Which T-Shirt Fabric Is Best for Custom T-Shirt Printing?

A Closeup of a Custom T-shirt Showing a Tattooed, Beanie-clad Man Smoking a Cigar

Custom t-shirt printing starts with a design and ends with fabric featuring said design. The key to translating your artistic vision lies in careful fabric selection. Acing that endgame is anything but easy because it means choosing the right garment before sending it for direct-to-garment printing at yours truly.

In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the best t-shirt fabrics for DTG printing, empowering you to make informed choices for your small- or large-scale projects.

Cotton: The Timeless Choice

Cotton is the go-to for custom t-shirt printing because you can always rely on it to make your DTG design shine.

The material boasts natural fibers and provides a smooth, absorbent surface that takes in those water-based inks like the perfect solvent. It serves as the perfect platform for vibrant prints.

To say nothing of its breathability and comfort. These two features make it a top pick for everyday wear. Its versatility ensures compatibility with various printing techniques, not just DTG printing.

Choose cotton if you’re looking for a classic, reliable option that can retain its drape, feel, and appearance in the long run.

Polyester: The Durability Dynamo

A Swatch of Teal Polyester for DTG Printing

Polyester is the first choice for those seeking a blend of durability and moisture-wicking properties in their custom-printed garments. T-shirts crafted from polyester are ideal for athletic wear and outdoor activities.

The synthetic nature of the fabric supports prints that are not only vivid but also resistant to fading as they encounter moisture and hard metals in the air, making it an excellent choice for designs meant to endure both time and the elements.

Tri-Blend: A Mix of Comfort and Durability

Tri-blend fabrics are a mixture of cotton, polyester, and rayon. They strike the perfect balance between comfort, durability, and drape, even after they have been washed multiple times.

If you want to let your customers enjoy the softness and lightweight feel, all while maintaining the shape after multiple treatments and drying cycles, you cannot go wrong with chic-supporting tri-blend fabrics.

Ring-Spun Cotton: Softness Redefined

For a touch of luxury in your custom t-shirt printing, consider ring-spun cotton. This special ring-spinning process yields a finer, smoother yarn, resulting in a top that feels exceptionally soft against the skin.

Apart from its luxurious feel, ring-spun cotton also provides an excellent surface for highly complicated and color-rich prints, elevating your custom tees to a premium level of quality.

Organic Cotton: The Eco-Friendly Ethos

For the environmentally conscious designer or retailer, organic cotton is a standout choice. Cultivated without harmful pesticides and fertilizers, organic cotton is not only kinder to the planet but also shares the same DTG printing advantages as conventional cotton.

Opting for any of the above fabrics in your custom t-shirt printing projects is a step in the right direction, more so when you do it with us.

Share your DTG designs with our team, work with us to ensure a faithful transfer to the fabric, and hit the ground running with some groundbreaking designs, all with our DTG printing services in Nashville.

Contact us for inquiries and feedback.

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