[binki]

Do I need at least a 65% poly blend or will 50/50 work for dye submlimation for shirts? Is there a performance difference?

How much should I expect to pay for a 5.6oz T in 65% poly or better blend? Assume case pricing but not in the 1000's of shirts at a time.

 

[MotoskinGraphix]

Since dye sublimation depends on the poly to bond, the higher % will give you better results. Hanes makes a shirt with an outer polyshell and 100% cotton liner specifically for sublimation printing. If you do a dye sublimation search on the net you are gonna find them pretty quick. I think a 50/50 shirt will work but the higher count poly shirts we net better results.

 

[binki]

Thanks for the info. I am interested in the performance of the 50/50 since it is much less expensive than higher poly% that I have found so far.

 

[D.Evo.]

Hi Binki!

I'll try to attach some pictures to showcase the difference.

On 100% poly shirts the design will be very vivid and vibrant and will last as long as the garment itself.

The design on 50/50 t-shirt will look washed off and faded even before the 1st wash.

As mentioned many times on the forums, there are Hanes 50/50 t-shirts - 100% poyester outer layer and 100% cotton inside. The disadvantage (from my point of view) is that they are too thick, they pill and make you sweat.

Textile industry is rapidly adapting to active life-style and technological changes - there are now stain-repelling, anti-wrinkle, moisture-wicking, odour-resistant, temperature-controlling (etc., etc.,...) fabrics on the market.
Most of them are man-made (synthetic), the rest are coated for enhanced performance. To top it off - there is polyester that looks and feels like cotton, polyester that feels like second skin... polyester that defies the definition of polyster.

If you choose dye-sublimation as your preferred decorating method because you want to deliver full-colour PERMANENT designs (no minimum order, no set-up fees, photo-quality prints - you know?) - you shouldn't be compromising it with the quality of your t-shirt.
Like our mum's and dad's told us (me, anyway) - if you choose to do something - do it properly or don't waste you time.

How you will market your shirts - is a different story all together...

Best of luck!

 

[D.Evo.]

Forgot to specify:
on the left (faded Sonic): 50/50 t-shirt, never washed.
on the right (brighter Sonic) - cotton-looking polyester t-shirt, worn by 10-year-old boy (!) for a year and washed more than 50 times.

 

[binki]

DEvo,


Thanks for the 411. That is the comparison that I was looking for.

 

[taurusndixie]

Is it true that 100 % polyester shirts are more uncomfortable in hot weather than cotton ?
And, won't pigmented inks print on any shirt, last extra long time and still look good ?

 

[D.Evo.]

Is it true that 100 % polyester shirts are more uncomfortable in hot weather than cotton ?
quote]

It used to be that way.

If you Google "performance fabrics" or "performance fabrics for sublimation" you will see some dramatic changes.

I'm using 100% performance t-shirts made with Intera yarn - the fabric is changed on the molecular level to provide permanent moisture-wicking properties and temperature control.

Follow the link for some technical info on fabric:
http://www.interacorp.com/advantages.html

Here are some articles about t-shirts made of it:
http://www.director-e.com/trade/feat...&featureID=121

http://www.printwearandpromotion.co....limation_.html

So far my biggest orders were for casual and active wear in hottest parts of Australia and from adventure races, gyms and sporting organisations.

Sorry, can't comment on pigmented inks - I'm yet to experiment with this decorating method myself.

 

[binki]

We are concerned about comfort of the full poly shirts and the poly outside/cotton inside shirts. I will try some of these myself as it is hot as all get-out here also.