T-shirts can be made from a lot of materials. But the most common ones are cotton and polyester. Chances are, you have at least one t-shirt made from both these fabrics in your wardrobe. But how do these fabrics compare? Which one should you choose and why? Read on to find answers to these questions.
Cotton t-shirts - pros and cons
Cotton is a natural fiber widely used for creating blank wholesale t-shirts and other apparel. It is hypoallergenic, breathable, and soft on the skin. Cotton shirts readily absorb sweat and help control your body temperature. This makes it an amazing choice for year-round wear that you can rely on. Cotton fibers hold on to dye very well, so it is a great option for tie-dying and apparel decoration projects. It is also biodegradable, you don’t have to worry about polluting the planet.
On the flip side, cotton may appear like the more eco-friendly choice because it is a sustainable, natural fabric. While this is true, cotton producers use more pesticides than the makers of any other commodity. You should choose organic cotton to sidestep this issue.
Polyester t-shirts - pros and cons
As a synthetic fiber, polyester is strong and does not wear down fast. This fabric is also more resistant to shrinking and wrinkles. It withstands fading and holds up well to lots of washing and wearing cycles. Because it is less absorbent when compared to cotton, it is also less exposed to stains. If you are looking for a moisture-wicking shirt for your training sessions, polyester shirts offers options that simply are not available with cotton. The material also helps keep the body warmer in cooler weather.
Though highly durable, polyester shirts also come with their cons. It is not as breathable as its cotton counterpart. And the fabric tends to stick to wet skin causing discomfort during intense activities. The material is heat-sensitive, extra precautions have to be taken before you expose it to decoration methods like screen printing. Also, polyester shirts have a slightly coarser texture when compared to cotton shirts. So it may not be ideal for people who have sensitive skin.
