The best fabric for t-shirt printing in Vancouver is usually 100% cotton, especially ringspun cotton, because it produces the cleanest prints and feels comfortable for everyday wear. However, the “best” fabric depends on the printing method you choose and the purpose of the shirts (uniforms, merch, events, workouts, etc.).
If you want the safest and most professional results for custom orders in Vancouver, start with:
- 100% ringspun cotton (best overall print quality)
- cotton/poly blends (best mix of comfort + durability)
- polyester (best for sports and performance wear)
Below is a clear breakdown so you can pick the right fabric for your t-shirt printing project.
Best overall: 100% ringspun cotton
If you want sharp graphics, bright colors, and a premium feel, 100% ringspun cotton is the most reliable choice.
Why it’s the top option:
- smooth surface for crisp prints
- very comfortable and breathable
- great for screen printing, DTG, and DTF
- works for both personal and business orders
Best for:
- Vancouver brand merch
- restaurant and retail staff shirts
- promotional shirts that still need a premium look
- everyday casual wear
If you’re not sure what fabric to choose, 100% ringspun cotton is usually the safest pick.
Best balance: cotton/poly blends (50/50 or 60/40)
Cotton/poly blends are extremely popular in Vancouver because they combine comfort with reduced shrinking and better long-term shape.
Why blends are a smart option:
- less shrinking compared to pure cotton
- more durable shape retention
- softer than many people expect
- often better for high-wear uniforms
Best for:
- work uniforms
- gym and fitness brands
- long-use staff t-shirts
- businesses ordering larger quantities
For Vancouver businesses printing uniforms, blends are often the best value choice.
Best for activewear: polyester
Polyester is ideal for performance use, but it behaves differently than cotton when printing.
What makes polyester different:
- lightweight and moisture-wicking
- dries quickly
- perfect for sports and activewear
Best for:
- sports teams
- workout shirts
- outdoor activities
- athletic uniforms
Important note:
Some printing methods are better than others for polyester. If polyester is your fabric choice, working with a shop that understands the correct printing approach matters a lot.
Fabric choice based on printing method (quick guide)
This is the simplest way to choose fabric in Vancouver:
DTG printing
- Best fabric: 100% cotton
DTG looks best on cotton because the ink absorbs properly and the print feels softer.
Screen printing
- Best fabric: 100% cotton or cotton/poly blends
Screen printing works well on both, but the texture of the fabric still affects how crisp the final print looks.
DTF printing
- Best fabric: cotton, blends, or polyester
DTF is flexible and works across many fabric types, which makes it a great option for mixed orders.
What Vancouver customers usually prefer (real-world recommendation)
If you’re printing shirts in Vancouver for customers, events, or staff, these choices work best:
- Premium merch / brand drop: 100% ringspun cotton
- Everyday business uniforms: cotton/poly blend
- Sports / performance wear: polyester
Choosing the right fabric improves:
- print sharpness
- wash durability
- customer satisfaction
- how the shirt fits over time
If you want, a local print shop can help you choose the best fabric based on your design, printing method, and the specific use case.
