A Useful Guide On The Different Types Of T-Shirt Materials

Both men and women of all ages worldwide widely use T-shirts. They are perfect to be worn for almost any occasion, from casual wear to special celebrations. With that being said, there are also various t-shirt materials used to create different clothing. If you’re curious to know more, this article includes the most common t-shirt materials and the pros & cons of each material: 

 

Types of T-Shirt Materials 

Though there are various t-shirt materials, there are a few common types of t-shirt materials, as stated below: 

 

1. Cotton

Cotton is the most common t-shirt material widely used for various clothing. Pure cotton t-shirts such as the Core Ammoni™ Tech+ Signature Unisex T-Shirt are made from cotton plants, which are natural fibres known for being environmentally friendly and comfortable. 

Pros of using cotton as t-shirt material:

• Sustainable: Since cotton is made from natural sources, it can decompose and doesn’t cause any harm to the environment. 
• Breathable: Air can flow effectively, keeping you cool and comfortable while sweating. 
• Soft and comfortable: Cotton is known to be smooth and offers extreme comfort thanks to its cooling and gentle properties. 
• Hypoallergenic: Those with sensitive skin or skin conditions will benefit from cotton as it is hypoallergenic. 
• Absorbs moisture quickly: Cotton can absorb moisture and sweat to keep your skin dry. 

Cons of using cotton as t-shirt material:

• Prone to wear and tear: Compared to synthetic t-shirt materials, cotton will break down and lose quality, such as colour fading when used or washed often.
• May shrink over time: Cotton can shrink after washing unless it has been pre-shrunk beforehand.
• Wrinkles easily: Cotton t-shirts may require frequent ironing as they wrinkle easily compared to synthetic t-shirt materials.
• Lose shape: The t-shirt may lose its shape when used or washed often. 
• Retains moisture: Since it absorbs moisture effectively, it can take longer to dry. 

2. Polyester

Another common t-shirt material is polyester, often used for activewear thanks to its moisture-wicking properties. Polyester is made with petroleum-based synthetic fibres, also known as a man-made type of t-shirt material. 

Pros of using polyester as t-shirt material:

• Moisture-wicking properties: Polyester can remove moisture from the body, perfect for activewear clothing. 
• Quick-drying features: It can dry quickly, suitable for humid weather or as sportswear. 
• Durable: Able to retain shape and colour, lasting long even after frequent use or washing. 
• Lightweight: Polyester is known to be lightweight and suitable for outdoor activities. 

Cons of using polyester as t-shirt material:

• Not biodegradable: Since polyester is made of synthetic fibres, it’s not environmentally friendly as it takes a very long time to decompose. 
• It doesn’t have breathable properties: Polyester will trap and retain heat, making it less breathable, especially when sweating excessively. 
• Retain odours or smells: Synthetic fibres are known to hold onto sweat odour, which can leave a lingering smell even after washing. 
• Sensitive to heat: Polyester is known to have a low melting point, which means that excessive heat from the iron can damage the t-shirt material. 

3. Blends

Blended t-shirt materials are a combination of more than one fabric type. For instance, the most common t-shirt blends would be cotton and polyester, such as the Quad Tech™ Sorona Polymer Oversized CloudFit T-Shirt or cotton, polyester and rayon. When combined, the t-shirt offers ample comfort, flexibility and durability. 

Pros of using blends as t-shirt material:

• Versatility: Blended cotton t-shirt materials offer more versatility as they can target different purposes, such as adding stretching properties for activewear. 
• Durable: The combination of more than one t-shirt material offers ample durability and enhances the resistance to wear and tear. 
• Effective moisture-wicking properties: Some t-shirt materials, such as cotton and polyester, have moisture-wicking features to make them sweat-resistant. 
• Well-balanced structure: When combining different t-shirt materials, it offers a few features within one t-shirt, such as breathability, comfort and durability. 

Cons of using blends as t-shirt material:

• Not as soft or breathable as 100% cotton: Though it can be comfortable, it won’t offer the same comfort as pure cotton.
• Not biodegradable: As the t-shirt combines various materials, it won’t be environmentally friendly and take longer to decompose.  
• Possibility of shrinking: The t-shirt may shrink, as cotton is known to shrink quickly, especially if the blend has higher cotton content.
• Fibres may pile up: When different fabrics blend together, they may form small fabric balls when used or washed often.

Differences between the T-Shirt Materials 

Here’s a brief overview of the key differences between the common t-shirt materials: