The material we select for our individual clothing significantly impacts the product's appearance, feel, and overall quality. Although two shirts look identical in a photo, the material can greatly influence the softness, strength, structure and the way embroidered or printed on the surface.
Knowing these few basic principles makes it easier to choose the material and ensures that your final products look purposeful, refined, and as if they fit with your brand or business identity.
Let's take a look at the materials that are used the most frequently for screen printing and embroidery, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, and other garments, and discuss the benefits of each.
T-Shirt Fabrics
CVC (Chief Value Cotton)
The majority of CVC fabric is made of cotton, with a small amount of polyester added for structure. It is frequently used for daily wear, school supplies, and uniforms because it strikes an excellent mix between softness, durability, and shape preservation. The polyester helps the shirt keep its shape over time and reduces severe wrinkles. Particularly in warm or active environments, CVC is somewhat less breathable than 100% cotton due to its blend composition. That said, it still feels soft and tends to last longer than standard cotton tees. CVC is a reliable option if you want something that doesn't feel stiff and looks consistent wash after wash.
Ring-Spun Cotton
Standard cotton is used to make ring-spun cotton, which is then spun into a finer, smoother thread. The end result is a shirt that is softer, lighter, and made of durable, long-lasting fibers. Ring-spun cotton feels great right out of the package and provides a clean surface for printing. It's a favorite for event shirts, band merchandise, and retail-style t-shirts where you want softness without going overboard.
Combed Cotton
Cotton that has been combed undergoes an additional process that eliminates shorter fibers, leaving only the most uniform strands. This produces a very smooth, high-quality fabric that gives prints a refined, upscale appearance. Combed cotton provides a sophisticated texture and dependably clean results on both basic and intricate designs, which is ideal if you're developing a brand or want clothing that feels upscale.
Sweatshirts & Hoodies
Cotton fleece, polyester fleece, or a combination of the two are commonly used to make sweatshirts and hoodies. Each has advantages of its own:
- Cotton fleece creates a soft, comfortable environment.
- Polyester fleece is resistant to shrinkage and keeps its shape.
- Bloxends provide dependable durability and ease of use.
Fleece clothing is particularly well-suited for embroidery since it is thicker, rests proudly on the surface, and appears professional and structured.
Additionally, screen printing may look fantastic, particularly for bold, graphic designs. There is a fleece option that suits your style, whether you're looking for a casual hoodie or something more dressy.
Polos
The majority of polos are made of piqué knit, which is breathable and has a light texture. Because of this, polos are frequently used in corporate uniforms, restaurants, and golf. Piqué polos are available in the following materials:
- 100% cotton for a traditional, organic feel.
- Polyester for uniform color and moisture control.
- Blends of cotton and poly for a well-rounded, daily choice.
When adorning polos, embroidery is typically the first option due to the texture. It feels polished, matches the structure of the cloth, and resists frequent wear. Few print techniques can match the timeless, polished appearance of a simple embroidered logo.
If you want a clean logo that holds up to heavy, repeated washing, embroidery is the way to go.
In addition, there are a few minor peculiarities that should be taken into consideration. These are merely typical of various textiles and are not a deal breaker.
Dye Migration
Heat applied during printing can occasionally cause polyester-based textiles to slightly change color. This is typical, and professional print shops only utilize particular temps and inks made for blends like poly and CVC. It's simply a part of matching the appropriate ink system to the appropriate clothing, a daily task for seasoned printers.
Fibrillation
Tiny strands in some soft textiles can gradually rise over time, giving the print a lived-in appearance. Similar to how denim gradually changes with wear, this is a natural feature of cotton mixes and softer shirts. Prints remain robust and clear with the correct ink selections and settings, and the pattern ages well with the garment.
So, What Fabric Should You Choose?
It's beneficial to select fabric based on purpose rather than "good" or "bad" fabrics. For instance:
- Do you want a soft-printed, contemporary t-shirt? Choose cotton that has been ring-spun or combed.
- Do you need shirts for teams or regular use? CVC blends provide uniformity and balance.
- Do you prefer polos that look polished? Piqué embroidery always appears well-polished.
- Searching for high-end sweatshirts? Fleece with a lot of cotton and embroidery is a unique option.
Every fabric has advantages. Selecting the one that most closely aligns with your objectives results in clothing that feels well-thought-out, lasts longer, and effectively reflects your brand.