When picking branded apparel, the garment material really matters. The clothing fabrics used affects comfort, durability, cost, and what kind of branding will look best. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main materials used across Fast Promos apparel, along with pros, cons, and branding recommendations.
1. Cotton Fabric
Used in: T-shirts, polos, aprons
Pros:
- Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic
- Great comfort in warm weather
- Excellent for screen printing and DTG
Cons:
- Can shrink and wrinkle
- Slower drying, less durable than synthetic fabrics
Best Branding: Screen print, DTG, embroidery (especially on polos)
Example: JB’s Colours of Cotton Tee
2. Polyester
Used in: Sportswear, polos, jackets
Pros:
- Strong, quick-drying, wrinkle-free
- Moisture-wicking and durable
- Ideal for dye sublimation
Cons:
- Less breathable
- Can hold onto odours
Best Branding: Sublimation, screen print (with special inks), embroidery
Example: Rapidcool Ultra Light Tee, SOL’S Fleece Jackets
3. Poly-Cotton Blends (e.g. 65/35 or 50/50)
Used in: Polos, work shirts, hoodies
Pros:
- Combines comfort and durability
- Shrinks/wrinkles less than cotton
- Easy to print and wash
Cons:
- Less breathable than pure cotton
- Not ideal for sublimation unless high in poly
Best Branding: Screen print, embroidery, DTG (if cotton content is high)
Example: SOL’S Prime Polo
4. Performance Polyester
Used in: Activewear, sports uniforms, teamwear
Pros:
- Wicks moisture, dries fast
- Lightweight and breathable
- Great for outdoor and sports use
Cons:
- Can trap odours
- Less cosy for casual use
Best Branding: Sublimation, heat transfer, light screen print
Example: Podium Cool Jacquard Singlet
5. Fleece (Polyester Polar Fleece)
Used in: Jackets, hoodies, beanies, blankets
Pros:
- Warm, soft and lightweight
- Durable and fast-drying
Cons:
- Not windproof
- Not suitable for screen printing
Best Branding: Embroidery, logo patches
Example: Burnside Apparel Polar Fleece Vest, Blanket Hoodie
6. Softshell (Poly/Spandex Bonded Fabric)
Used in: Jackets, vests
Pros:
- Wind and water resistant
- Warm with inner fleece lining
- Sleek, professional look
Cons:
- Not fully waterproof
- Screen printing is tricky
Best Branding: Embroidery, heat transfers
Example: Portwest Softshell Jacket
7. Other Clothing Fabrics
– Nylon: Tough and water-resistant. Use embroidery or specialty screen printing.
– Elastane/Spandex: Adds stretch. Use flexible inks or careful embroidery.
– Viscose/Bamboo: Soft and breathable. Brands like cotton.
– Acrylic: Warm and durable, best for embroidery (e.g., beanies).
– Leather: Premium. Use debossing or laser engraving.
Quick Clothing Fabrics Comparison Table
| Material | Softness | Breathability | Durability | Best Branding |
| Cotton | High | High | Medium | Screen Print, DTG, Embroidery |
| Polyester | Medium | Medium | High | Sublimation, Embroidery |
| Poly-Cotton | Medium | Medium-High | High | Screen Print, Embroidery |
| Performance Poly | Medium | High | High | Sublimation, Heat Transfer |
| Fleece | High | Low-Med | High | Embroidery |
| Softshell | Medium | Low | High | Embroidery, Heat Transfer |
| Acrylic | Medium | Low | High | Embroidery |
Final Tips
– For giveaways: Cotton or poly-cotton tees are reliable and cost-effective.
– For activewear: Choose performance polyester for sports or outdoor events.
– For premium branding: Softshell jackets or polos with embroidery make an impact.
– For cold weather: Fleece jackets and beanies are practical and wearable.
