T-shirts have been in most wardrobes for decades. With so many styles, designs, fabrics and textures available, there’s plenty to choose from. More importantly, the type and quality of fabric you choose will often have a direct impact on your choice.
Choosing the right fabric for your T-shirt will also affect the fit and comfort of your T-shirt. Different fabrics have different properties, from polyester to cotton to linen, all of which are solid. So your choice will usually depend on what you are wearing the t-shirt for. Linen, for example, is best suited to warm weather, while polyester is the ideal choice for wearing to the gym. In general, cotton is the most popular choice for t-shirts.
If you want to learn more about the different fabric options for t-shirts, here is a comprehensive guide to the best t-shirt fabrics so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Best fabric for t-shirts

1. Cotton

The most preferred fabric type worldwide for a variety of purposes. It is the only fabric that has managed to make its way into wardrobes around the world. Whether it is a t-shirt, dress, skirt, scarf or pair of socks, cotton is the most commonly used fabric and it is readily available and often the most economical choice.
Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, Giza cotton – there are up to 50 different types to choose from. This means that each part of the cotton plant is used in one way or another to produce a particular fabric. Cotton fabric is very durable and gives you a comfortable t-shirt fit. Depending on the type of cotton, the fabric can often be incredibly soft on the skin, helping to prevent rashes and other skin problems.

Pros:

Easy to clean and
machine washable.
High breathability factor and supports proper air circulation.
High moisture absorption, recommended for summer wear.
Good choice for those with allergic or sensitive skin.
Most cotton fabrics are sustainable, organically sourced and do not cause environmental degradation.

Cons:

if you can’t keep the dyes in for too long, the dyes on a t-shirt will usually fade with a few washes.
Most sustainable and organic cotton fabrics are relatively expensive.
tend to wrinkle a lot and may not keep their shape over time.
If washed in hot water, you may notice significant shrinkage in the garment.
Cotton fabric is made from natural fibres, making it more prone to breakage and damage if not handled and cared for with care.

2. Pima cotton

Want a fabric that’s softer, more durable and more breathable than cotton? It’s time to discover a great fabric, and that’s Pima cotton. Made from Gossypium barbadense cotton, pima cotton is incredibly soft and feels luxurious, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
Pima cotton is made from longer, stronger and more delicate fibres. Because the fibres are so tightly woven, pima is durable and highly tear resistant. Although this cotton began to be grown in Peru and was called American-Egyptian cotton, it was later renamed Pima cotton after the Pima tribe who helped grow it in the Usa.

Pros:

A highly breathable fabric, very comfortable for hot and humid days to avoid excessive sweating.
Higher durability factor than regular cotton and can therefore retain its shape even after daily wear.
Softer than traditional cotton.
Pima cotton colours do not fade too quickly and last longer.
Smoother texture and does not wrinkle quickly.

Cons:

Pima cotton is a luxurious cotton fabric, so it is more expensive than traditional cotton.
Exposure to high heat can damage pima cotton very easily.
Pima cotton is still cotton, so it can shrink when washed properly.

3. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fibre that can withstand repeated wear and washing without shrinking or major deformation. Did you know that in the 1950s and 1970s, polyester was marketed as a miracle fabric that could be worn for 68 consecutive days without ironing?
Any fabric or piece of textile made from polyester fibres can be called polyester. It is one of the most popular and widely marketed materials, with significantly low production costs. This is also the reason why it is widely used for the production of clothing.

Pros:

It is resistant to wrinkles and abrasion.
Incredibly durable and long lasting.
The fibres used in the production of polyester are strong but fine, making the end product lightweight.
Because the fabric dries quickly and has a high moisture absorption capacity, it is a popular outdoor wear option.
Polyester fibres can be easily dyed.
It has a high degree of elasticity.

Cons:

Polyester is inherently a form of plastic, which gives it very low breathability.
Because polyester is a synthetic material, it does not degrade quickly and poses environmental problems.
The fabric tends to burn, melt and melt skin, which can lead to medical emergencies.
Polyester is not recommended to be worn in hot and humid weather.

4. Linane

It’s one of the most sustainable fabrics available and can be tailored to your needs. Linen is a loosely woven fabric with a textured weave. It is lightweight and incredibly breathable, making it a popular choice for summer.
Linen is also a versatile fabric, used for a variety of purposes, such as bed linen. Did you know that in ancient Egypt, linen was used in the mummification process? The flax plant has been used to make linen fabrics for centuries and is grown all over the world. It’s softer and more sheer than cotton and looks quite luxurious.

Pros:

It’s made from a flax plant, which makes it very durable.
It’s a sustainable fabric.
Doesn’t shrink very easily.
Biodegradable fabric.
No chemicals are used in the manufacture of linen, making it hypoallergenic.

Cons:

It starts to wrinkle very quickly.
If treated with bleaches and dyes, linen can lose its biodegradable properties.
Ironing linen clothes can become quite difficult.

5. Poly-cotton blend

When you want the best of both worlds or the best of both fabrics, a poly-cotton blend offers the perfect balance of polyester and cotton. You get the best of both fabrics. You get the lightness and coolness of 100% cotton and the wrinkle resistance and strength of polyester.
Compared to pure cotton and polyester, polycotton is a more durable, stronger and versatile textile used to make a variety of garments, especially t-shirts. Polycotton blends are also incredibly soft, less prone to shrinkage and very affordable. This is also why they are a popular fabric choice for t-shirts.

