BEST T SHIRTS MATERIAL FOR PRINTING

Not all clothing materials are suitable for different t-shirt printing techniques due to the quality and density of the fabric. This is why it’s essential to do your research before committing to a style of clothing and t-shirt printing method. Customisation plays a significant role in choosing the most suitable material to print on. While the design looks good, it can be useless if you pick the wrong t-shirt printing method and item of clothing.

For more advice on t-shirt personalisation, click here to read our article or contact us for more information.

So, which materials are in partnership with the various t-shirt printing techniques?

There are a few different types of fabrics that can be used for t-shirt printing. Whilst the most popular option is cotton, due to its soft, comfortable feel and high absorbency rate, another option is polyester. This is less absorbent than cotton but more durable; a good choice for t-shirts that will be worn often or washed frequently. Each of these has its merits so we’ve gathered together a handy how-to on everything you need to know about which fabric is best to print on. 

Polyester

Polyester may not be as popular as cotton, but it has its benefits. It is mostly plastic which makes it incredibly sturdy and durable. To indicate its strength, recycled plastic bottles can be made into polyester fabric, and as it’s well known, plastic does not break down easily.

Some key features of polyester:

• A main plus of polyester is that it is less prone to fading – it maintains its colour for longer after being dyed. However, it doesn’t produce as vivid of colour as cotton.
• Polyester garments are known for holding their shape even after numerous wears and washes.
• Unlike cotton, polyester does not absorb moisture. It also dries very quickly, making it ideal for sports attire.
• Polyester is incredibly low maintenance as it creases less, meaning you don’t have to take so much care when ironing.
• Not Breathable: Unlike cotton, polyester won’t allow your skin to breathe. When it comes to the warmer months, it may be time to give your polyester items a break and choose something more cooling.

Cotton

Cotton is the most widely used fabric in the world. The major reasons for this are because it is both comfortable and economical. However, it has various additional properties that make it perfect for apparel.

Cotton has the following characteristics: 

• Cotton is a natural fabric that breathes with your skin, absorbing sweat and keeping your body temperature steady.
• Cotton is a long-lasting fibre that feels pleasant to the touch.
• Cotton is versatile since it can be dyed into a variety of colours and tints.

Polyester/cotton blends

A polyester-cotton mix has various advantages, and designers may combine the greatest attributes of cotton and polyester to produce something unique that is particularly useful for outdoor and winter clothes. 

The following are the primary benefits of this one-of-a-kind fabric blend.

Polycotton is more durable than cotton, whereas cotton is the most preferred fabric because of its smooth feel. Cotton, on the other hand, rips readily. Polycotton possesses special flexibility that cotton does not have, making it a considerably more durable textile.

Polycotton clothing is easy to care for, whereas cotton garments must be cared for and looked after if they are to last. Polycotton clothes are designed for heavy-duty use and may be washed several times without losing flexibility or durability.

Of course, you’ll want to preserve your personalised t-shirt for as long as possible. So here are our top tips for ensuring your customised clothing is long-lasting.

• When washing your customised garments, we suggest turning the item of clothing inside out. It will help prevent the design cracking and peeling during the wash and discolouring. 
• Avoid high-temperature washes for the same reasons. The standard washing temperature for popular fabrics (cotton and polyester) is 40 degrees. However, we suggest dropping the temperature to 30 or 20 degrees for customised printed clothing.
• If you’re concerned about which temperature to wash your printed garments, use the ‘delicate’ or ‘cold’ wash option. Delicate washes generally use less time, which will reduce the harsh conditions from the washing machine.
• If you’re still unsure how your washing machine will handle the t-shirt printing or its temperamental, hand-washing is another excellent option. You can control the water temperature and handling of the customisation.
• Iron your personalised clothes inside out to avoid excess heat on the print, as it can also result in cracking. If you can iron at a low temperature.
• Once your personalised clothing has been successfully washed and ironed, fold it up neatly. Hangers can sometimes stretch the garment and impact the design.

If you have any questions regarding choosing the suitable material for a specific t-shirt printing method or how to care for your customised clothes, contact Buytshirtsonline today on 01928579951 or send us an email to info@buytshirtsonline.co.uk.