When it comes to custom T-shirts, the fabric you choose is just as important as the design. It affects everything—from how the ink adheres, to how the print feels, to how long it lasts.
So, what’s the best fabric for screen printing T-shirts?
The clear winner: 100% cotton.
Let’s explore why cotton outperforms other fabrics—and how to choose the right shirt for your screen printing project.
1. Why 100% Cotton Is Ideal for Screen Printing
Cotton offers the perfect surface for ink adhesion. It’s soft, breathable, and absorbent—three key traits that help ink bond well during the screen printing process.
Benefits of 100% Cotton:
- ✅ Smooth, even texture for clean print results
- ✅ Excellent ink absorption = brighter, longer-lasting colors
- ✅ Compatible with both plastisol and water-based inks
- ✅ Soft feel that improves with washing
At Guoya Company, we use only 100% cotton T-shirts, specially selected for their print quality and durability.
2. Does Fabric Weight Matter?
Absolutely. Fabric weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter) and determines the thickness and feel of the shirt.
| Fabric Weight | Best Use Case |
|---|---|
| 180gsm | Lightweight promos or summer wear |
| 220gsm | Standard for everyday or retail use |
| 300gsm | Heavyweight for streetwear or fashion |
Higher GSM provides:
- More resistance to distortion during printing
- Better durability over time
- More premium hand-feel for high-end markets
Guoya offers T-shirts in 180, 220, and 300gsm, so you can match the right feel to your brand or customer.
3. What About Cotton-Polyester Blends?
Cotton-poly blends (e.g. 50/50 or 65/35) are sometimes used for printing—but they have trade-offs.
Pros:
- Slightly more wrinkle- and shrink-resistant
- Often more affordable in some markets
Cons:
- Ink may not adhere as well as on pure cotton
- May fade or crack sooner, especially with water-based inks
- Color vibrancy can be lower
If you’re serious about print quality and longevity, 100% cotton still wins every time.
4. Tri-Blends and Polyester Fabrics: Handle with Care
Tri-blend and polyester shirts are popular in athleisure and fashion—but are not ideal for traditional screen printing.
Why?
- Polyester repels water-based inks
- Ink adhesion is more difficult
- Risk of dye migration (where shirt dye bleeds into ink)
At Guoya, we focus on 100% cotton T-shirts because they give our customers the best print results and the most reliable outcomes.
5. Matching Ink to Fabric
Different fabrics require different inks. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Fabric Type | Recommended Ink |
|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | ✅ Plastisol, Water-Based, Discharge |
| Cotton-Poly Blend | ⚠️ Plastisol only (water-based may bleed) |
| Polyester | ⚠️ Special ink needed (not standard) |
| Tri-blend | ❌ Not ideal for screen printing |
Guoya provides ink recommendations and will guide you based on your fabric and design.
Why Guoya Only Uses 100% Cotton for Screen Printing
We believe in doing it right—from the fabric to the final print. That’s why all of our screen-printed shirts are made from 100% cotton.
What you get:
- 👕 Fabric weights: 180–300gsm
- 🎨 26 color options
- 📏 Sizes from S to 6XL
- 🎁 Free samples & design assistance
- ⏱️ 3-day proofing + 5-day fast delivery
Whether you’re printing merch, uniforms, fashion drops, or event gear, our cotton tees provide the best foundation for screen-printed success.
Summary
So, what’s the best fabric for screen printing T-shirts?
✅ 100% cotton—without a doubt.
It offers superior print quality, long-lasting durability, and the soft feel customers love. At Guoya, we make it easy to source premium cotton shirts that are made for printing—and built to impress.
📩 Contact us for free samples or a custom quote today.
