How to Choose the Right Apparel Fabrics for Your Brand

Because the wrong fabric can make or break your line.

Let’s face it — it doesn’t matter how good your design is if the fabric feels like sandpaper or falls apart in the wash. Whether you're building a streetwear brand, launching cozy basics, or doing seasonal drops, choosing the right fabric is everything.

Here’s how to pick the right one for your brand — without second-guessing yourself.

Start With the Big Questions

Before you even touch a swatch, ask yourself this:

• Are you making casual basics? → Think softness, breathability, affordability
  

• Doing athletic or performance gear? → Look for stretch, moisture-wicking
  

• Going premium? → Drape, texture, weight, and sustainability matter
  
  

Also consider:

• Season – Summer lines need lightweight and breathable fabrics; fleece and thermals dominate in winter
  

• Audience – Teens, athletes, boutique shoppers… everyone wants something slightly different
  

• Product category – Tees, hoodies, joggers, thermals? Each has different fabric needs
  
  

The Most Common Apparel Fabrics (And When to Use Them)

Cotton

• Best for: Tees, streetwear, loungewear
  

• Pros: Soft, breathable, easy to print on
  

• Cons: May shrink, wrinkles if not treated
  

• Look for: Combed cotton, ring-spun, or organic for better hand-feel
  
  

Polyester

• Best for: Activewear, jackets, techwear
  

• Pros: Durable, fast-drying, colorfast
  

• Cons: Less breathable alone — works better in blends
  

• Pro tip: Perfect for sublimation printing
  
  

Fleece (Brushed or Loopback)

• Best for: Hoodies, joggers, outerwear
  

• Pros: Warm, soft interior, heavier feel
  

• Common types: Cotton/poly fleece blends, French terry
  
  

Thermal (Waffle Knit)

• Best for: Layering, cold-weather collections
  

• Pros: Traps heat, textured look, flexible fit
  

• Usually a cotton/poly blend
  
  

Blends (Tri-blend, Cotton/Poly/Spandex)

• Best for: Slim-fit tees, stretchy joggers, trend-driven basics

• Pros: Holds shape, less shrinkage, super soft
  

• Cons: Slightly more expensive, harder to print on in some cases
  
  

Fabric Features to Compare Before You Commit

Match Fabrics to Your Product Line

What If You Want to Go Sustainable?

More brands are leaning eco-conscious — and customers notice. Here’s what to look for:

• Organic Cotton – Grown without chemicals, GOTS-certified
  

• Recycled Polyester (rPET) – Made from plastic bottles
  

• Hemp or Tencel – Super sustainable and breathable
  

• Natural Dyes – Less water waste and pollution
  
  

Bonus: Talk about these things in your product descriptions. It makes your brand story stronger.

Before You Bulk Order, Always Test

Sampling isn’t optional — it’s your insurance policy. Here’s what to do:

• Wash it – Does it shrink? Pill? Fade?
  

• Print on it – Screen, DTG, sublimation — test your actual logo
  

• Wear it – Try the fit, feel, stretch, breathability
  

• Request certifications if you’re going organic or sustainable (like OEKO-TEX or GOTS)
  

FAQs

Q: What’s the best fabric for private-label tees?
A: 100% combed cotton or cotton/poly blends — they’re soft, print great, and last.

Q: What does GSM mean?
A: Grams per square meter. It tells you how heavy/thick the fabric is. Lower GSM = light tee. Higher = thick hoodie.

Q: Which fabric lasts the longest?
A: Polyester and blends win for durability. Pure cotton’s soft, but needs more care.

Q: What’s best for hoodies and joggers?
A: Mid-to-heavy brushed fleece (cotton/poly) for softness + structure.

Q: How do I know it’s quality?
A: Tight weave, soft feel, color doesn’t bleed, and it holds up in the wash.

Final Words

Picking the right fabric isn’t just about what looks good on screen. It’s about feel, function, durability, and your audience.

Don’t guess. Don’t rush. Touch the fabric. Wash it. Wear it.
That’s how you build a product your customers come back for — and a brand that actually lasts.

Need help choosing the right fabric for your tees, hoodies, or joggers?
Reach out to Cottmark Empire — we’ll send swatches, samples, and real advice.