Workwear T-Shirt Materials Explained
A t-shirt is a t-shirt, right? Not so fast. While a shirt's fabric may seem like a minor detail, it's a huge deal for workers who are moving, sweating, and generally putting their tees through the wringer on a daily basis. They need a shirt that performs on the job and bounces back after numerous washings. This short article compares different workwear t-shirt fabrics so you have a better understanding of what to expect from each material on the job.
Workwear t-shirt fabrics generally fall in one of three buckets: 100% cotton, 100% polyester, or a cotton/poly blend. While you may not be keenly aware of the shirt fabric you prefer, each of these fabric types have unique characteristics that you most definitely see and feel when you wear them.
100% Cotton T-Shirts
To many, 100% cotton is the gold standard for shirt fabrics. Some of Carhartt's most iconic shirts, for example, are made from 100% cotton. It is a breathable, soft and sturdy fabric that rarely disappoints, but it does have a few drawbacks: Heavier cotton shirts lose their breathability and won't dry as quickly as the other fabrics outlined below. Cotton also has a tendency to wrinkle and tear easier than blended fabrics and polyester, making it less durable after repeated washes and wear.
Popular 100% Cotton T-Shirts
- Carhartt K87 - Loose Fit Workwear T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPAREFactory 2nd: $12.99 USD7909 Review(s)Carhartt K87 - Loose Fit Workwear T-Shirt$19.99 USD
- Carhartt K84 - Short Sleeve Workwear Henley T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPAREFactory 2nd: $16.99 USD1517 Review(s)Carhartt K84 - Short Sleeve Workwear Henley T-Shirt$24.99 USD
- Ariat Rebar Cotton Strong T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARECloseout: $17.21 USD24 Review(s)Ariat Rebar Cotton Strong T-Shirt$19.95 USD
- CAT 1510416 - Logo Short Sleeve T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARECAT 1510416 - Logo Short Sleeve T-Shirt$24.99 USD
- Carhartt K126 - Long Sleeve Workwear Crewneck T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPAREFactory 2nd: $17.99 USD2287 Review(s)Carhartt K126 - Long Sleeve Workwear Crewneck T-Shirt$24.99 USD
- CAT W07074 - Trademark Sleeveless Pocket TeeQUICK VIEWCOMPARE8 Review(s)CAT W07074 - Trademark Sleeveless Pocket Tee$19.99 USD
- Carhartt K128 - Long Sleeve Henley T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE1033 Review(s)Carhartt K128 - Long Sleeve Henley T-Shirt$29.99 USD
- Carhartt K195 - Short Sleeve Logo T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARECloseouts Starting @ $15.99 USD410 Review(s)Carhartt K195 - Short Sleeve Logo T-Shirt$24.99 USD
- Carhartt K231 - Long Sleeve Logo T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPAREFactory 2nd: $17.99 USD902 Review(s)Carhartt K231 - Long Sleeve Logo T-Shirt$29.99 USD
- Carhartt 103296 - Relaxed Fit Workwear Pocket T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE1130 Review(s)Carhartt 103296 - Relaxed Fit Workwear Pocket T-Shirt$19.99 USD
100% Polyester T-Shirts
Polyester is a petroleum-based synthetic fiber. It is tough, lightweight and less prone to wrinkles than cotton. Because its fibers are strong, this fabric won't wear out as quickly as cotton and holds its color, which is an important feature for shirts that'll endure repeated washings and abuse. That's why this fabric is a popular choice for work polos and hi-visibility garments. It's also less absorbent than cotton, making it less susceptible to stains. Like cotton, polyester has some disadvantages too. For starters, 100% polyester has a synthetic look and feel, meaning it doesn't appear as natural or feel as soft on the skin. In fact, some wearers with sensitive skin experience rashes with certain polyester fabrics. Static cling is another annoying byproduct of polyester fabric, not to mention this material can be very clingy when it's wet. Because it's essentially made from tiny plastic fibers, basic polyester is less breathable than cotton. However, many of the polyester fabrics used on workwear t-shirts feature a looser weave that allows moisture and air to flow more freely.
