Synthetic T-shirts vs. Cotton T-shirts
No matter if you are looking for something to wear on an everyday basis, or if you want to start a business with print-on-demand t-shirts, you need to know your material, as it is just as important as the design on the product.
The two primary materials that people usually have problems choosing from are synthetic and cotton. It’s understandable where the difficulty in deciding comes from, as both of those have their pros and cons. So if you are one of those people who are having trouble with it, keep reading to find out more about both of them.
Cotton – Pros
Cotton has been used as a fabric for centuries, and it’s still one of the most popular clothing materials. And for good reasons, as cotton is a natural material that comes with many benefits. First of all, cotton is more breathable than synthetic fabrics, and won’t retain odors as much. It’s especially useful for people who live in a hot climate – cotton will keep you comfortable and cool. However, people in the colder climates can also make use of it as cotton shirts are prone to static cling.
Cotton t-shirts are low maintenance, so you won’t need to spend hours trying to figure out how to wash them so as not to damage them. And since the material is very affordable, it would be an excellent choice for everyone working in screen printing.
Another thing is that cotton is hypoallergenic, so if you have very sensitive skin, cotton might be your best option. It won’t aggravate dry skin, nor will it cause any reactions. It’s also the right choice for people who care about the environment as the material is biodegradable and renewable.
Cotton – Cons
Just like everything, cotton also has cons. The first one is that if you like to pack your suitcase until it overflows, you will definitely be in need of an iron. That’s because cotton shirts really like to wrinkle. And even though the cotton blends tend to be more resistant to wrinkling, they are also more prone to pilling. So if you don’t want to spend your vacation ironing, you should think again about choosing cotton.
Another thing is the material itself absorbs sweat easily. However, it takes forever to dry, which means that you will be left with sweaty spots all over your clothing. Also, the fact that it doesn’t dry quickly might create difficulty while taking part in winter activities, as you will stay wet, and your body won’t retain heat.
Last but not least, since cotton is a natural material, the price of t-shirts made out of it might rise depending on the changes in the marketplace.
Synthetic – Pros
Synthetic fabric is another very popular option when it comes to clothing materials. When talking about synthetic fabric, people usually mean a blend of materials like polyester, nylon, spandex, etc. Synthetic t-shirts are an excellent option for people who live in a colder climate, as they keep you warm and dry, and are at the same time very comfortable.
In contrast to cotton, synthetic t-shirts are more resistant to wrinkling, so if you hate ironing, they might be the best option for you. They also are a lot more durable than cotton shirts, which means that they can survive repeated washing and wear.
An important advantage of synthetic t-shirts is that, in contrast to cotton t-shirts, they are less susceptible to stains – this is especially useful for people who tend to sweat a lot. And since the synthetic fabric is not a natural material but is produced by people, it is less prone to market fluctuations. This means that the price is pretty much consistent.
Synthetic – Cons
One of the main disadvantages of synthetic fabric is the fact that it’s not really breathable, and it tends to keep the odor, which can be pretty annoying for people who like to work out or be active in general. It also tends to stick to the wet skin. Synthetic fabric is also not a good option for those who decorate t-shirts using a heat printer, as they need to take special care of the material, so it doesn’t melt or scorches.
Also, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to think again about buying a synthetic shirt, as it’s it has a rougher texture than cotton. The same thing goes for people who wish to be environmentally friendly. Synthetic fabric such as polyester is basically plastic. Furthermore, plastic bottles can actually be recycled into polyester fabric.
Conclusion
As you can see, both cotton and synthetic fabric have their pros and cons. So when choosing which material you want your t-shirt to be, you need to think about things like what do you need it for or will it do well in the climate you live in. There are many things to consider, but in the end, the decision is up to you. You know best which will work for you.
