"Polyester" is one of the most searched words on our site, right next to "cotton blend" and "moisture wicking." That makes sense: fabric content decides how your shirt feels, how your print holds up, and which decoration method you can use. Here's a plain-English comparison of 100% cotton, polyester, and cotton/poly blend blank t-shirts so you can buy the right blank the first time.
Quick Comparison
| Fabric | Feel | Best print methods | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton | Soft, breathable, classic | DTF, screen printing, DTG, embroidery | Everyday tees, brands, merch |
| Cotton/poly blend | Softer drape, less shrink | DTF, screen printing (low-bleed inks) | Retail-feel tees, heather colors, crewnecks |
| 100% polyester | Lightweight, slick, quick-dry | Sublimation, DTF at lower temps | Athletic, moisture-wicking, sports jerseys |
100% Cotton Blank T-Shirts
Cotton is the most popular blank for decorators because it's comfortable, breathable, and takes ink and DTF adhesive really well. Most of our wholesale blank tees are 100% cotton, including:
- 3M502 Blank Cotton Unisex Tee: 4.42 oz, 30 singles, DTF and screen print ready
- K31103 175 GSM tee: midweight with a retail feel, in trend colors like sage, mint, and sand
- Gildan G500 Heavy Cotton: the familiar workhorse, sizes to 6XL
Watch out for: some shrinkage after washing (ring-spun and pre-shrunk options help), and cotton holds moisture, so it isn't the pick for workouts.
Cotton/Poly Blend Blank T-Shirts
Blends such as 60/40 or 50/50 combine cotton's comfort with polyester's durability. You get a softer drape, less shrinkage, and fewer wrinkles. Heather colors are usually blends, which is why they look so rich.
- Unisex Cotton Everyday Tee 503: 60% cotton / 40% polyester in heather charcoal
- Stretch Rib Crew Neck Sweater: 65/35 cotton/poly for fall layering
Printing tip: with screen printing on blends, use low-bleed inks on dark colors. With DTF, blends press beautifully at standard settings. See our DTF pressing guide.
100% Polyester and Moisture-Wicking Shirts
Polyester is the fabric behind most moisture-wicking and athletic shirts. It pulls sweat away from the skin, dries quickly, and holds its shape. It's the only fabric that works for sublimation, since sublimation dye bonds with polyester fibers rather than sitting on top.
If you're decorating polyester with DTF, lower your press temperature and time to avoid scorching or dye migration (when the shirt's dye bleeds into a white print). Always test one piece first.
Looking for polyester blanks in bulk? We're expanding our activewear lineup. Check Activewear and New Arrivals, or email info@halo26.com with the style and quantity you need.
Which Fabric Is Right for Your Order?
- Brand drop or merch: 100% cotton or a midweight cotton for a premium feel
- Soft retail feel on a budget: cotton/poly blend
- Sports teams, gyms, runs: polyester or moisture-wicking performance tees
- Full-color designs with gradients: DTF transfers on cotton or blends
Still weighing DTF against vinyl? Read DTF vs. heat transfer vinyl. Buying in bulk for the first time? Start with our guide to buying wholesale blank t-shirts in Los Angeles.
FAQ
Can you use DTF on polyester?
Yes. DTF works on cotton, blends, and polyester. Use a lower temperature on polyester and test first.
Do cotton/poly blend shirts shrink?
Less than 100% cotton. The polyester content helps the shirt keep its size and shape.
What's the best fabric for moisture-wicking shirts?
Polyester or poly-heavy performance blends. Cotton absorbs moisture instead of wicking it away.
Shop blank short sleeve tees at Halo26 and try a free DTF sample pack to test prints on your favorite fabric.