A question we are frequently asked is 'Which is t-shirt is best Cotton or polyester?' We have put together a short guide to explain what the difference is in the types of fabrics and the different terms that you may see pop up when browsing our clothing catalogue.
100% Cotton T-shirt
Cotton is comfortable and breathable therefore it keeps you cool. Cotton is also a great option for those with sensitive skin, as organic cotton is made without the use of insecticides, pesticides, and chemicals.
A cotton t-shirt will be long lasting however to achieve a professional look it will need more care because it is prone to creasing and ironing is recommended.
Cotton is great for dyeing into different colours and shades and can support a variety of printing and embroidery methods.
What is combed ring spun cotton?
Ringspun cotton is made by continuously twisting and thinning the strands making a very fine rope of cotton fibres resulting in a much stronger yarn. The number of times the fibre is twisted determines how soft the fabric will be. Ringspun cotton is usually considered superior to cotton produced through other processes because the finished product is noticeably finer, softer and more durable.
100% Polyester
100% Polyester is typically used in performance sportswear. It is more wrinkle resistant than cotton, fades less, and is long lasting and durable. It is a great option for a restaurant worker who needs a tough shirt to withstand lots of wearing and washing, and because polyester is less absorbent than cotton, it is more stain resistant too. Polyester is prone to pulls and odour - so you can only wear it once before washing it!
Poly/Cotton T-shirts
A 50/50 polyester/cotton blend is a very popular options for work wear. It is long lasting and low maintenance and it is crease resistance as it requires little ironing, this gives employers the peace of mind that their staff will always look smart however may not be as soft as a cotton shirt.
Tri-blend T-shirts
Tri-blend t's are a mix between 50% polyester, 25% combed ring spun cotton and 25% rayon (viscose). Rayon was originally developed as a substitute for silk which gives it a super soft feel.
Piqué knit
Piqué fabrics are durable, flexible and breathes well. It is known for its geometric knit. If you look at it up close, it seems to form a “honeycomb” or “waffle” type of pattern.
