{"id":269,"date":"2024-02-24T18:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-24T18:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/?p=269"},"modified":"2024-02-24T18:17:03","modified_gmt":"2024-02-24T18:17:03","slug":"tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts\/","title":{"rendered":"Tri-Blend Vs. Cotton T-shirts Compared [Which Is Better?]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Two of the most popular t-shirt fabrics are Tri-Blend and Cotton, and both these look great and are comfortable to wear.&nbsp; Each can be used for Screenprinting, DTG, or Vinyl. But what is the difference between the two?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts\/#What_is_the_Difference_Between_Cotton_and_Tri-blend_T-shirts\" title=\"What is the Difference Between Cotton and Tri-blend T-shirts?\">What is the Difference Between Cotton and Tri-blend T-shirts?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts\/#Tri-Blend_Vs_Cotton\" title=\"Tri-Blend Vs. Cotton \">Tri-Blend Vs. Cotton <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-difference-between-cotton-and-tri-blend-t-shirts\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Difference_Between_Cotton_and_Tri-blend_T-shirts\"><\/span>What is the Difference Between Cotton and Tri-blend T-shirts?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cotton fabric is soft, durable, moisture absorbent, and comfortable to wear.&nbsp; Tri-Blend is made up of 25% of Cotton and carries all its good properties, as well as the luxurious drape of Rayon; and the moisture-wicking and non-wrinkling quality of Polyester. &nbsp;Both textiles possess unique qualities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To compare tri-blend and cotton material, we need to know more about their distinguishing qualities and other characteristics.&nbsp; Read on for more information so you can decide which fabric is the better one for your t-shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-monstera-6311652-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-272\" style=\"width:556px;height:833px\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-monstera-6311652-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-monstera-6311652-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-monstera-6311652-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-monstera-6311652-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-monstera-6311652.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/@gabby-k?utm_content=attributionCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=pexels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monstera<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/cheerful-black-woman-in-white-t-shirt-in-studio-6311652\/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=pexels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tri-blend-vs-cotton\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tri-Blend_Vs_Cotton\"><\/span>Tri-Blend Vs. Cotton <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below is a summary of the properties and qualities of tri-blend and cotton:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tri-blend-characteristics\">Tri-Blend Characteristics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tri-Blend fabric is made up of three materials, and they all bring different properties to this textile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>50% Polyester<\/strong> \u2013 is derived from fossil fuels or organic sources and is one of the world&#8217;s most popular textiles.&nbsp; Polyester is most often blended with cotton or other natural fibers to improve durability, shrinkage, and wrinkling properties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The fabric is very breathable, has a <strong>high moisture-wicking<\/strong> ability, and has a medium level of pilling (snags), stretchability, and heat retention.&nbsp; Highly resistant to environmental conditions makes polyester ideal for long-term use in outdoor applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>25% Rayon<\/strong> \u2013 this material was originally created as a substitute for silk, so it has a luxuriously soft feel.&nbsp; Rayon is made from regenerated and purified cellulose fibers from wood pulp and plants.&nbsp; Although this fabric is created from natural materials, certain chemicals are added, so it is considered a semi-synthetic material.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Rayon has a smoother finish than cotton and has only been introduced to the market since 2006.&nbsp; The material is breathable and moisture-absorbent but not very durable, and machine washing can cause either stretching or shrinkage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>25% Cotton<\/strong> \u2013 this combed, ringspun natural textile is breathable with high moisture wicking and medium heat retention ability.&nbsp; Although cotton is relatively strong, it is soft and comfortable to wear. &nbsp;&nbsp;The material is prone to pilling, wrinkling, and shrinking and tends to stretch.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The combination of polyester, rayon, and cotton gives tri-blend the properties of being a soft and comfortable material with a <strong>vintage and retro<\/strong> look and feel.&nbsp; The material is lightweight, durable, has a high absorbency, and is quick drying.&nbsp; Tri-blend has low wrinkling and shrinkage and is a perfect fabric for casual and sportswear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Understanding Tri-Blends\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rhZhuWjCQOU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cotton-characteristics\">Cotton Characteristics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cotton is the most widely used fabric globally, and at least 75% of clothing products contain cotton.&nbsp; This textile is derived from the fibers surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant, and the first use of cotton dates back to 500BC. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are four types of cotton; Pima, Egyptian, Upland, and Organic, which differ by the length of their fibers and the countries where they are grown. &nbsp;Organic cotton is any cotton grown without chemicals and not genetically engineered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The distinguishing characteristics of cotton t-shirts are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Soft feel<\/strong> \u2013 the fabric retains its softness from the soft and fluffy cotton plant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Durable <\/strong>\u2013 the cellular structure of cotton is strong, and this creates a relatively high tensile fabric<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Breathable<\/strong> \u2013 this fabric is all-natural breathable to keep you cool and dry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Absorbency<\/strong> \u2013 cotton can absorb about 25 times its weight in water because of the space between its fibers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dries quickly<\/strong> \u2013 this material is a quick-drying but not as quick as some synthetics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wrinkles easy<\/strong> \u2013 this fabric does wrinkle easily unless it is treated and will require ironing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pilling and rips<\/strong> \u2013 cotton fabric, although strong, is relatively prone to pilling and rips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts-characteristics\">Tri-Blend vs. Cotton T-shirts \u2013 Characteristics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are the pros and cons when comparing the characteristics of tri-blend and cotton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Tri-Blend T-shirts<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cotton T-shirts<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/td><td>Ultimate silky softness <br>Fits well (drapes the body)<br>Enhanced breathability <br>Moisture-wicking <br>Quick-drying <br>Does not shrink <br>Reduced pilling <br>Does not wrinkle <br>Lightweight material &nbsp;<\/td><td>Soft to the touch<br>Comfortable to wear<br>Breathable<br>Highly Moisture Absorbent<br>Non-clingy Hypoallergenic \u2013 won&#8217;t irritate the skin &nbsp; Prints look more vivid on cotton<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><td>Can be clingy in hot weather <br>Not allergy-free (can irritate some skin) &nbsp;<\/td><td>Heavy \u2013 not as lightweight as synthetics <br>Prone to shrinkage (hot water\/hot dryer) Wrinkles, if not treated<br>Prone to pilling <br>It takes longer to dry &nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many similarities when comparing the characteristics of tri-blend and cotton material because tri-blend is made up of 25% cotton thus it carries some of the properties of cotton.