Popular 100% Polyester T-Shirts
- Carhartt 106165 - Force Sun Defender™ Lightweight Long-Sleeve Hooded Logo Graphic T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARECloseout: $31.99 USD84 Review(s)Carhartt 106165 - Force Sun Defender™ Lightweight Long-Sleeve Hooded Logo Graphic T-Shirt$39.99 USD
- Jack Rivet JR1008 - Sparta PoloQUICK VIEWCOMPAREJack Rivet JR1008 - Sparta PoloWas: $27.99 USDNow: $24.99 USD
- Timberland PRO A1V74 - Wicking Good HoodieQUICK VIEWCOMPARE7 Review(s)Timberland PRO A1V74 - Wicking Good Hoodie$40.00 USD
- Timberland PRO A1P16 - Wicking Good Short Sleeve PoloQUICK VIEWCOMPARE2 Review(s)Timberland PRO A1P16 - Wicking Good Short Sleeve Polo$40.00 USD
- CAT 1510499 - Hi-Vis Trademark Pocket T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE1 Review(s)CAT 1510499 - Hi-Vis Trademark Pocket T-Shirt$26.99 USD
- Carhartt 100494 - Force® Color Enhanced Long Sleeve T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE159 Review(s)Carhartt 100494 - Force® Color Enhanced Long Sleeve T-Shirt$29.99 USD
- Carhartt 100493 - Force® Color Enhanced Short Sleeve T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE251 Review(s)Carhartt 100493 - Force® Color Enhanced Short Sleeve T-Shirt$24.99 USD
Poly/Cotton Blend T-Shirts
Like its name suggests, this fabric is a blend of natural cotton and synthetic polyester. The most popular ratio on the market is 65% cotton and 35% polyester, although other combinations do exist. So, what's the advantage of a poly/cotton blend? Simply put, this fabric is designed to maximize the advantages of both cotton and polyester. That means a poly/cotton blend is breathable, but also lightweight. It will feel softer than 100% polyester, but won't wrinkle as easily as cotton. It's durable, but not clingy. Generally speaking, this fabric combination can endure more abuse and washings than 100% cotton, while retaining its color and shape. Carhartt's patented Force line features t-shirts made with a cotton/poly blend. These popular t-shirts dry fast, wick sweat and are great for work in warmer weather.
Popular Poly/Cotton T-Shirts
- Carhartt 106652 - Force® Relaxed Fit Midweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARECloseout: $19.99 USD215 Review(s)Carhartt 106652 - Force® Relaxed Fit Midweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt$24.99 USD
- Ariat Rebar Short Sleeve CrewQUICK VIEWCOMPARECloseouts Starting @ $21.56 USD10 Review(s)Ariat Rebar Short Sleeve Crew$26.95 USD
- Jack Rivet JR1010 - Stockton Short Sleeve T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE3 Review(s)Jack Rivet JR1010 - Stockton Short Sleeve T-ShirtWas: $16.99 USDNow: $14.99 USD
- Carhartt 104680 - Extremes® Relaxed Fit Lightweight Short Sleeve Pocket T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE17 Review(s)Carhartt 104680 - Extremes® Relaxed Fit Lightweight Short Sleeve Pocket T-ShirtWas: $34.99 USDNow: $29.74 USD
- Carhartt 106656 - Force® Relaxed Fit Midweight Long-Sleeve Pocket T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE8 Review(s)Carhartt 106656 - Force® Relaxed Fit Midweight Long-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt$29.99 USD
- Ariat Rebar Long Sleeve Logo CrewQUICK VIEWCOMPARECloseouts Starting @ $27.99 USD7 Review(s)Ariat Rebar Long Sleeve Logo Crew$34.95 USD
- Jack Rivet JR1038 - Stockton Graphic Short Sleeve T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPAREJack Rivet JR1038 - Stockton Graphic Short Sleeve T-ShirtWas: $18.99 USDNow: $16.99 USD
- Carhartt 103296 - Relaxed Fit Workwear Pocket T-ShirtQUICK VIEWCOMPARE1130 Review(s)Carhartt 103296 - Relaxed Fit Workwear Pocket T-Shirt$19.99 USD
Workwear T-Shirt Fabrics Pros and Cons
100% Cotton | Poly/Cotton Blends | 100% Polyester |
---|---|---|
Most popular style | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Breathable | Durable | Very durable |
Doesn't cling to skin | Dries quick | Dries quick |
Soft to the touch | Doesn't wrinkle as much | Doesn't wrinkle |
Dries slowler | Not as breathable as 100% cotton | Made from plastic fibers, not as breathable |
Not as durable | More clingy than cotton | Clings to skin with moisture or static |
Prone to wrinkles | May cost more | Can cause skin irritation |
Which material is right for you?
So, which fabric is the "right" fabric? All three materials have their strengths and weaknesses. The fabric you choose largely comes down to personal preference and the conditions you'll be working in. If ultimate breathability is the goal, then all-natural cotton is probably your best choice. If you need some additional durability and prefer a quick-drying material with a more athletic look and feel, then a poly-cotton or 100% polyester material may be your best bet.