T-Shirt Fabrics: Choosing the Right Materials for Your Brand

At Wannaink, we know that a great t-shirt starts with the fabric. As a business, finding the perfect fabric materials is key to ensuring your products stand out in the market. Whether you’re scaling an existing brand, launching a streetwear line or customizing merchandise, choosing the right t-shirt fabrics directly impacts how your customers perceive your quality, comfort and values.

We help you identify and source fabric materials that don’t just feel good — they function well, last long and support your business goals.

T-shirt Fabric Categories

👉 100% Cotton:

• Standard Cotton (Carded Open-End Cotton): Common for basic tees. It’s affordable, breathable and comfortable but prone to shrinking when exposed to heat during washing or drying.
• Combed & Ring-Spun Cotton: A higher-end version of cotton. It’s softer and smoother, giving a premium feel. It’s ideal for those seeking comfort and durability.

👉 50/50 Blends:

• This fabric is a mix of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, offering the best of both worlds. The cotton gives it softness and breathability, while the polyester helps reduce shrinkage and adds durability. These are popular for everyday wear due to their balance of comfort and longevity.

👉 Tri-Blend:

• A combination of cotton, polyester, and rayon, tri-blends are typically lighter in weight, offering a soft, luxurious feel. These shirts are great for a more fashionable look, often used in activewear and casual styles due to their soft texture and comfortable fit.

👉 Performance Fabrics (Polyester):

• Performance tees, often made from 100% polyester or a polyester blend, are designed for moisture-wicking properties. These fabrics keep the body cool and dry during physical activities. They are ideal for sportswear and active use.

   

Explore Our T-Shirt Fabric Offerings

It is important to understand the different types of fabrics available to make an informed choice. Each fabric has its unique features and is suited for different environments or occasions. Whether you are looking for T-shirt fabrics that are soft, breathable, durable or moisture wicking, knowing the fabric materials will ensure you pick the right one for your needs.

1. Cotton Fabrics

Cotton is a go-to choice for T-shirt fabrics due to its softness, breathability and affordability. It’s ideal for everyday wear offering a casual vibe that suits most occasions. However, cotton wrinkles easily so remove it from the dryer promptly to maintain a crisp look.

• Combed Cotton: A premium option, combed cotton goes through a special process where fine brushes eliminate short fibers, resulting in a smoother, stronger and softer fabric. It’s slightly more expensive but ideal for those seeking a luxurious feel.
• Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton is eco-friendly and ultra-soft. Its sustainable production methods make it a favorite for environmentally conscious shoppers, although it costs more than standard cotton.
• Pima Cotton: Known for its extra-long staple (ELS) fibers (over 34mm), Pima cotton feels silky and durable. Sourced from the Gossypium barbadense plant, it’s a high-end choice that rivals silk in smoothness.
• Slub Cotton: This textured fabric features slight lumps due to a unique twisting process before weaving. Slub cotton T-shirts are lightweight, airy and naturally textured, eliminating the need for ironing.

2. French Terry

French Terry is a versatile fabric that’s gaining popularity for T-shirts. Unlike traditional terry cloth, French Terry has a smooth outer surface and soft, looped inner texture, making it cozy yet breathable. It’s lightweight, moisture-wicking and drapes beautifully, making it ideal for casual or athleisure T-shirts. French Terry is also durable and resists pilling, making it a great choice for long-lasting wear.

3. Linen

Made from the flax plant, linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric perfect for summer. Its textured weave wicks moisture and feels stronger when damp. Linen T-shirts soften with each wash but wrinkle easily so they’re best for a relaxed, natural look.

4. Lycra (Spandex)

Lycra, a brand name for spandex, is a stretchy fabric material commonly used in athletic T-shirts. Its flexibility allows for unrestricted movement, making it a top pick for sports and activewear.

5. Polyester

Polyester is a durable, quick drying T-shirt fabric that resists shrinking, stretching and mildew. It’s low-maintenance and retains its shape after repeated washes, making it ideal for athletic apparel or budget conscious buyers.

6. Rayon

Rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber made from plants, mimics silk’s softness and breathability. It’s affordable, absorbent and easy to dye but it may yellow or pill over time and wrinkles easily. Rayon is often used in sportswear for its lightweight drape.

7. Modal

Derived from beechwood fibers, modal is a super-soft, eco-friendly fabric type with a slinky feel. It’s breathable, quick drying and resistant to shrinking or fading, making it a great choice for summer T-shirts that stay soft over time.

8. Fabric Blends

Blends combine materials to enhance performance. A popular example is the cotton-polyester blend which offers both cotton’s breathability and polyester’s durability and wrinkle resistance. Blends are versatile for both casual and activewear T-shirts.