Cotton is a widely used fabric around the world. Since cotton production varies in different parts of the world, there are four different types of cotton fabrics available in a mix, including Black Cotton, Mercerised Cotton, Cotton Jersey, and Polycotton.
Polycotton is a synthetic-cotton mix generally made of 80% polyester and 20% cotton; however, this might vary depending on manufacturers and quantities sourced. A frequent misunderstanding is that products made entirely of cotton are of the highest possible quality.
There is much more to consider when determining if a fabric is suitable for your designs than simply assessing the fabric. You also have to look at the fabric's spin, whether it's already dyed or not, and if so, what kind of dying method was used. However, polyester is disliked by environmentally responsible buyers since it is not sustainable or recyclable because it is a manufactured fabric generated from petroleum-based materials.
Why focus on the material?
Sourcing shirts, pants, or any other apparel item is no easy process, especially for commercial purposes. Color, style and material are all significant aspects that must be considered. In addition, anyone wanting to purchase excellent products for their collection should be aware of the importance and varieties of cloth available.
Combed cotton, for example, is highly popular since it is sturdier, more adaptable, and much more flexible than 100% cotton. It can be used to produce different kinds of apparels and unlike 100% polyester, it does not stick to the skin organically. Polyester, on the other hand, is a versatile fabric that works well with a variety of different materials. Thus, combining the hardness of polyester with the softness of cotton (Poly Cotton) results in breathable and long-lasting clothes.
Where Is the Poly Cotton Blend Used?
Manufacturers combine the greatest features of both and interweave them together to create a fantastic cloth. This fabric is ideal for clothing and home decor.
Mercerization is a process applied to fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp. The fabric that passes through this process is able to absorb more water (almost 25%), more dye, and hence looks richer and bright. Mercerized cotton and polyester mixes are commonly used in retail apparel and are readily available at retail shops. Shirts and dresses are made of lightweight polycotton blends, while skirts, slacks, and seasonal clothing are made of heavier polycotton blends in various proportions.
Blends are frequently used in commercial apparel, such as business jerseys and sports group uniforms; in this market, a 50/50 ratio is the most common due to its balance of ventilation and endurance.
Bedsheets, pillowcases, placemats, and exhibition canvas are other frequent uses for poly cotton. As previously said, poly cotton is often a 65 percent cotton and 35 percent polyester mix. Still, it may also be found in 50/50 blends, which can occasionally rival the popular 65/35 blend, as seen in the sports garment sector. Quilters will continue to advise you to use just 100 percent cotton, and with good cause. It's simple to use, consistent and shrinks at the very same rate.
Why Is Poly Cotton More In Demand?
#1 It is affordable
Cotton clothing and textiles are generally costlier than synthetic alternatives. Because the polyester component of polycotton isn't harvested, it's more easily available and less expensive than 100 percent mercerized cotton. The durability and texture of both polyester and cotton fibers are combined in two ratios in the poly cotton combination. Although prices vary according to the manufacturer, they are less expensive than other materials. This is the ideal alternative accessible in the market for someone who does not want to spend loads of money on accessories such as scarves.
#2 It is easy to maintain
Polycotton provides the cloth with its softness and makes it breathable and less stuffy. On one hand, polyester fibers offer a sharp texture that helps it to keep its form and structure with fewer wrinkles.
On the other hand, cotton's soft, pleasant-to-touch fabric, breathability, and absorbency make it suitable for mixing with artificial fibers such as polyester, which has excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and wrinkle-free capabilities.
#3 The textures work best together
With poly cotton, you have the perfect combination. The customer can benefit from mercerized cotton fabric's improved aeration and polyester's tear-resistance. Polyester has almost always posed the biggest threat to cotton in terms of competitors.
Conclusion
Cotton and polycotton are among our most popular clothing materials, with several reasons being the wonderful designs possible, the longevity, and, of course, the reasonable price. The answer to whether the fabric is preferable for your usage depends on the sort of clothing you're producing, but know that polycotton offers the perfect mix in terms of cost-effectiveness without losing quality.
Most people spend a good amount of time selecting the perfect shirt for their sports team, promotional, or personal events. Finding a shirt that matches your design exactly right is important, but you'll also want to consider the best material for your needs. Many clubs and groups find they will prefer a cotton polyester blend of fabric for their uniforms rather than alternatives exclusive to one material.
When it comes to fabric, people often gravitate toward 100% cotton — a sturdy, breathable, lightweight crafting resource that is especially suited for warmer climates. While 100% cotton is oftentimes the better choice, it’s worth considering all of the benefits of a 50% cotton 50% polyester blend before making your decision.
A 50/50 blend offers many of the same advantages of 100% cotton, but also avoids some of the pitfalls of the pure blend.
