Apparel education
Cotton feels better. Polyester works harder. Blends do both.
The right fibre depends on who's wearing it and what they're doing. Here's the honest trade-off.
Side by side
| 100% cotton | Poly-cotton blend | Micro polyester | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand feel | Soft, natural | Soft with structure | Smooth, technical |
| Moisture | Absorbs, dries slowly | Balanced | Wicks, dries fast |
| Care | Can shrink without control | Easy | Easiest, no ironing |
| Colour | Rich, can fade | Good retention | Best retention, sublimation-ready |
| Best for | Merch, premium tees, front desk | Uniforms, everyday wear | Sports, field staff, hot climates |
Rules of thumb
Merch people keep
Combed cotton with a bio-wash. Comfort wins when the garment is a gift.
Uniforms washed daily
60/40 poly-cotton or micro polyester. Care and colour retention win.
Sport and heat
Micro polyester with wicking. Nothing else dries fast enough.