In fashion design, fabric is considered the “skeleton and muscle” of the garment—it is the physical carrier of your design. For clients customizing T-shirts for the first time, choosing the right fabric is critical for comfort, durability, and style.
Since T-shirts generally require fabrics that are stretchy, breathable, and soft, we have compiled a recommendation guide based on the latest market standards.
Table Overview
| Fabric Category | Metaphor & Texture | Key Features | Best For |
| Pure Cotton Jersey | “Native Layer” (Comfort) | Breathable, absorbent, soft to skin | High-End Round Neck, Underwear |
| Mesh / Piqué | “Breathing Shell” (Dry) | Grid-like holes, moisture-wicking, keeps dry | Polo Shirts, Business Casual |
| Cotton-Linen Blends | “Plant Shield” (Cool) | Crisp, high heat conductivity, natural texture | Summer Tees, Vintage Style |
| High-Tech / Spandex | “Functional Skin” (Stretch) | Antibacterial (Bamboo) or High Stretch (Lycra) | Slim Fit, Activewear |
1. The King of Comfort: Pure Cotton Jersey
This is the most common raw material for custom T-shirts, acting as a breathable, absorbent, and soft “native layer” for the skin.
Characteristics: Excellent breathability, moisture absorption, and heat dissipation.
Pro Tip: For high-quality orders, we recommend Combed Yarn. It removes short fibers and impurities, resulting in a smoother, stronger surface that is less likely to pill compared to regular cotton.
Best For: High-end brand round-neck T-shirts and underwear.
2. The “Breathing Shell”: Mesh / Piqué Fabric
If pure cotton is a base layer, Mesh (or Piqué) is like a “breathing shell” equipped with an exhaust fan, specifically designed for sweating.
Characteristics: The surface features grid-like holes that allow sweat to penetrate and evaporate quickly, keeping the wearer cool and dry.
Best For: The #1 choice for Polo Shirts.
Market Context: Originated with the 1926 Lacoste shirt, it remains a classic for sports and business casual wear.
3. The “Plant Shield”: Cotton-Linen Blends
For summer collections, Cotton-Linen acts as a “shield of plant fibers” that naturally dispels heat.
Characteristics: Combines the crispness and strength of linen with the softness of cotton. Linen has the highest tensile strength among natural fibers and excellent heat conductivity.
Best For: Summer cool T-shirts with an artistic or vintage aesthetic.
4. The Functional Pioneer: High-Tech & Spandex
Bamboo / Milk Silk: Naturally antibacterial and skin-friendly with a smooth, delicate touch.
High Elasticity Blends: Adding Spandex or Lycra increases lateral stretch, sometimes reaching 100% elongation, making it perfect for slim-fit styles.
Professional Reminders for Customization
Before finalizing your fabric choice, keep these two technical factors in mind:
Shrinkage: Knitted fabrics have a looser structure than woven fabrics, leading to higher natural shrinkage. We must allow for shrinkage tolerance during pattern making.
Durability: While pure cotton is comfortable, blended fabrics (e.g., Cotton/Polyester) generally perform better in terms of abrasion resistance, wrinkle resistance, and shape retention after washing.
Ready to Start Production?
Understanding the “temperament” of each fabric allows the T-shirt to truly become your customer’s “second skin”. At Lewen Garment, we can help you source the perfect Combed Cotton or Piqué fabric for your next collection.