Advantages of a 50/50 Blend Over 100% Cotton
There are many instances when you'll want to use a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend over 100% cotton. While it is typically a slightly more expensive fabric than 100% cotton, it makes up for the cost by offering you a more durable, versatile, and comfortable material. Here are some of the reasons this blended fabric may be a better choice for your event.
A Cotton + Polyester Blend is Versatile
A 100% cotton t-shirt has some limitations as to what it is best used for, but this is not the case with a polyester/cotton blend. It takes the benefits of both fabrics and combines them into one, making the fabric ideal for almost any purpose.
Whether ordering shirts for a sports team or your business or a community event, this material will get the job done.
A Blend of Fabrics Will Not Fade As Quickly
While 100% cotton is a sturdy, beautiful fabric, it is still much more likely to fade than a 50/50 blend. The synthetic fibers in polyester help the material hold its color better over time. In short, it will suit your needs really well if you intend to wash the shirts frequently.
When it comes to children, unless you're dealing with allergies (as mentioned above), the polyester/cotton blend will have a distinct advantage. Children’s clothing
often requires multiple washes, and this blend maintains its color much longer as you treat and remove stains again and again.
Fabric Blends are More Durable
If you want a material that’s long lasting, polyester/cotton blends are known for their durability. Just as it won’t fade as quickly, it also won’t lose its shape or come apart as quickly. It’s also less likely to pill over time, meaning it stays looking new longer.
We all want clothes that will last, and a polyester/cotton blend offers just that. If you plan to wear and wash your shirt a lot, the blended fabric will be better suited to your needs.
A 50/50 Cotton Polyester Blend is Less Prone To Wrinkling
Perhaps one of the most frustrating things about 100% cotton is that it is extremely prone to wrinkling. Obviously, wrinkles can be taken care of with an iron and a spray bottle, but most people prefer clothes that come out of the dryer ready to wear.
50/50 polyester and cotton is far less likely to wrinkle than 100% cotton, especially if you remove it from the dryer promptly. If you want to avoid the extra step of ironing, this blend is a much better choice.
Cotton Polyester Blends are Easy To Care For
Not only does 50/50 polyester and cotton come out of the wash ready to wear, it’s much easier to wash and care for to begin with. It’s a far less temperamental fabric than 100% cotton, and washes and dries with little fuss.
This fabric responds best to being washed in warm water and dried on low to medium heat. 100% cotton must be washed in cold water, dried on very low heat, and will not respond well to being overheated. Stick with the 50/50 blend if easier maintenance is your goal.
A 50/50 Fabric is Great For Activity
While 100% cotton is definitely breathable, it doesn’t respond as well to regular sweating and activity. And, as we mentioned, it’s harder to care for, meaning stains are a little trickier to deal with than they are in a polyester/cotton blend.
The 50/50 blend is not quite as breathable as 100% cotton, but it makes up for it by holding up well in regular activity
, making it an ideal choice for sports and athletics. Polyester has wicking properties, meaning the fabric will dry faster during activities.
Cotton Polyester Blends are Less Likely To Shrink
Shrinking after washing and drying a 100% cotton piece of clothing is a bit of a gamble. However, the synthetic fibers of polyester will keep a blended fabric from shrinking. Although you can purchase pre-shrunk 100% cotton clothing, polyester/cotton blends are a little more reliable when it comes to maintaining size and shape.
If you’re purchasing t-shirts, you don’t want to be concerned with shrinking, and a 50/50 blend will give you peace of mind that the size you purchase is the size you will continue to have.
A 50/50 Fabric Blend Provides a Sporty Look
As mentioned when we talked about 100% cotton, sometimes you want your clothing to have a more professional look, but that’s not always the case. If you’re purchasing shirts for sporty or casual purposes, the polyester/cotton blend will suit your needs well. It’s comfortable and perfect for outdoor and indoor activities of a more casual nature.
Jerseys or event tees are a great example of shirts that would look great in a polyester and cotton blend.
Cotton and Polyester Fabrics Together Will Keep You Warmer
While it’s true that 100% cotton is the more breathable fabric, that’s not always a quality you’re looking for! If you need material that's going to keep you warmer
, the polyester and cotton blend provides the comfort of the natural cotton feel with the warmth of the synthetic polyester.
Not all activities take place in the winter, or in warmer climates. This blended fabric will be a better choice for you if you need something that breathes but isn’t going to leave you wet and freezing after your activity.
When and Why to Choose 100% Cotton Over a 50/50 Polyester Blend
A 50/50 blend shares some of the same benefits as 100% cotton, but there are a few factors that set the latter apart — and might make it your preferred fabric.
Conclusion
In certain cases, 100% cotton is a better choice than a 50/50 polyester and cotton blend, but as you can see, the blend holds many advantages over 100% cotton. When choosing a fabric for your needs, take all of these things into consideration and you may find that the blended fabric is exactly what you were looking for.
Whichever fabric you prefer, you can find great, affordable shirts to meet your needs at Discount Mugs.