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Types of Fabric Used in Promotional T-Shirts & Polos
Last Updated: 25 June 2025
When selecting personalised t-shirts and polo shirts for your business, the fabric choice can make all the difference in comfort, durability, and overall appeal. At Cubic Promote, we understand that choosing the right fabric is key to creating garments that represent your brand effectively and meet your budget and quality expectations.
With over 17 years of experience helping Australian businesses enhance their branding with high-quality promotional items, Cubic Promote is your trusted authority for expert advice on the best fabrics for branded apparel.
Why Fabric Quality Matters in Personalised Apparel
When choosing custom t-shirts or polo shirts, fabric makes all the difference. It affects how the garment looks, feels, and holds up over time. Whether you’re ordering for a staff uniform, corporate event, or promotional giveaway, the right fabric ensures your shirts are comfortable and reflect your brand well. At Cubic Promote, we help you pick the best fabric for your needs—so your shirts look sharp, feel great, and deliver real value.
Common Fabrics Used in Tees and Polos
The fabric you choose for promotional shirts matters—it affects not just the look and feel but also how long the garment lasts and how well it represents your brand. Here are the three most popular fabric types used in personalised tee shirts and polos, each with its strengths and considerations:
1. Cotton: Cotton is a classic choice. It’s soft, breathable, and feels great on the skin—ideal for long hours of wear, especially in warm weather. Many businesses choose cotton for its natural feel and comfort, but it’s not without trade-offs.
Pros:
- Soft and breathable
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- High-quality cotton offers a premium look and feel
Cons:
- Prone to wrinkling
- Can shrink or lose shape after multiple washes
- Fades more easily than synthetic fabrics
Best for:
Staff uniforms in casual settings, event merchandise, or giveaways where comfort comes first—like outdoor festivals or community events.
2. Polyester: Durable and low-maintenance, polyester is a synthetic fabric built to last. It resists wrinkles, shrinking, and fading, making it a top pick for active environments or repeated use. While it’s sometimes seen as less breathable, it performs well in the right setting.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Holds shape and colour after many washes
- Wrinkle and fade-resistant
Cons:
- It can feel less breathable than natural fibres
- Has a slight sheen, which may not suit all brand aesthetics
- Less comfortable in hot or humid weather unless blended
Best for:
Sportswear, team uniforms, trade show giveaways, or long-term durability is key.
3. Elastane (Spandex/Lycra): Blended with other fabrics, elastane adds stretch and flexibility—perfect for fitted or activewear that moves with the body.
Pros:
- Highly stretchable and flexible
- Allows for a snug, athletic fit
- Adds comfort and freedom of movement
Cons:
- Not very breathable
- May lose elasticity over time with frequent washing
Best for:
Fitness-related promos, yoga studio gear, or branded activewear where comfort and movement are key.
Fabric Blends: Combining the Best of Both Worlds
While the individual fabrics have their strengths and weaknesses, many branded shirts are made from fabric blends that combine the best qualities of each. The most common and popular fabric blends are cotton and polyester.
- Cotton-Polyester Blends: These blends combine the breathability and comfort of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. The most common ratio is 50% cotton and 50% polyester, but variations adjust this mix to suit different needs.
- Pros:
- Combines the comfort of cotton with the durability and easy care of polyester
- Retains the natural feel of cotton while being more resistant to wrinkles
- Affordable and durable, making it ideal for bulk promotional items
- Cons:
- It can still lose some of the softness of pure cotton
- It may not have the same breathability as 100% cotton in extremely hot conditions
- Best for: Versatile promotional events, corporate giveaways, or staff uniforms where a balance of durability, comfort, and cost-effectiveness is required.
- Polyester and Elastane Blends: For garments that require more stretch and flexibility, polyester and elastane blends offer enhanced comfort and form-fitting design, perfect for activewear or trendy promotional products.
Additional Considerations
When selecting fabric for your personalised apparel, it’s essential to take the following factors into account:
- Durability and Longevity: Opting for a durable fabric ensures that your printed t-shirts or custom polo shirts will stand the test of time, providing long-term brand visibility. Fabrics like polyester and cotton-polyester blends are great for heavy wear, while 100% cotton is better suited for shorter-term uses.
- Colour Retention: If your design includes vibrant colours or intricate logos, you’ll want to select a fabric that holds colour well. Polyester fabrics tend to outperform cotton regarding colour retention and resistance to fading after washing.
- Breathability and Comfort: Printed t-shirts and polos should offer comfort, especially if they’re intended for all-day wear. Cotton is naturally more breathable, while polyester fabrics can be less breathable, affecting comfort in hot, humid environments.
- Eco-Friendly Fabric Options: Sustainability matters. Choosing fabrics like organic cotton or recycled polyester shows your brand cares about the environment. At Cubic Promote, we offer a wide selection of eco-friendly apparel to help you meet your CSR goals without compromising style or quality.
Why Choose Cubic Promote for Your Printed Apparel?
Since 2005, Cubic Promote has helped businesses across Australia create branded apparel that delivers quality, comfort, and style. Our local experts ensure your chosen apparel reflects your brand—down to the last detail. We offer:
- Wide Fabric Selection – From breathable cotton to performance blends, tailored to your needs.
- Expert Branding – Precise branding techniques such as screen printing and embroidery for a professional look.
- Eco-Friendly Options – We have custom eco apparel options that support your environmental goals.
- Competitive Pricing & Fast Turnaround – Bulk discounts and reliable delivery to keep your project on track.
With Cubic Promote, you get apparel that looks and feels great and makes your brand stand out.
Ready to Boost Your Brand with Custom Tees & Polos?
The right fabric does more than feel good—it helps your brand stand out. At Cubic Promote, we make the process easy, guiding you from fabric choice to final design. Call 1300 858 288 to get started on high-impact branded apparel for your next event or campaign.
