Start with the job, not the fabric name
The right fabric depends on where the garment will be worn, how often it is washed and what decoration it needs. A fabric that feels great in a showroom may not survive a hot kitchen or a daily wash cycle.
Combed cotton for T-shirts
Combed cotton is soft, breathable and takes print and embroidery well. For team T-shirts, 160–220 gsm covers most indoor and event use. Combed yarn reduces short fibres, so the surface stays smoother and pills less than carded cotton.
Choose a slightly heavier fabric for retail staff who wear the same shirt all day, and a lighter fabric for one-off events.
Cotton blends for polos and shirts
Cotton-polyester blends hold their shape and colour better than pure cotton. They wrinkle less, dry faster and keep a collar looking sharp through repeated washing. For polos, a 180–240 gsm pique is a practical default; for business shirts, poplin and oxford weaves give a cleaner finish.
Pique and performance fabrics for service teams
Pique has a textured surface that hides creases and feels professional on a polo. For kitchens, coffee bars and outdoor events, moisture-wicking polyester blends move sweat away from the body and dry quickly.
If the team works in a hot environment, test a sample under real conditions before committing to the whole order.
Fleece and loopback for hoodies
Fleece at 280–400 gsm gives warmth and structure. Loopback cotton is lighter and better for indoor teams or layered uniforms. Both take embroidery well; puff print works better on smooth fleece than on open loopback.
Match decoration to fabric
- Embroidery suits pique, fleece, canvas and caps.
- Screen print works well on smooth cotton and blends.
- Digital print is best for detailed, multi-colour artwork.
- Puff print needs a smooth surface and careful curing.
Always approve decoration on the final fabric, not on a paper proof alone.
A simple selection checklist
- Where will the garment be worn?
- How often will it be washed?
- Does it need to hold a collar or drape softly?
- Which decoration method will be used?
- What is the budget per piece?
Send us your answers and we will recommend a fabric, weight and decoration combination before sampling.