Did you know that shirts are a $75.30 billion dollar industry this year?
So then, what is the best fabric for shirts? This is a hotly debated question with a variety of different answers. But we're here to help you decide.
The fabric you choose for your shirt depends on several factors. These include the climate you live in, the type of activity you'll be doing while wearing the shirt, and your personal preferences.
But no need to worry if you feel lost. We're going to break down the most popular fabric choices for shirts so that you can make an informed decision the next time you're shopping for a shirt.
We'll discuss the best fabric types used for shirts and help you decide which one is best for you. Keep reading to learn which fabric is right for your taste.
Cotton
Cotton is a highly popular and versatile fabric used for knitted and woven shirts. It is a natural fabric that is soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear. You can wear it in hot or cold weather, making it a great fabric choice for all climates.
Cotton is usually easy to care for and doesn't require special cleaning or care instructions. It's also an affordable and readily available option. However, there are also many different luxury sub-categories of cotton.
These types of cotton include:
- Supima Cotton
- Organic Cotton
- Egyptian Cotton
Supima Cotton
Supima cotton is another type of high-quality cotton made from the Gossypium barbadense plant, native to Peru and Ecuador. It is grown in the United States and made from long-staple fibers that are extremely soft and strong.
Supima cotton only makes up about 1% of the world's cotton, making it an especially rare fiber.
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Very soft
- Retains color
- 45% stronger than regular cotton
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is a type of cotton that is grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals. It is a more sustainable fabric choice, as it is better for the environment and the farmers who grow it.
By law, organic cotton must come from non-genetically engineered seeds, and strict regulations enforce this.
- Eco-friendly
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Feels more natural
- Better overall quality
- Sustainably-sourced
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton is a type of cotton grown in the Nile River Valley in Egypt. It's considered one of the most luxurious, high-quality shirt fabrics. Long, robust fibers make this cotton both functional and luxurious.
Egyptian cotton is often used in high-end shirts and other clothing items.
- Strongest cotton fiber
- Very soft and smooth
- Breathable
- Absorptive
- Retains softness
Silk
Silk is a luxury fabric made from the fibers of silkworms. It's an extremely smooth, soft, and elegant fabric that's been used for many centuries. You can wear silk in nearly all types of weather, and it's well-suited for hot and cold climates.
While silk is a luxurious fabric, it does require special care. You must be careful when washing and drying silk, as high temperatures easily damage it.
Silk is often used in high-end shirts and other clothing items because of its elegant look and feel. And the fabric has some unique health benefits as well.
- Strong and durable
- Reduces skin irritation
- Regulates body temperature
- Improves blood circulation
- Anti-aging
Linen
Linen is a versatile fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It's a natural fabric that's cultivated in almost every country. Linen is also perfect for hot weather because it's breathable and keeps you cool and comfortable in the heat.
While linen shirts are great for warm weather, they require some special care. Avoid washing the material in hot water and wash it with similar colored laundry.
- Comfortable
- Hypoallergenic
- Iron-free
- Static-free
- Absorbant
Wool
Wool is a fabric made from the hair of sheep and other animals. It's a strong, durable fabric often used in winter clothing because it provides warmth and insulation. Wool is also a natural fabric that's biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Wool shirts are great for colder weather and require some special care. It's best to air dry the material at room temperature to avoid shrinkage.
- Insulating
- Durable
- Resists wrinkles
- Eco-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
Poplin
Poplin fabric is made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. It's a strong, lightweight fabric often used in men's dress shirts for its weave patterns. Poplin is also a lightweight fabric that's comfortable to wear in hot weather.
Poplin shirts are available in a variety of colors and woven patterns. And it's an easy fabric to care for. You can machine wash and tumble dry poplin without issues.
- Low maintenance
- Breathable
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Soft
Twill
Twill is a textile fabric made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool. It's a sturdy fabric that's often used in work shirts and other garments because of its durability. Twill is also a comfortable fabric to wear in all types of weather.
Twill shirts are available in a variety of colors and patterns. And it's an easy fabric to care for. You can machine wash and tumble dry twill without having problems.
- All-year-round fabric
- Durable
- Wrinkle-resistant
- Lots of variety
- Stain-resistant
Satin
Satin is a lustrous fabric made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. It's a smooth fabric often used in formal shirts and other garments because of its luxurious feel. Satin is also a comfortable fabric to wear in all types of weather.
Satin shirts are smooth and glossy, giving them a high-end look. However, the material is somewhat delicate, so make sure to air dry and hand wash if possible.
- All-year-round fabric
- Absorbant
- Keeps you dry
- Highly comfortable
- Very soft
What is the Best Fabric for Shirts?
So, when it comes to fabric for shirts, keep in mind the climate you live in, the type of work or activity you'll be doing in your shirt, and your personal preferences. These factors all play a role in what fabric is best for you. And we hope we've made it easier for you to choose.
Visit our store and shop our shirt selection to find the perfect fabric for your next shirt. You may find a new favorite for your wardrobe.