11 best-selling types of t-shirts
What to consider when choosing a t-shirt
Choosing the fabrics for your t-shirts is important because it can impact how your custom designs look, how long the t-shirt lasts, and how satisfied your customers will be.
The common types of t-shirt fabric include:
Cotton
Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for t-shirts because it is soft, durable, and affordable for most consumers. Cotton is gentle on the skin and feels soft; it's highly breathable and can be worn any month of the year as a base layer or by itself.
Cotton's primary flaw is its moisture retention and how easily it wrinkles; anyone who has ever taken a wrinkly t-shirt out of the dryer knows what a pain it can be!
Organic cotton
As we discussed, organic cotton is popular for its sustainability and eco-friendly qualities.
No pesticides or chemicals are used to grow the cotton, the farmers have more control over their product, and it offers a reduced overall environmental impact.
Organic cotton is typically more durable, softer, and longer lasting. Organic cotton's main downfall is that it usually costs more than standard cotton, but many consumers are willing to pay more for the quality and sustainability.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from plastic; it's quick-drying and stain-resistant, making it an ideal material for t-shirts.
Polyester is more expensive than cotton and needs to be more sustainable from an environmental standpoint, which turns some shoppers off.
Polyester cotton blend
A cotton/ polyester blend is the best of both worlds; soft, comfortable, quick drying, and odor-resistant. These material blends don't often print as well as standard cotton or polyester would, particularly with silk screen printing.