When it comes to looking smart and working in comfort, custom polo shirts are a staple item in corporate, tradie, sports team and kids wardrobes alike. Advances in fabric technology means polos now come in a variety of fabric options designed to wick away moisture and keep you dry whilst also being low cost and great looking. Polo shirts are one of our most popular branded apparel items because they’re so easy to customise with embroidery, screen printing, digital transfers, ink printing and vinyl cutting. They look great with both smart and casual bottoms and the breathable fabric means you stay fresher for longer. With a range of fabric options available, here’s some points to consider for choosing the right polo shirt:
Fabrics: Cotton, Polyester and Elastane
Traditionally, polo shirts have been mostly made of cotton because it’s an affordable, soft-feeling, naturally-occurring product that is more environmentally friendly than its alternatives. Cotton feels great on the skin and is long-trusted as one of the most comfortable, sustainable fabrics around. The disadvantages of 100% cotton however is that garments tend to wrinkle and require pressing, and cotton garments tend to be heavier than polyester so they require more drying time when wet. The natural fibers within the cotton may wear down more quickly than the synthetic fibers in polyester and cotton can be more likely to shrink.
Polyester fabric is another popular fabric because it is light, quick drying and super durable. Good polyester products have a wick woven into the fabric which draws moisture and sweat away from the body to the outside layer where it can evaporate. This means that polyester is a great choice for sportswear and the outdoors because it’s super lightweight, helps you remain cool and reduces sweat on the garment. While all polyester garments are popular, they have a rougher texture than cotton and may not be perfect for people with sensitive skin. If you’re considering a 100% polyester garment, ensure that the fabric is moisture-wicking which makes it breathable (check out our Flinders Polos and Axis Polos).
Elastane is another product that is usually added to garments to help assist in retaining shape and reducing wrinkling. Elastane is smooth-feeling, strong and durable with a good tear resistance rating. Elastane, like polyester, is also light and easily dried. Our Claremont Polos offer a smart blend of cotton and elastane that helps them stay wrinkle-free and in shape.
Whilst cotton, polyester and elastane are all good options, most people find that choosing a blended fabric means they get the best of both worlds. Cotton/polyester/elastane blends combine the natural and soft properties of cotton with the strength and quick-drying nature of polyester and elastane.
Want to sort out some custom polo shirts for your team?
Get in touch with us today for a chat about your needs. We have extensive knowledge and a wide range of products available – you’ll be surprised at what you can get! If you’re still not sure on choosing the right polo shirts, flick us a line and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.