What materials and brands are available for custom apparel? When you’re ordering custom shirts, hoodies, hats, or any other apparel, one of the first questions is always the same: what are my options? The right garment choice makes all the difference in comfort, durability, and overall look. Whether you’re launching merch for your business, creating a one-time event tee, or outfitting a team, your material and brand selection will shape how the final product feels and performs.
This guide walks you through the most common fabrics and brands so you can make the best decision for your project.
Popular Materials for Custom Apparel
Not all fabrics are created equal. Each material interacts with ink and embroidery differently, and the one you choose will impact how the final product feels and lasts.
1. 100% Cotton
The classic choice. Cotton is soft, breathable, and perfect for everyday wear. It also holds screen printing ink beautifully, giving vibrant and long-lasting prints. Cotton tees are ideal for giveaways, events, and casual merch lines.
2. Cotton/Poly Blends
Blends like 50/50 or 60/40 cotton/polyester combine the softness of cotton with the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester. These are great for athletic teams or groups that need apparel that holds up well to frequent washing.
3. Tri-Blends
A mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon, tri-blends are known for being lightweight, stretchy, and extra soft. They’re a premium option for fashion-forward apparel or branded merch where comfort is key.
4. Performance Fabrics
For sports teams and active organizations, moisture-wicking performance fabrics are a must. These polyester-based materials are designed to keep wearers cool and dry while still looking sharp with screen printing, DTF transfers, or embroidery.
5. Fleece
Hoodies, joggers, and sweatshirts are often made from cotton/poly fleece blends. They’re cozy, durable, and perfect for embroidery or bold screen prints.
6. Specialty Fabrics
Looking for something unique? Custom decoration can also be applied to canvas bags, denim, aprons, and outerwear fabrics. If your project has a specific material in mind, check which decoration methods will work best.
Brands Commonly Used in Custom Apparel
Many custom apparel providers work with top brands known for consistency, quality, and wide size ranges. Some of the most popular include:
- Gildan: Affordable and durable, perfect for bulk orders and promotional giveaways.
- Bella+Canvas: Premium quality with modern fits, soft fabrics, and eco-friendly production practices. A favorite for merch lines and retail-quality apparel.
- Next Level Apparel: Known for soft, stylish, and comfortable tees at mid-range prices.
- Hanes: A household name offering basics in cotton and blends, with extended size options.
- Jerzees & Fruit of the Loom: Reliable, cost-effective choices for large group orders or schools.
- American Apparel: Fashion-forward styles with slim fits and trendy color palettes.
- Carhartt & Dickies: Workwear brands that are rugged and built to last, often chosen for corporate or trade industries.
- Nike, Adidas, Under Armour (select items): Performance brands available for special orders when teams or events need name recognition and technical fabrics.
USA-made and union-made options are also available for organizations that require them. For sustainability-focused projects, many suppliers can source organic cotton or recycled-poly fabrics.
Fabric & Brand Comparison Guide
| Material | Durability | Comfort Level | Best Use Cases | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | High (holds ink well, but may shrink) | Soft & breathable | Events, giveaways, casual wear | Gildan, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom |
| Cotton/Poly Blends | Very high (resists wrinkles & shrinking) | Comfortable & durable | Team shirts, uniforms, active use | Jerzees, Next Level, Bella+Canvas |
| Tri-Blends | Medium-High (lighter fabric, premium feel) | Extremely soft & stylish | Merch lines, fashion-forward apparel | Bella+Canvas, American Apparel |
| Performance Fabrics | Very high (designed for heavy use) | Moisture-wicking, lightweight | Sports teams, outdoor events | Nike, Adidas, Under Armour |
| Fleece | High (warm & durable) | Soft & cozy | Hoodies, sweatshirts, cold-weather wear | Gildan, Jerzees, Carhartt |
| Specialty Fabrics | Varies | Depends on item | Bags, aprons, denim, outerwear | Dickies, Canvas, Carhartt |
Matching Materials to Print Methods
Different fabrics work best with different decoration methods. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Screen Printing: Best on cotton and blends. Produces bold, durable prints.
- Embroidery: Works beautifully on polos, hats, jackets, and fleece. Adds a professional, textured finish.
- DTF Transfers: Flexible enough for complex, multi-color designs on most fabrics, including performance wear.
- Heat Press & Vinyl: Good for names, numbers, and one-off personalization.
Not sure what method you need? Our skilled team will guide you based on your fabric choice, design, and quantity.
Why Choose Shirt.Co for Your Apparel
At Shirt.Co, we don’t just print on anything. We help you choose the best material and brand for your project based on your budget, audience, and goals. Our process includes:
- Personal consultation: We’ll recommend brands and fabrics tailored to your needs.
- Samples available: Want to feel the fabric before ordering? We’ll get you samples.
- Expert advice: With years of experience, we know which garments look great after 50 washes and which ones don’t.
- Full-service options: From sourcing apparel to printing, embroidery, and even order fulfillment, we handle it all.
So, what materials and brands do we print on? Pretty much anything you need. From budget-friendly cotton tees to premium tri-blend fashion wear, durable workwear, and moisture-wicking athletic gear, Shirt.Co partners with the industry’s best brands to give you options that fit your purpose and budget.
When you’re ready to create custom apparel that people actually want to wear, we’re here to help. Call us today at 636-926-2777, shoot us an email at info@shirt.co, or request a free quote and let’s build something you’ll be proud to put your name on.
