Common Types of Fabric Blends
Cotton–Polyester Blend
This is the most common blend used in printed garments. Cotton provides softness and breathability, while polyester adds strength, shape retention, and colour stability.
Tri-Blend Fabric
Tri-blends typically combine cotton, polyester, and rayon. These fabrics are lightweight, soft, and drape well, making them popular for fashion tees and lifestyle apparel.
Cotton–Spandex Blend
This blend introduces stretch and flexibility, commonly used in fitted garments and athletic wear.
Benefits of Using Blended Fabrics
Improved Durability
Blends are generally more resistant to shrinking, wrinkling, and wear compared to 100% natural fibres.
Enhanced Comfort
By combining fibres, blends offer softness with added performance features such as moisture control and stretch.
Better Print Consistency
Blended fabrics often hold their shape better during printing and curing, resulting in more consistent print placement.
Printing Considerations for Blended Garments
Ink Compatibility
Different fibres react differently to inks. Polyester content can affect colour vibrancy, particularly in screen printing, and may require specialised inks or underbases.
Dye Migration Risk
High polyester blends may experience dye migration, where garment colour bleeds into the print. Proper ink selection and curing help minimise this risk.
Heat Sensitivity
Some blends are more sensitive to high heat, making correct curing temperatures essential.
Common Applications in Australia
Blended garments are widely used for:
- Corporate uniforms and workwear
- Sports and activewear
- Promotional t-shirts
- Hospitality and retail apparel
- Fashion and lifestyle brands
Their versatility makes them suitable for both everyday wear and high-performance environments.
Blend vs 100% Cotton Garments
While 100% cotton offers natural comfort, blends provide better durability, reduced maintenance, and improved performance. Many Australian businesses prefer blends for uniforms and repeat-use garments.
Practical Tips When Choosing a Blend
Consider End Use
For high-activity or frequent washing, higher polyester content offers better longevity. For fashion and comfort, tri-blends are often preferred.
Match Printing Method
DTG and DTF printing work well on blends, while screen printing may require specific inks for high-polyester fabrics.
Test Before Bulk Orders
Sampling blended garments before placing bulk orders ensures the fabric and print meet expectations.
Why Blends Are Popular in Custom Apparel
Blended fabrics offer a practical balance of comfort, durability, and print performance. For Australian custom garment printing, blends provide reliable results across a wide range of applications, making them a trusted choice for both businesses and individuals.
