Blank t-shirts
What blank t-shirts work best for heat transfer vinyl (HTV)?
May
The best t-shirt for Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) is one that is made from quality cotton to handle vinyl heat adhesion.
HTV uses high heat to apply vinyl cut out designs and as a result needs strong fibers to withstand the HTV application process. The advantage of HTV is that it produces bright colours with perfect straight lines that are neat with an overall professional finish. This is ideal for blank t-shirt logo application and custom modern designs.
For a high quality HTV finish a quality blank t-shirt is essential. The t-shirt must not only be soft and smooth for excellent adhesion but also needs to be able to withstand heat transfer temperatures. One of the major downfalls of HTV is its susceptibility to cotton shrinkage. As the vinyl adheres to a t-shirt’s cotton fibers it’s shape and design can be impacted if cotton shrinkage occurs.
While heat transfer vinyl will work with a range of t-shirt fabrics one fabric stands out above all others – 100% pre-shrunk organic combed cotton.
What t-shirt material works best for HTV?
- 100% pre-shrunk combed cotton
- GOTS approved organic cotton
- GSM weight between 180 – 200GSM
- Tear away labels for re-branding
What type of blank t-shirts are best for HTV?
The best type of blank t-shirts for quality HTV results are those made from 100% pre-shrunk combed cotton. A combed cotton t-shirt is silky smooth to touch and more resistant to give professional HTV finishes. Here you also have the durability and retention of size from the pre-shrinking process performed during manufacturing. Using a GOTS approved organic t-shirt will also ensure the cotton is soft without the use of harmful chemicals and cheap cotton blends.
Pre-shrunk blank t-shirts are made from having their cotton fibers pre-shrunk before being woven and sewn. This is an advantage for HTV application as the design will maintain its shape after use and washing (following the correct washing instructions).
What is the advantage of cotton t-shirts for HTV?
The biggest advantage of cotton t-shirts for HTV over other popular choices, such as polyester blank t-shirts, is that cotton is breathable. It handles perspiration and feels cooler next to the skin. Cotton is particularly preferable in humid weather climates or if used for sporting activities.
100% combed cotton is smooth, due to irregular fibers being combed before being spun into yarn. This gives excellent adhesion and application results during the heat transfer process of HTV application.
Reasons why 100% combed cotton t-shirts are ideal for HTV:
- 100% cotton is environmentally friendly especially if GOTS certified
- Breathable and dries more efficiently than synthetic polyester blends
- Gives even vinyl finishes where all fibers are smooth and soft due to cotton impurities being removed in the pre-production manufacturing process
- Excellent adhesion properties for accepting vinyl
- Combed cotton can be pre-shrunk preventing vinyl logos becoming misshaped after t-shirt use and washing.
What t-shirt GSM weight is good for HTV?
Due to the heat process of applying vinyl the best cotton weight for a smooth, professional finish needs to be in the mid to heavyweight category. We recommend between the 180 GSM to 200 GSM range.
Selecting a cotton t-shirt that is unisex with on trend colours, side seams and quality stitching will also give durability and a blank t-shirt that will last.
