The quality of a t-shirt depends on the way how a t-shirt is manufactured. The process of manufacturing the cotton into a fabric decides the softness of the garment. There are various types of cotton used in the textile industry, and before choosing the one for your brand, it is essential to find out the right kind. T-shirt making is the most significant industry in the world of fashion. From promotional t-shirts to stylish outfit t-shirts play an essential role.
It is not easy to decide which fabric is best for printing t-shirts. This article will break down the difference between t-shirt fabrics suitable for designing and printing garments. It will unwind the secret of why cotton is the best printing material.
Types of Cotton
The manufacturing process plays a vital role in creating quality fabric. The types of cotton used in the process also play an essential role in producing soft and smoother t-shirts. Before deciding which cotton is best for printing t-shirt fabric, let’s know about the different types of cotton. Typical cotton shirts are made from carded open-end cotton, combed cotton, organic, Pima, Slub cotton.
Why Is Cotton Best?
• Cotton works best for screen printing.
• Cotton absorbs printing ink quickly.
• Cotton is suitable for heat transfer and vinyl cutting.
• Polycotton also works best for vinyl cutting and heat transfer printing.
Carded Open-End Cotton
It is the original method of manufacturing cotton for making t-shirts. In the production of open-end cotton, shorter fibers are used that are wrapped by perpendicular fiber. It is an expensive method but durable. The cotton manufactured through this process is fuzzy, resulting in t-shirts that are not smoother and soft.
Combed Ringspun Cotton
This process uses longer; straighter fibers spun in the same direction to make fabric. This process is expensive and less efficient. It costs more to make t-shirts, but the t-shirts made through this process are smoother. Once the cotton fibers are spun, there are some impurities left. The fabric is further combed to remove any impurities and thus produce a much softer and clean cloth.
Organic Cotton
The price of industrial development has been paid by polluting the environment. Due to increasing pollution use of organic products is now in demand. Organic cotton is one of these products suitable for soil fertility and helps the cause of a clean environment. This organic cotton is produced naturally without any chemicals and fertilizers. Organic cotton has a limited production as it grows without fertilizers, so it costs more to grow cotton organically.
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton or American cotton is good cotton for shirts fabric. It is different from the ordinary type of cotton. It is softer and qualitative than standard cotton, which is hard and rough. Pima cotton is not only smoother but also durable. It is the best option for making quality fabric t-shirts as they resist fading and pilling. The main difference between Pima cotton and other forms of cotton is the length of fibers. The longer fibers products yarns of good quality and strength; unlike Pima cotton, standard cotton fibers are shorter and cause pilling on the surface of final products. Shorter fibers also cause roughness in fabric. On the contrary, the larger fibers of Pima cotton are more robust and softer.
Slub Cotton
Slub cotton t-shirts are light, soft, and airy, ideal for warm weather. Lumps appear on this type of cotton fabric. The bumps are the result of the making process. The periodic testing makes a unique fabric that is ideal for t-shirts making.
Final Words
The best fabric for t-shirts printing depends on your business type. We discussed the main types of cotton used in the textile industry for t-shirt printing. You can choose the best style for your business; various t-shirt types require different fabric from streetwear to fashion wares; every garment has its unique material.
The main thing is you have to look for the fabric material, fabric composition, and cost. Quality is essential, but you have to look for your budget too. Choose material that comes within your price range, your customer demands, and of course, do not forget about keeping your profit margin. Think about your target customers first before deciding the type of cotton you buy.