Branded T-shirts

100% Cotton

Cotton is the most popular and commonly used t-shirt fabric. Known for its breathability and softness, it provides comfort and a classic feel. Cotton is highly versatile and compatible with most printing methods, including screen printing, direct-to-film (DTF), and direct-to-garment (DTG), though DTG is only effective on cotton. However, it can shrink when washed in hot water and may not be as durable as synthetic fabrics.

Polyester (Performance Fabric)

Polyester, often used in performance or athletic wear, is known for its durability, resistance to shrinking and wrinkling, and quick-drying properties. It is ideal for sublimation printing, which works best on synthetic fabrics like polyester. However, it may not be as breathable as cotton and can irritate sensitive skin.

Cotton/Poly Blend

Cotton/poly blends aim to offer the best of both worlds: the comfort and breathability of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. These blends are versatile, suitable for various printing methods, and often provide a good balance between casual and athletic wear. However, they may not offer the same level of softness as pure cotton or the full performance qualities of polyester.

Tri-blend

Tri-blend fabric, typically a mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon, is among the softest t-shirt materials. It offers a unique combination of breathability, durability, and a silky feel, making it a popular choice for premium-quality shirts. However, they can be more expensive than single-fabric or dual-blend options.

CVC (Chief Value Cotton)

CVC fabrics are a cheaper alternative to tri-blends, usually made up of a higher percentage of cotton and a smaller percentage of polyester. Often found in a heathered look, CVC shirts offer softness similar to tri-blends but without the inclusion of rayon. While they provide comfort and are more budget-friendly, they might need to match the luxurious feel of tri-blends.

CornerStone ANSI 107 Class 2 Segmented Tape Tee

Budget Brands
Budget brands like Gildan, Alstyle, Hanes, Fruit of The Loom, and Jerzees offer affordable options. However, it's essential to be aware that budget t-shirts often come with certain limitations. They may have a boxier fit and be made from 'carded open-ended' cotton, which is rougher and less desirable for print quality and comfort. Additionally, these shirts tend to be less durable over the long term.

Standard/Moderate Brands
Brands like American Apparel, Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Threadfast, and Alternative Apparel fall into the standard or moderate category. These brands typically offer semi-fitted t-shirts made from combed and ringspun cotton, which enhances print quality, softness, and overall comfort.

Premium Brands
Premium brands include Champion, Columbia, Comfort Colors, Puma Sport, and some eco-friendly brands. T-shirts from these brands are often of higher quality, but the price sometimes reflects brand recognition as much as actual product quality. It's also important to note that premium brand t-shirts may feature logos in areas where you intend to print, which can be a consideration for your designs.

Branded T-shirts

With literally thousands of t-shirt options available, how do you pick the best for your brand?

Let our experts guide you through the process.

There are 1,000s of combinations

Types of T-shirt Fabric

T-shirt Fabric Comparison

100% Cotton

Cotton/Poly Blends

100% Polyester

Best T-shirts for Branded Corporate Apparel

Top T-shirt Brands

Apparel Decoration Methods

At Symphonix, we use a variety of decoration methods depending on the desired product. We understand that decoration techniques can be a challenging concept, so we have created a guide that can help you choose what is best for your promotional items.

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