The Ultimate Guide to Fabric Types for Your Clothing Brand

Fabric isn't just a background detail — it's the core of your brand’s identity. From the first touch to the way a piece drapes or holds color after printing, the material you choose defines how your product feels and how it performs.

As a print-on-demand platform with our own fabric sourcing channels and vertically integrated factory, we’ve seen firsthand how material choices can elevate—or dilute—a collection.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of fabric used in print-on-demand clothing, explain their strengths and weaknesses, and help you choose materials that align with your creative direction and brand story.

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Why fabric matters for your brand

When it comes to launching or growing a clothing brand, many creators focus on design, color palettes, or marketing strategies. But one element often underestimated — yet absolutely essential — is fabric. The material you choose becomes the foundation of your product experience. It doesn’t just affect how your clothes feel, but how your customers perceive your brand, engage with your pieces, and whether they come back for more.

Fabric shapes customer perception

The moment someone touches your product, they’re forming an opinion — not just about the item itself, but about your brand as a whole. A soft, structured heavyweight tee signals quality and intention. A flimsy, transparent shirt might suggest cutting corners or inconsistency.

Fabric influences whether your products feel premium, ethical, durable, comfortable, or cheap. If your goal is to build long-term loyalty and a brand identity that speaks volumes without saying a word, then fabric should be one of your first strategic decisions.

It affects how your designs look and last

Whether you're screen printing a streetwear logo or using DTG to bring a complex illustration to life, fabric choice directly affects the final output. Certain materials absorb inks differently, hold onto color better, or offer more stability in the printing process.

For instance:

• ‍Combed cotton provides a smooth, clean surface ideal for sharp details.‍
• Polyester handles sublimation beautifully, allowing for vibrant all-over prints.‍
• Blends offer balance — soft enough for comfort, stable enough for crisp lines.

Poor fabric choices can lead to faded prints, misaligned details, or peeling artwork. The result? More returns, less trust, and a weakened brand image.

Fabric is part of your story

Every modern clothing brand has a story. Whether you stand for sustainable values, minimalist design, athletic performance, or bold self-expression — your fabric helps communicate that.

A brand committed to eco-conscious fashion might lean into organic cotton or plant-based fibers like Sorona. A streetwear label may opt for heavyweight GSM tees with a structured drape to match the tone of their aesthetic. A creator building playful, accessible merch might favor soft cotton-poly blends that are cozy, flexible, and affordable.

At Tapstitch, we understand that fabric isn’t just material — it’s messaging. That’s why we offer full control over GSM, blend, and fiber type, allowing creators to align production choices with their core brand identity.

Not only is fabric very important for custom printing, but also choosing the correct weight is an important factor in making popular POD clothing. Read our blog to learn about how to chooseh suitable GSM for print on demand brands.

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Key factors to consider when choosing fabric

Picking the right fabric isn’t just a technical step — it’s a creative decision that impacts every part of your brand, from how your pieces look and feel to how customers care for them over time. If you're building a clothing brand that lasts, these are the key elements to keep in mind:  

Durability that matches your purpose  

Not all fabrics are built to withstand the same level of use. If you're designing everyday staples — like go-to tshirts, hoodies, or joggers — durability should be high on your list. Look for fibers that hold their shape and color after multiple washes, especially if your audience values quality and longevity. Heavy cotton or cotton-poly blends often strike a great balance between strength and softness.  

Comfort is non-negotiable  

No matter how good a print looks, if the fabric feels rough, stiff, or synthetic, people won’t reach for it again. Your fabric should feel good against the skin — whether it’s breathable combed cotton for warm-weather wear or a brushed fleece lining for cozy loungewear. Consider how your garments will be worn and who will wear them. Comfort builds loyalty, and comfort begins with material.  

Think beyond the sale — maintenance matters  

Ever bought a shirt you loved, only to ruin it in one wash? Your customers have, too. Easy-care fabrics — like pre-shrunk cotton or low-maintenance blends — make a big difference. If your product requires dry cleaning or special treatment, it might create friction. Choose materials that offer a good user experience beyond checkout.  

Test first, then scale  

At Tapstitch, we make it simple for you to test materials before launching at scale. Our in-house fabric library includes a wide range of swatches — from heavy GSM streetwear cotton to breathable activewear blends — all sourced directly from our own textile partners. You can order test prints or sample runs to compare how each fabric reacts to your design and meets your vision.  

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Exploring popular clothing fabrics for print-on-demand

Cotton

Cotton is a staple fabric in the apparel industry — and for good reason. It’s soft, breathable, and works well for a wide range of garments, from everyday t-shirts to heavyweight hoodies. For fashion brands that value comfort and natural materials, cotton provides a solid foundation.  

Different types of cotton offer different benefits. Ringspun and combed cotton have a smoother feel and produce cleaner, sharper prints. Organic cotton appeals to eco-conscious consumers and fits well into sustainable brand narratives.  

However, there are a few trade-offs. Regular cotton can shrink if not pre-treated, and darker colors may fade over time. Still, when sourced and processed correctly, cotton remains a go-to fabric for building long-lasting essentials.  

