Garments · 5 min read
Fabrics and which prints work on them
The fabric decides which print methods will look good and last. The label's blend, for example "60% cotton / 40% polyester", tells you most of what you need to know.
| Fabric | Feels | Works well | Avoid / be careful |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | Soft, breathable, classic | DTG, screen print, DTF, HTV, embroidery | Sublimation (won't bond) |
| Cotton/poly blends (e.g. 50/50, 60/40) | Softer, less shrink, less wrinkling | DTF, HTV, screen print | DTG looks more faded as polyester goes up; sublimation looks washed-out |
| Tri-blends | Very soft, drapey, vintage look | DTF, HTV, water-based screen print | DTG gives a faded look; test first |
| 100% polyester (performance) | Light, stretchy, wicks sweat | Sublimation (light colors), DTF, HTV made for polyester | High heat can leave shiny press marks; dye can bleed into light inks |
| Fleece (hoodies, sweatshirts) | Warm, thick | Screen print, DTF, HTV, embroidery | Uneven surfaces (seams, pockets) under the print |
Heathers and color
Heather colors mix fibers of different colors, and often different materials. A heather shirt can be a blend even when the solid colors in the same style are 100% cotton. That's why the Mockup Studio checks print methods for each color, not just each garment.
Shrinkage
Cotton shrinks a little in a hot wash or dryer, and blends shrink less. Pre-shrunk garments help, but washing cold is the easy way to keep both the fit and the print.