Choosing the Right Fabric for Custom Tees

The sublimation printing process includes printing specific designs onto a sheet of paper and the transfer to a piece of fabric. Typically, the sublimation process is for creating custom t-shirts. It’s essential to choose the correct fabrics for custom t-shirts to ensure that the entire sublimation printing process is smooth and the finished products are perfect. Below, we have covered three great options for the sublimation process: 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and tri-blend fabric. Additionally, there are two fabrics to avoid: acrylic and polyamide. 

Whether you need a company t shirt design or graphic design t shirts, you can be confident that you are choosing the correct fabrics after reviewing this list below. Keep reading on and evaluate which fabric option is best for your needs!

1. Choose: 100% Cotton Fabric

Cotton is a comfortable and soft fabric that works perfectly for the sublimation printing process. This option is a hypoallergenic fabric, which is convenient for those prone to red and irritated skin. This cotton fabric also shows colors perfectly and keeps its vibrancy wash after wash. You can be confident that your custom t-shirt will be in pristine condition for months to come with 100% cotton. 

2. Avoid: Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic fabric is made with petroleum, which is damaging to the environment. This fabric can also cause the consumption of toxic chemicals and risk cancer for the wearer. These health concerns make this fabric a no-go. Additionally, acrylic is not breathable and can feel restrictive while wearing the material. This factor can be very inconvenient if the wearer needs to move throughout the day and may result in the shirt never being worn by the buyer. 

3. Choose: 100% Polyester Fabric

Polyester is a durable fabric that is resistant to stretching and shrinking. The polyester fabric will guarantee to keep its shape after multiple wears and cycles in the laundry. Polyester is also categorized as moisture-wicking, meaning the fabric will dry quickly and remain comfortable during strenuous work. This factor can be a perk for those searching for a company t-shirt design. 

4. Avoid: Polyamide Fabric

Polyamide fabric is known to be non-biodegradable, which will negatively impact the environment and increase pollution. Plus, the fabric contains petroleum, creating negative health impacts. The comfortability is quite low with this fabric type as well. Polyamide is non-breathable and can feel suffocating while wearing it. Additionally, polyamide fabric absorbs heat quickly, making it an undesirable option for those who do lots of physical labor throughout the day. 

5. Choose: Tri-Blend Fabric

Tri-blend fabric is a mixture of polyester, rayon, and cotton. This fabric is typical for making graphic design t-shirts because it includes all the perks of these three fabric types. There are no synthetic materials in this fabric. On the contrary, tri-blend fabrics are made with organic materials, ensuring no harsh health concerns. Plus, this material is breathable, soft, and durable for the wearer. 

Review this list of t-shirt fabrics and consider which is best for you and your needs. If you still feel uncertain and need advice, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help at 3 In 1 Design today!