Pros:

Highly breathable and durable.
The material is soft and comfortable.
Compared to 100% cotton, poly-cotton blends are cheaper.
Shrink-resistant and lightweight.

Cons:

Compared to polyester, polycotton blends are expensive.

6. Rayon or viscose

If you’re looking for a little luxury without spending too much, viscose may be the right choice for you. Quite similar to rayon, rayon is a man-made fibre that was created as an alternative to silk.
Cellulose-based regenerated fibre rayon is made mainly from wood pulp. However, it can also be produced from trees, cotton and plants. It’s a lightweight, breathable fabric that offers a beautiful drape. It has an incredibly soft and smooth texture.

Pros:

Feels luxurious on the back and very soft.
A cheap choice compared to other t-shirt fabrics.
It has a good breathability factor.
Easy to print and holds colours well.

Cons:

To maintain the integrity of fine art garments, they should preferably be dry-cleaned.
The production process of rayon is harmful to the environment; therefore, it should be avoided.
Shrinks easily.
Not as durable as other fabrics.

7. Lycra or elastane

Lycra, also known as spandex or elastane, is a synthetic material made by spinning synthetic polymers. The most common reason for using Lycra is its high elasticity factor. It is one of the most stretchy fabrics, making it an attractive choice for athletic wear as it offers more freedom of movement. It is a very strong and durable material that also has moisture-wicking properties.

Pros:

Can be easily stretched in all directions.
The fabric has moisture-wicking properties.
Very comfortable and generally preferred for yoga pants.
The fabric is very durable.

Cons:

Sticks to your body and is sensitive to heat.
Synthetic material and therefore not the best for the environment.

8. bamboo

It’s a rustic material that’s a great choice for all kinds of clothing, such as t-shirts, dresses and sweatshirts.
Natural bamboo fibre is not only antibacterial, but the fabric also helps lower body temperature, making it a great choice for runners. It’s also odourless and has a softness comparable to silk.

Pros:

It has odour-repellent properties so you’ll feel fresh for longer.
Hypoallergenic fabric suitable for all skin types.
Helps to wick moisture.
A great option for cooler days to keep you warm and cosy.
Breathable.

Cons:

Not suitable for wearing at high temperatures.
Can shrink very quickly.
Quite expensive compared to cotton and viscose.
How to choose the fabric for your t-shirt
Depending on how you will use your t-shirt, there are several factors to consider when choosing the fabric for your t-shirt. The weight of the material, the breathability, the softness of the material and the durability are all fabric characteristics that can affect your comfort.

Fabric weight

You can determine the weight of the fabric by measuring the thickness of the threads used to make the fabric. For a T-shirt, it is always preferable to choose something lightweight. Whether you are wearing a t-shirt to the gym or in hot weather, a lightweight fabric such as cotton may be more suitable.
Heavier fabrics should be kept for colder days or for events that require you to attend at night. Considering the weight of the material is also important to help you determine whether your t-shirt will withstand long-term wear. Between two t-shirts made from similar fabrics, the better choice is always the one with the higher gsm (grams per square metre) fabric weight.

Dedication

In terms of breathability, fabrics made from natural fibres are considered the best choice. Fabrics with a good breathability factor can contribute to better air circulation around the body. Natural fibres are better at absorbing moisture, allowing for excellent air circulation and a high breathability factor.
In hot and humid conditions, for example, wearing a lightweight cotton t-shirt lets air and moisture through, making you feel comfortable and relaxed. Cotton and linen are generally the fabrics of choice for their breathability.

Softness

When it comes to fashion, comfort is a priority for many of us. This characteristic of a garment is crucial in determining its comfort. Different people perceive softness differently, as it depends on how the fabric feels against their skin.
Typically, different types of cotton, such as combed cotton, pima cotton and organic cotton, or bamboo and linen, are great choices if you want a soft fabric. In addition to 100% cotton fabric, three-ply fabric is also popular for soft t-shirts. Tri-blend fabric is made from a blend of three different materials, the most common being polyester, cotton and viscose.

Resilience

A T-shirt can get a lot of wear over the years. This includes the effects of external elements and multiple washing and drying cycles, which at some point can ruin the shape of a t-shirt and make it look shabby and old.
Therefore, investing in a t-shirt that keeps its shape is crucial. Typically, fabric made from long staple fibres tends to be of the highest quality. If you want value for money, you should opt for tightly woven cotton and linen t-shirts.

What is the most durable t-shirt material?

While natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo are high-quality and sustainable fabrics, polyester is the most durable material. Polyester is a synthetic material designed to withstand long-term wear. It is more durable and designed to be more flexible and to withstand multiple washes without losing its shape.
In general, the polyester fabrics used to make t-shirts are also resistant to wrinkles and can be worn without ironing. Performance t-shirts are popularly made from polyester to keep your body dry in the scorching sun.
Another option you can use if you’re looking for a durable alternative to polyester is tri-blend t-shirts. These t-shirts are made from a blend of cotton, polyester and viscose. T-shirts made from a blend of cotton and polyester, preferably with a higher polyester content, are also quite durable in the long run.

What’s the best t-shirt material for summer?
Cotton is undoubtedly the best t-shirt.

See more:

How to advertise with t-shirts?
T-shirts with logo and promotional shirts.
Logo on hat, logo on cap
Logos on blouses, sweaters and sweatshirts.