Best for:

• ‍T-shirts‍
• Hoodies‍
• Sweatpants‍
• Tank top

Polyester

Polyester has become a key fabric in modern apparel thanks to its exceptional durability and performance. Unlike natural fibers, it holds its shape well over time, resists wrinkles, and doesn’t shrink or stretch out easily. It’s also known for its ability to wick moisture away from the body, making it ideal for active lifestyles.

One of polyester’s strongest selling points is how well it holds color. It’s the perfect base for bold, vibrant prints, especially when using sublimation techniques. If your brand prioritizes striking designs that last wash after wash, polyester delivers on that promise.

That said, it’s not without drawbacks. It doesn’t breathe as easily as cotton and can sometimes retain odors after heavy use, which means it might not be the best fit for everyday casual wear. But for high-performance or outdoor gear, it’s a smart choice.

Best for:

• ‍Activewear‍
• Gym sets‍
• Performance t-shirts‍
• Jacket

Tapstitch Insight: our Taped Mesh Boxy T-shirt is made of 100% polyester fiber. The grid design is very bold and breathable, suitable for sports enthusiasts.

Cotton-polyester blends

Blended fabrics, particularly cotton-poly mixes, strike a thoughtful balance between the natural softness of cotton and the performance strength of polyester. These blends are often the go-to for creators who want apparel that feels good, wears well, and holds up to repeat washes.

Because of the mix, these fabrics tend to resist shrinking and wrinkling better than 100% cotton while maintaining a soft handfeel. They're also less likely to fade, which makes them ideal for preserving the clarity of printed graphics—especially important in the world of print-on-demand.

Of course, not all blends are created equal. A 50/50 blend will behave differently than a 65/35 or tri-blend fabric. That’s why understanding your specific garment needs—and choosing the right ratio—is key to delivering a product your customers will keep reaching for.

Best for:

• Streetwear-inspired pieces
• Casual basics‍
• Daily-wear T-shirts‍
• Sweatshirts.

Sorona

Sorona is a performance fiber made from partially plant-based materials, offering an eco-conscious alternative to traditional synthetics. What sets it apart is its unique combination of stretch, softness, and long-lasting shape retention—without relying on spandex. For fashion brands seeking sustainability without sacrificing quality, Sorona is a fabric worth knowing.

Compared to standard polyester, Sorona offers better elasticity, improved comfort, and a lower environmental footprint. It resists wrinkles and pilling, holds vibrant prints beautifully, and delivers a smooth, premium finish that appeals to both athleisure and lifestyle brands.

At Tapstitch, we’ve integrated Sorona into our fabric lineup for brands looking to merge sustainability with performance. Our supply chain gives you direct access to this advanced material — no middlemen, no uncertainty.Tapstitch Advantage: Each piece of Sorona clothing is equipped with a quality inspection tag. For more details, please visit our blog:What Is Sorona Fabric

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Tapstitch’s fabric advantage

When you’re building a fashion brand, the quality of your fabric isn't just a detail—it’s your foundation. At Tapstitch, we’ve reimagined the entire apparel supply chain to give creators direct access to the materials and support they need to build confidently.

Unlike many print-on-demand platforms that source fabric through multiple third parties, we operate with a direct-from-source model. That means you get access to premium, ethically sourced materials straight from our long-term textile partners — no markups, no unknowns. From organic cotton to performance fibers like Sorona, we offer fabrics at the forefront of fashion.

Thanks to our self-owned factory, we control every stage of the process—from printing to stitching to final quality checks. This guarantees consistent print quality and fast turnaround times, so you can launch collections with confidence, knowing that what your customers receive is exactly what you envisioned.

Our team is on standby with 24/7 support, ready to help you make smart, material-led decisions for your brand.

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Final thoughts

Building a cohesive brand identity

Every fabric you choose says something about your brand—even before a customer tries on the garment. Whether it’s the softness of ringspun cotton or the tech feel of a Sorona blend, materials play a quiet but powerful role in shaping perception.

Fabric isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a storytelling tool. Choosing sustainable textiles might align with your values as an eco-conscious brand. Going with heavier, structured knits could reflect a streetwear edge. When your materials match your message, customers notice—and they trust you more because of it.

Consistency in fabric choices helps reinforce your aesthetic and values across every collection. It also keeps your customer experience reliable, which builds loyalty over time. Thoughtful, deliberate material selection is one of the most underrated ways to express who you are as a brand—and Tapstitch is here to make those decisions easier, smarter, and more aligned with your creative vision.

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FAQ

1.What is the best fabric for print-on-demand t-shirts?

Combed cotton or cotton-poly blends are popular for print-on-demand tees. They offer softness, durability, and hold prints well.

2.How does fabric choice affect print quality?

Different fabrics absorb ink differently. Smooth, tightly woven materials like ringspun cotton or polyester blends deliver sharper, more vibrant prints.

3.Is polyester good for fashion brands?

Yes—especially for activewear or bold graphic prints. It’s durable and colorfast, though it may feel less breathable than cotton.

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