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Cotton vs drifit: which shirt should you print on?

· 4 min read

Both cotton and drifit print well, so the right choice depends on where the shirt will be worn. Here's how they compare.

Cotton: soft and everyday

Cotton feels soft and breathable, and it's what most people picture as a classic tee. It absorbs sweat, so it stays damp longer during sports or long outdoor days. It's best for family shirts, merch, casual wear and anything worn daily.

Drifit: light and quick-dry

Drifit is a polyester performance fabric. It's lighter, pulls sweat away from the skin and dries quickly, which is why it's the usual choice for sports teams, fun runs, outreach and outdoor events in the heat.

Side-by-side

Cotton vs drifit at Shawn's Custom
CottonDrifit
FeelSoft, classicLight, smooth
In the heatBreathable, holds sweatWicks sweat, dries fast
Best forEveryday, family, merch, polosSports, runs, outdoor events
Printed priceTee from ₱128, polo ₱298From ₱148 (18 colours)

Does the print last on both?

Yes. DTF prints bond to cotton, polyester and blends. To keep any print looking new, wash the shirt inside out in cold water and don't iron directly on the design.

Frequently asked questions

Is drifit or cotton better for shirt printing?

Both print well with DTF. Choose drifit for sports and outdoor events because it dries fast, and cotton for everyday comfort.

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