&nbsp; But, the polyester and rayon materials bring their properties to tri-blend as well, which gives this material a slight advantage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, before we can decide which fabric is better, we have to look at other factors that will further impact the decisive outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-wearing-of-tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts\">The Wearing Of Tri-Blend vs. Cotton T-Shirts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tri-blend and cotton shirts both have the properties of being soft and comfortable to wear, but there are some differences.&nbsp; If we look at sportswear or wearing clothes such as T-shirts on hot days:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Tri-blend t-shirts will absorb the moisture but does not hold it and will wick away the sweat from the skin by drying faster. &nbsp;The quick evaporation material will keep the user drier even when sweating during strenuous activities.&nbsp; Tri-blend material will hold its shape with heavy perspiring or moisture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Cotton t-shirts will also absorb the moisture but trap the sweat against the skin, taking longer to dry.&nbsp; With heavy perspiring or moisture, cotton will tend to stretch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-4429288-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-274\" style=\"width:552px;height:828px\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-4429288-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-4429288-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-4429288-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-4429288-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/pexels-cottonbro-4429288.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/@cottonbro?utm_content=attributionCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=pexels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cottonbro<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/man-in-gray-crew-neck-t-shirt-standing-beside-red-wall-4429288\/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=pexels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"caring-for-tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts\">Caring For Tri-Blend vs. Cotton T-shirts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/how-to-wash-dtg-printed-t-shirts\/\">Wash t-shirts<\/a> made from tri-blend material in cold or tepid water.&nbsp; You can use a dryer but set the setting on low.&nbsp; Tri-blend material does not wrinkle, has very minimal shrinkage, but should not be ironed or dry-cleaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It would be best if you wash cotton t-shirts in cold water.&nbsp; If machine washed, use a gentle cycle with minimum agitation to prevent shrinking.&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use a drier on a warm temperature setting, but be sure to check the care label on clothing, as heat can make cotton shrink.\u00a0 Cotton t-shirts that aren&#8217;t preshrunk tend to shrink 1 or 2 sizes. Cotton clothes may need ironing as this material is prone to wrinkling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dtg-and-screen-printing-tri-blend-vs-cotton\">DTG And Screen Printing: Tri-Blend vs. Cotton<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Comparing tri-blend and cotton fabric, which material holds up to better to printing, and which is easier to print on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tri-blend-t-shirt-printing\">Tri-Blend T-shirt Printing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Tri-blend fabric has a <strong>heather<\/strong> look resulting from the way the three different materials that make up this blend react to the dye.&nbsp; Polyester, being a synthetic textile, absorbs dye in a different way to cotton and rayon, which are both derived from cellulose fiber.&nbsp; The result of this blend is a textured, dual-colored dye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Printing on tri-blends is tricky but can be overcome with special care and a few adjustments.&nbsp; The rayon in tri-blend can melt under high heat, and because the tri-blend is a stretchy material, the printed image could be distorted.&nbsp; Printing companies often use water-based ink on tri-blend as this fabric better absorbs this ink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cotton-t-shirt-printing\">Cotton T-shirt Printing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The high absorbency of cotton allows this fabric to hold inks easily, and most cotton fabrics do not fade that easily.&nbsp; However, some cotton fabrics are uniquely dyed and are more susceptible to fading, such as denim. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/DTGPrinting.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-275\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/DTGPrinting.jpeg 700w, https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/DTGPrinting-300x146.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Manufacturers only brush the dye on denim to prevent the dye from coloring the skin.&nbsp; This brushing of the material only on one side causes the color to fade quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Printing on natural fiber cotton is very easy as it, like dye, readily absorbs ink. &nbsp;Bleeding and dye migration are significantly reduced when using cotton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tri-blend and Cotton have some similar and also different characteristics.&nbsp; Cotton fabric has been around for a long time and is a very popular fabric that many people love to wear.&nbsp; The softness, durability, moisture absorbency, and comfortable fit of this fabric and its ability to easily absorb dye and ink make cotton an outstanding textile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, Tri-blend has the advantage of taking the best qualities from the three fabrics from which it is created.&nbsp; It has the softness, comfort, familiarity, and printability of cotton, the durability, wicking, and non-wrinkling of polyester, and the luxurious drape of rayon. So, which is the better material for your t-shirts?&nbsp; It isn&#8217;t easy to choose!&nbsp; But, cotton is best for all types of clothing and linens, whereas tri-blend is the ideal material for leisure and sportswear. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Two of the most popular t-shirt fabrics are Tri-Blend and Cotton, and both these look great and are comfortable to wear.&nbsp; Each can be used for Screenprinting, DTG, or Vinyl. But what is the difference between the two? What is the Difference Between Cotton and Tri-blend T-shirts? Cotton fabric is soft, durable, moisture absorbent, and &#8230; <a title=\"Tri-Blend Vs. Cotton T-shirts Compared [Which Is Better?]\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/tri-blend-vs-cotton-t-shirts\/\" aria-label=\"More on Tri-Blend Vs. Cotton T-shirts Compared [Which Is Better?]\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":271,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3892,"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions\/3892"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/271"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tshirtgrowth.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}