Most custom apparel falls into three categories: 100% cotton, 100% polyester, and cotton-poly blends. Each has distinct printing characteristics you need to understand before placing an order.

100% Cotton is the gold standard for DTG (direct-to-garment) printing. Cotton fibers absorb ink deeply, producing vibrant, long-lasting prints. The trade-off: it wrinkles more and requires some care in washing. Ring-spun cotton is softer and holds detail better than open-end cotton.

100% Polyester is popular for athletic wear and dye-sublimation printing. For DTG, polyester is problematic: ink sits on top rather than absorbing, leading to duller colors and faster fading. If you're printing on performance wear, ask about the specific process.

Cotton-Poly Blends (typically 50/50 or 60/40) are a middle ground. They resist wrinkles better than pure cotton and are softer than pure poly. DTG on blends works, but expect slightly less saturation than 100% cotton.

The practical rule: if DTG printing is in your plan, 100% cotton or cotton-heavy blends give you the best result. Don't let a supplier push polyester garments for direct print without a clear conversation about outcomes.