PPB May 2021

A Quick Look At Fabric, Weights Since their earliest beginnings, the most common material used for t-shirts is cotton, which has been grown by humans for more than 7,000 years. But with experimentation in production and the availability of other materials, there are many other fabrication options to choose from. Today, a t-shirt material can also serve as a way to convey a brand’s message or stance on environmental issues. The importance lies in explaining the difference and benefits of fabric composition to clients. 100% Cotton Cotton is warm, soft and breathable, and if you’re opting for 100-percent cotton, then you’re getting the full effect. A fabric favorite for tees, cotton is also hypoallergenic, and best of all, it can be customized using any method. However, 100-percent cotton holds a lot of water weight, meaning that it takes longer to dry. It’s also prone to shrinkage, stains and wrinkles, and it’s not likely to last as long as a 50/50-percent cotton and polyester blend. 100% Polyester If you’re working with a company that embraces or supports eco-friendly causes or lifestyles, then polyester may be a good fit. Some polyester fibers are made from recycled plastic that has been re-spun into thread. Unlike cotton, which absorbs up to 27 times its weight in water, according to Sciencing.com, polyester is moisture-wicking and helps keep wearers cool, making it ideal for sports and performance wear, and there’s also minimal shrinkage, so it holds its shape. The downside? It's not breathable and it’s not the most odor-resistant choice. Blends Blends bring together the qualities of multiple fabrics. One of the most common fabric blends is 50/50-percent cotton and polyester, which is suitable for day-to-day wear. This fabric blend may also be used to achieve a certain looks, such as a heathered effect. Other materials, such as viscose or rayon, may also be added to achieve certain effects. Blends allow for quicker drying and less wrinkling and shrinkage, but these garments often cost more. Fabric weight In the U.S., fabric weight, which pertains to whichever materials are used, is measured in ounces per square yard. T-shirts ranging from 5.5 ounces to 6.1 ounces are considered heavyweight, and are preferred when aiming to provide recipients with a durable product that’ll keep them warm. Fabrics ranging from three ounces to 5.4 ounces are lighter and more preferred for warmer months, though they’re less resistant to snags and overall wear. Sources: Cotton.org, FeltMagnet.com, LuxuryKnit.com, KeyColour.net Billion Photos / Shutterstock.com. T-Sh i r t s Danielle Renda is associate editor of PPB. 34 | MAY 2021 | INNOVATE