Cotton Vs. Polyester Vs. Cotton/Poly Blend
by Geezy Tees – St. George’s Local Screen Printing Shop
https://geezytees.com
There’s no wind in the shop this morning. Just the hum of the press and the steady rhythm of a squeegee dragging ink across a screen. Shirts hang like flags after a storm—still, waiting. Cotton. Polyester. The blend. Each one feels different in your hands. Each one tells a different story. So which one should you choose? Cotton Vs. Polyester Vs. Cotton/Poly Blend.
Cotton: Natural, Soft, and Honest
Let’s start with cotton. It’s old, dependable—like an old friend who always shows up. Soft as a worn path underfoot, cotton breathes with you. On a hot day, it’s the shirt you reach for without thinking. It absorbs sweat, keeps you cool, and feels good against the skin.
But when the heat lingers, cotton holds onto moisture. It gets heavy. Clings to you. It won’t dry fast, and it wrinkles without apology. Still, it’s natural, and people trust that. For comfort and simplicity, cotton wins hearts.
Polyester: Strong, Durable, and Built to Perform
Polyester, on the other hand, is built for action. It doesn’t wrinkle or fade. It moves with you, not against you. Lightweight and slick, it’s the kind of fabric that dries before you notice you were sweating at all.
Unlike cotton, it won’t breathe the same way. It can feel artificial—because it is. Yet, that’s what makes it tough. Polyester holds its shape, resists shrinking, and lasts through countless washes. If you’re printing for performance, workouts, or long days in the sun, it’s a smart pick.
Cotton/Poly Blend: The Best of Both Worlds
Then there’s the blend. Half cotton, half polyester. It carries the best parts of both. The comfort of cotton meets the resilience of polyester, creating a shirt that feels right and lasts long. It resists shrinking and stretching. It’s lighter, smoother, easier to print on—and we’d know at Geezy Tees.
According to this Midwest Stitch article, cotton/poly blends are often preferred for their balance. They hold color well, don’t fade fast, and offer a middle ground for folks who want both comfort and performance.
So, What’s the Right Fabric for You?
Choosing the right shirt depends on your needs. If you want something soft and classic, cotton’s your go-to. If you’re chasing performance and need something that’ll stand up to heat and movement, polyester is the way. And if you’re after a bit of both—comfort, durability, and versatility—the blend won’t let you down.
At Geezy Tees, we don’t just print shirts—we help people pick the right ones for their story. We know these fabrics, inside and out. And we’re here to guide you, every step of the way.
Stop by Geezy Tees. Let’s print something worth wearing.