Cotton vs. tri-blend t-shirts
The two most popular custom t-shirt fabrics, compared side by side.
| Cotton t-shirts | Tri-blend t-shirts | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft and familiar, slightly heavier | Ultra-soft, lightweight, drapey |
| Durability | Very durable, holds shape | Durable, more relaxed fit |
| Print look | Crisp, bright colors | Soft, slightly vintage look |
| Colors | Widest range of solid colors | Heathered colors |
| Best for | Events, staff, schools, giveaways | Merch brands, boutiques, retail |
| What drives the price | Fabric weight, print colors, quantity | Blend, print colors, quantity |
When cotton is the better choice
Cotton tees are the most economical way to put a shirt on every person at an event, and they come in the widest range of colors. If the order is large and the goal is a crisp, bright print, choose cotton.
When tri-blend is the better choice
Tri-blend tees feel like a favorite old shirt from the first wear. If you are selling the shirt or want people to wear it long after the event, the softer fabric is worth it.
Verdict
Go cotton for value and bright prints; go tri-blend for softness and a retail feel. We can mock up your design on both for free so you can compare before you order.
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