Fabric science: Which material for which purpose?
The right material determines the comfort, durability, and overall impression of your project. Here you can find out which fabric is suitable for which purpose.
100% Cotton - The classic
Cotton is the tried-and-tested all-rounder for many projects. It is breathable and skin-friendly, absorbs moisture well, and becomes more comfortable to the touch with every wash. However, it can shrink by 3-5% when washed at high temperatures. Cotton is perfect for casual T-shirts and hoodies, vintage-look designs, high-quality merchandising items, and projects with a natural, authentic feel. It is ideal for printing—all printing processes work well, with screen printing producing particularly beautiful results.
Polyester - The sporty one
Polyester scores highly with its extreme durability and dimensional stability. It dries quickly, wicks sweat away, retains brilliant colors, and does not fade. It also hardly creases. These properties make it perfect for sportswear and functional shirts, outdoor events, heavy-duty workwear, and bright, high-contrast designs. Sublimation printing unfolds its full brilliance on polyester.
Blended fabrics – the all-rounder
Blended fabrics, usually in a ratio of 50/50 or 60/40 cotton to polyester, strike the perfect balance. They combine the advantages of both materials: less shrinkage than pure cotton, more breathable than pure polyester, easy to care for, and durable. Blended fabrics are perfect for everyday company shirts, club clothing, projects with high wear frequency, and when you are unsure.
Understanding GSM values
GSM (grams per square meter) indicates fabric thickness. Very lightweight fabrics with 120-150 GSM are translucent and inexpensive, while 160-180 GSM standard quality fabrics are considered good all-rounders. Premium quality is offered by 190-220 GSM fabrics, which are heavier and more durable. Hoodie quality starts at 240+ GSM and is very robust. The rule of thumb is: higher GSM means higher quality, but also higher costs.
Focus on sustainability
Environmentally friendly options such as organic cotton without pesticides, recycled polyester from PET bottles, or Fairtrade-certified materials cost a little more, but score points with environmentally conscious target groups.
Which material for your project?
Not sure which fabric is right for your project? Let's find the best solution together. Tell us about your project—we'll be happy to advise you on materials, printing processes, and all the technical details.