy, Longer Length, Big and Tall
Feel - Texture
These things will determine the longevity of the shirt, who will wear the shirt, what the shirt feels like as well as the overall quality of print you can achieve on the product.
Lightweight, Mid-Weight, or Heavyweight Tees
Weight is typically the first trait listed in a product description. If you are ordering shirts for a particular event or one thing to consider is climate, because the thicker or heavier tee will be significantly warmer than a lightweight tee. Not only that heavier shirts are often more durable so these are a great option for workwear.
Lightweight tees are extremely comfortable as they are often softer, offer more breathability, yet with less material you may feel a large screen printed graphic more than a mid or heavyweight tee. Lightweight tees can also be more transparent. Planning on shipping your shirts? Lightweight tees can keep your costs down when shipping.
T-Shirt Fit
Fit is possibly the most important quality of shirts . A boxy tee will have the extra room and may be better fitting for full figured people while the fashion fit/tubular fit caters to a more slender figure. Think of who will be wearing your shirts and determine what is more comfortable for them.
Last we have feel. Softer feeling shirts tend to seem a little less durable for someone who might be doing labor intensive work but are great for casual wear.
Cotton Options
Cotton is a natural, comfortable, soft, and durable fabric. Cotton t-shirts start out very inexpensive but there are enhanced processes that make the cotton better but will increase the garment cost.
Ring-Spun Cotton. Cotton that’s a bit softer, smoother, more durable, and lasts longer than regular cotton.
It also tends to be more expensive than regular cotton.
Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton. This cotton is even softer than ring-spun cotton, because it has been combed to remove impurities. It is extremely soft, smooth, and less likely to unravel or fray.
Fewer impurities mean a smoother surface to print on. However, it also tends to be a bit more expensive.
Organic Cotton. As the march towards sustainability continues, organic cotton that’s grown without hazardous chemicals is gaining popularity. It is softer than regular cotton but just as durable and weatherproof.
Although it’s slightly more expensive, many customers identify with eco-friendly practices and are willing to pay a little more.
Slub Cotton. A light and airy fabric makes good cotton t-shirts that don’t cling to the body. It gets its name from those naturally textured highs and lows you see throughout the fabric. It feels good from the get-go, and doesn’t require much ironing.
Slub cotton is slightly more expensive than regular cotton.
Pima Cotton. If you like soft cotton shirts, you should try Pima cotton. The highest-quality cotton, one of the finest in the world. It is smooth, soft, and durable. The material is resistant to tearing, wrinkling, and fading.
Pima cotton is one of the most expensive types of cotton.
Polyester Options
Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric that is used for performance products equipped with moisture wicking technology to help keep you cool when working up a sweat. Polyester also holds its shape well and can withstand stretching, creasing, and repetitive movements. It is perfect for demanding outdoor activities.
This synthetic material has many advantages. It is an affordable, durable, and wrinkle-resistant material that’s a good choice for custom t-shirts. Polyester fabric clothing dries quickly and holds printed designs well. It is also lightweight but the weave eliminates the transparency experienced with lightweight cotton products.
Blends
Blends refer to the blending of fabrics. By blending, the textile industry can produce fabrics that exhibit properties unachievable with either fiber alone. If you want your t-shirts to be durable, poly-blend is the way to go. For example, t-shirts can be made out of different fabrics, thus complementing each other. Let’s look at the most common.
Cotton / Spandex Blend. More elastic and wrinkle-resistant than cotton alone.
Rayon / Polyester Blend. Softer and more comfortable than polyester alone.
Cotton / Polyester / Spandex Blend. Stretchy, comfortable, and doesn’t wrinkle easily.
Polyester / Viscose Blend. Strong and resistant to shrinking. Viscose adds softness.
Blending is a good way to improve the performance, texture, and feel of the fabric. What’s more, sometimes it also reduces the cost.
As you can see there are a lot of options when it comes to garment type. Many times customers don't consider all the options and just choose a shirt based on price or previous purchases. We feel its worth considering all the possibilities available to make the best of your purchase. You can always ask our sales team for more info and if you're local stop in our showroom to see some of the different options for yourself.
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