At Bold&Grit, we know creating the perfect custom shirt involves more than just picking a design. The fabric and decoration method you choose play a huge role in the shirt’s comfort, performance, and overall look. This guide will help you navigate the world of fabrics and dye processes to find the winning combination for your Bold&Grit shirt!
Fabric Face-Off: Dry-Fit vs. Cotton
- Dry-Fit: The MVP of activewear! Made from polyester, dry-fit shirts are moisture-wicking champions. They pull sweat away from your body, keeping you cool and dry during exercise. They’re also lightweight and wrinkle-resistant, making them perfect for travel and active lifestyles. However, they might not be the snuggle buddy you crave for everyday wear, and some find them less breathable than cotton.
- Cotton: The natural comfort champ! Cotton shirts are known for their breathability and softness. They absorb sweat, which can make them feel heavier during exercise, but they’re a great choice for everyday wear. The downside? Cotton wrinkles easily and takes longer to dry.
Dyeing Techniques
- Printing: A traditional method where a layer of ink is applied on top of the fabric. The type of ink used depends on the material. Printing offers a wide color range and works on various fabrics, including cotton. However, the design might feel slightly raised and crack over time, especially with frequent washing.
- Sublimation: This high-tech process uses heat and pressure to dye the fabric itself with your design. The ink becomes part of the fabric, resulting in a lightweight, breathable, and crack-resistant design. Sublimation works best on polyester fabrics like dry-fit shirts, and the color vibrancy is excellent. The catch? It’s limited to lighter colored fabrics and may not capture intricate details as well as printing for complex designs.
The Winning Combination:
- Activewear: For peak performance, choose dry-fit fabric paired with sublimation. You’ll stay cool and dry while sporting a vibrant, long-lasting design – perfect for team jerseys, workout shirts, or anything that demands peak performance.
- Everyday Wear: If comfort is king (or queen!), cotton shirts with printed designs are a cozy and affordable option. Great for casual tees, fan shirts, summer camp shirts, event shirts or everyday wear.
So, Which Shirt Should You Make with Bold&Grit?
The answer depends on your needs! Consider the activity level, desired feel, and design complexity:
- Need a shirt for intense workouts or competition? Go for dry-fit with sublimation!
- Looking for a comfortable everyday tee? Cotton with printing is a great choice!
- Have a complex design with lots of detail? Printing might be the way to go (and it works on a wider range of fabrics).
- Want a vibrant, long-lasting design on a performance shirt? Sublimation with dry-fit is your champion!
No matter what you choose, Bold&Grit is here to help you create a custom shirt that’s both stylish and functional. Send us an email today to info@boldandgrit.com to explore our fabric and design options and get ready to show off your Bold&Grit spirit!