Best Fabrics for Custom T Shirts

Cotton is the default for printed t-shirts because it takes ink well and feels familiar. Combed or ring-spun cotton feels smoother than standard open-end cotton, which is why it is often used for retail-quality blanks.

Cotton-polyester blends are popular for team shirts: they are durable, hold shape and dry quickly, though the print can sit slightly differently on the surface. Heavier fabrics feel more substantial but can be warmer, so match the weight to how the shirt will be worn.

Whatever the fabric, follow the care label. Washing inside out in cold water and avoiding a hot iron directly on the print will keep the design looking better for longer.