In search of the perfect T-shirt? You’re not alone. With countless brands, styles, fabric types, and new blends launching every year, finding the right tee can feel overwhelming.

But don’t worry—we’re here to simplify the process. This guide breaks down the differences between cotton, polyester, and blends, including pros and cons, fabric qualities, best use cases, and our top product recommendations.

What’s the Best Fabric for Custom T-Shirts?

The answer depends on your specific needs. Cotton is popular for softness and breathability. Polyester shines in performance and durability. Blends offer a balance of the two. Here’s how to decide:

Key Factors to Consider:

• Desired qualities (softness, stretch, breathability, moisture-wicking)
• Preferred print method (DTG, screen print, embroidery, sublimation)
• Budget per item or overall order
• Use case (events, workwear, merch, giveaways)
• Target audience (age, style, expectations)

Quick Comparison

100% Cotton
Best for: Comfort, softness, breathability, and universal appeal.
Pros:

• Soft and non-irritating
• Breathable and natural
• Easy to print with any method
  Cons:
• Prone to shrinking
• Wrinkles and stains easily
• Holds moisture rather than wicking it away

Top Cotton Tees:

• Premium: Bella+Canvas Fine Jersey (3001C)
• Standard: Hanes Perfect-T (4980)
• Budget: Gildan Heavy Cotton (G500)

100% Polyester
Best for: Sportswear, performance apparel, and moisture control.
Pros:

• Lightweight and fast-drying
• Shrink, wrinkle, and fade-resistant
• Great for sublimation printing
  Cons:
• Less breathable, may cling
• Limited print options (no DTG)
• May feel synthetic or irritate skin

Top Polyester Tees:

• Premium: Nike Legend Tee (727982)
• Standard: Augusta Sportswear NexGen Wicking Tee (790)
• Budget: Team 365 Performance Tee (TT11)

Blends (Cotton + Polyester + Rayon)

Best for: Versatility, balance of performance and comfort.
Pros:

• Soft, stretchy, and breathable
• Less shrinkage, fewer wrinkles
• Stylish drape and texture
  Cons:
• Higher price point
• May feel synthetic to some
• Heathers only; fewer solid color options

Blend Types:

• 50/50: Equal parts cotton and polyester
• CVC: Chief Value Cotton (typically 60/40 cotton/poly)
• Tri-Blend: Cotton, polyester, and rayon (50/25/25 or similar)

Top Cotton/Poly Blends:

• Premium: Bella+Canvas Heather CVC (3001CVC)
• Standard: Next Level CVC Crew (N6210)
• Budget: Gildan DryBlend 50/50 (G800)

Top Tri-Blends:

• Premium: Threadfast Unisex Tri-Blend Tee (102A)
• Standard: Bella+Canvas Tri-Blend Crew (3413C)

Why Tri-Blends Are a Fan Favorite

• Unmatched softness
• Fashion-forward fit and feel
• Lightweight and breathable
• Best for retail-quality merch and stylish customization

But keep in mind:

• Slimmer fit (but stretchier)
• Speckled (heathered) look is common
• Best with lightweight printing (DTG or water-based inks)
• Often more expensive than basic tees

Still Can’t Decide? Watch the T-Shirt Test
We put one tee from each category to the test—stretching, printing, washing, even axe throwing. It’s all to help you see how cotton vs. polyester vs. blends really hold up in the real world.

Final Thoughts

Each fabric type brings unique advantages to the table. Whether you’re printing shirts for a band, a business, a sports team, or a school event, there’s a fabric that fits your purpose—and your budget.

If you’re still unsure, reach out to our team or browse our top styles in the Design Studio. We’ll help you choose the best T-shirt fabric to match your brand, design, and audience.