Why Fabric Choice Isn’t Just About Comfort
When you’re launching a clothing line or ordering custom t-shirts in bulk, choosing the right fabric isn’t just a comfort decision—it’s a business strategy. The fabric you pick affects everything from print quality and durability to customer satisfaction and return rates.
At Radison Apparel, we’ve seen how the right fabric can elevate a brand—and how the wrong one can sabotage a whole batch of merchandise. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about t-shirt fabrics so you can choose smart and sell smarter.
1. Cotton: The Gold Standard for Comfort
Cotton is the most popular fabric in the t-shirt world—and for good reason.
Pros:
Super soft and breathable
Hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin
Excellent for screen printing and DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing
Biodegradable and eco-friendly if organic
Cons:
Can shrink if not pre-shrunk
Slower to dry than synthetic fabrics
Prone to wrinkles
Best For: Premium brands, casual wear, baby clothes, and any product line prioritizing comfort.
Pro Tip from Radison: Opt for combed or ring-spun cotton for a smoother, more durable finish.
2. Polyester: Lightweight and Long-Lasting
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that’s popular in sportswear and promotional t-shirts.
Pros:
Durable and resistant to wrinkles and shrinkage
Moisture-wicking (great for hot climates and workouts)
Holds color well—prints remain vibrant for years
Dries quickly
Cons:
Less breathable than cotton
Not biodegradable
Can feel synthetic or slippery to some wearers
Best For: Athletic wear, uniforms, and low-maintenance t-shirts.
At Radison Apparel, we offer breathable poly blends to solve the comfort issue without losing durability.
3. Cotton-Poly Blends: Best of Both Worlds
A 50/50 cotton-poly blend is the sweet spot for many businesses that want the softness of cotton and the resilience of polyester.
Pros:
Less shrinkage than pure cotton
Softer than pure polyester
Affordable and versatile
Maintains shape well after multiple washes
Cons:
Not as breathable as 100% cotton
Printing quality slightly lower than pure cotton
Best For: Everyday wear, school uniforms, retail brands with budget-friendly pricing.
4. Tri-Blends: Premium Feel, Lightweight Performance
Tri-blends combine cotton, polyester, and rayon, resulting in an ultra-soft, fashionable fabric.
Pros:
Extremely soft with a vintage look
Very lightweight and breathable
Excellent drape (fits well on all body types)
Cons:
Slightly higher cost
May require specific printing techniques
Best For: Fashion-forward brands, luxury apparel, influencer merch.
Radison offers tri-blend options for brands that want premium appeal with boutique pricing.
5. Specialty Fabrics: For Niche Needs
Here are some specialty fabrics you might consider:
Lycra or Spandex – These fabrics are known for their high stretchability and are perfect for gym wear and activewear.
Bamboo Cotton – A sustainable and eco-friendly fabric that is naturally antibacterial. It’s soft, breathable, and ideal for environmentally conscious clothing lines.
Organic Cotton – Grown without synthetic chemicals, this fabric is safe, gentle on skin, and often used in premium or baby clothing.
Viscose – A lightweight fabric with a silky texture and slight shine. It drapes well and is suitable for stylish, fashion-forward clothing lines.
6. How Fabric Affects Printing Techniques
Different fabrics work best with specific printing methods:
100% Cotton – Works best with screen printing and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing, offering bright and long-lasting prints.
Polyester – Ideal for sublimation printing and heat press methods. It holds color very well and produces vibrant designs.
Cotton-Polyester Blends – Compatible with DTG and heat transfer printing. The result is decent, though not as vibrant as pure cotton.
Tri-Blends – Work well with water-based inks or soft prints. These methods complement the lightweight texture of tri-blend fabrics.
👉 For a deeper breakdown of how to match fabric with your print method, read our guide:
How to Choose the Right T-Shirt for Screen Printing, DTG, and Sublimation
7. Choosing Fabric Based on Your Business Goals
Here’s how to pick the right fabric depending on your purpose:
If you’re starting a fashion brand, go with tri-blend or combed cotton for a premium feel and modern look.
For selling affordable merch in bulk, a cotton-poly blend offers the perfect balance between price, comfort, and durability.
If you’re organizing a sports or charity event, polyester is the right choice due to its sweat-wicking and fast-drying properties.
Targeting an eco-conscious audience? Choose organic cotton or bamboo cotton to reflect your brand’s sustainability values.
If you need bright, high-definition prints, go with 100% cotton (for DTG or screen printing) or polyester (for sublimation printing).
8. Radison Apparel’s Fabric Commitment
We don’t just sell t-shirts. We help you build better clothing brands. That means:
Pre-tested fabric quality on all bulk orders
Free swatches on request for bulk buyers
Guided fabric recommendations based on your use-case
Access to custom sourcing for special fabric needs
Don’t Just Pick a T-Shirt—Pick a Strategy
Choosing the right t-shirt fabric can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re placing your first order or scaling your brand, Radison Apparel is here to help you choose a fabric that aligns with your design, budget, and long-term vision.
Need help picking the perfect fabric?
📞 Contact our support team or 📧 request a sample swatch today at RadisonApparel.com/contact.
📱 +91-9043267615
🤳 sales@radisonapparel.com