What is the Difference Between Cotton and Performance Shirts
Where performance shirts are the trend growing more popular, cotton shirts have been the classic and standard wear for centuries due to their high-absorbing features. Therefore, a lot of people want to know the difference between cotton shirts and performance shirts.
Cotton has been used in prehistoric times which has made it reliable for many generations. They are made from natural cotton obtained from cotton crops. However, performance shirts are based on artificially produced fabric. They are more durable than cotton shirts as they are made in labs.
Though each of them is equally useful, the choice depends upon the consumer’s requirements. This guide explains everything you need to know about cotton and performance shirts and what makes them different.
What are Cotton Shirts?
Cotton shirts are obtained from natural vegetable fiber. This fiber is derived from the seedpod of the cotton plant. The fiber is then spun to obtain thread to convert it into a soft, breathable fabric known as cotton.
The majority of breathable shirts available in the market are completely or partially made of cotton. Cotton shirts are hypoallergenic making them perfect for rash or itchy skin.
What are Performance Shirts?
The material of performance shirts differs according to the requirements of both the manufacturer and the consumer. The common materials used in the manufacturing of these shirts are
- Polyester: it is a type of fabric great for kicking away the moisture from the body. Polyester is a strong material with the ability to uphold its shape even after being washed.
- Spandex: this fabric is stretchy and allows free body movement. It also evaporates moisture and helps to keep skin cool during summer.
- Rayon: it is a lightweight and breathable material. However, Rayon is more like polyester in its features.
- Nylon: this fabric keeps you cool and also comprises great wicking properties.
- Synthetic Blend: made by blending multiple fabrics, it is a special material used to make performance shirts. For example, a shirt made with blendable fabric could be made of 86%polyester and 14% spandex blend, etc.
- Synthetic Cotton: well-known for its moisture-absorbing capabilities, cotton is also a component used to manufacture performance shirts. This fabric comprises small pores and is highly absorbent to sweat without giving a sticky and uncomfortable feel.
Difference Between Cotton and Performance Shirts
Cotton is a cheap, durable, and natural form of fabric. High-quality cotton wear can last up to months. Cotton is a natural product and is spurned into the yarn which makes it easy to look at every thread. The tiny air pockets between these threads make them more breathable. Pure cotton is also a durable fabric and can hold better to a dye.
A good quality cotton fabric does not have any gaps in it. The length of each fabric of cotton and how finely they are amalgamated determines how fine the cotton is and it directly affects the quality of the fabric.
Performance shirts on the other hand are made with completely different materials and technology to evaporate sweat and moisture. These shirts also comprise anti-microbial properties, making them more sweat and odor-resistant during summer. These shirts also have better perspiration build-up properties throughout the warmer days.
These shirts are also wrinkle-resistant and have anti-wrinkling properties which makes them both lightweight and comfortable. Performance shirts as suggested by their names are the best gym wear. They prevent staining of armpits when sweating which makes them a great alternative to traditional gym wear.
The exact composition of these shirts varies according to the brand and come in both long and short-sleeved shirts.
What Makes the Performance Shirts Better?
Cotton has many advantages over its counterparts. From bed sheets to fashionable clothes, cotton has been there for centuries. Cotton is a natural fabric that blends into versatile materials making them more durable, breathable, and comfortable. It is produced on a large scale throughout the globe and is easily accessible and affordable.
While its fabric structure is perfect for summer, cotton also provides an additional layer of insulation during winter. Unlike polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics cotton is not made with petrochemicals. As a result, it does not release microplastics when being washed.
Additionally, cotton is equally versatile to be used in silky soft dresses to stiffer shirts. It can also be woven to a different thickness which helps to give it more warmth, softness, and strength. It is harvested during autumn and takes 5 to 6 months to be prepared making them natural and 0 to no waste products.
However, there are certain disadvantages too. Cotton does not hold dye well and bleeds when being washed. It is also easily prone to get wrinkled and shrinks in hot water. Its material is also not sustainable as according to the Made-by Environmental Benchmark of Fabrics cotton is ranked an E-grade fabric rendering to its sustainability.
Performance shirts are lightweight and woven to allow the effective evaporation of sweat from the fabric. These apparel are designed to take moisture away from your skin when you sweat during intense workouts while keeping you dry.
Unlike cotton, which soaks up sweat and gets heavier, performance shirts let the moisture evaporate through the garment’s outer layer. Since it is 100% polyester fabric, the shirt stays light and dry throughout your workout and prevents chafing when rubbing against your skin.
Performance shirts are made with advanced technology and are best for optimum workout sessions. These shirts have all the benefits of a good and breathable dress and keep color intact for a longer period.
Difference Between Cotton and Performance Shirt in Terms of Embroidery
Embroidering on cotton shirts versus performance shirts involves considering fabric characteristics for optimal results. Cotton, a natural fiber, provides a textured surface conducive to detailed embroidery details. However, it’s prone to wrinkling and demands careful upkeep. Performance shirts, often made of synthetic materials like polyester, offer a smoother embroidery canvas. However, their stretch and sheen may impact design outcomes.
Choosing between the two depends on factors like aesthetic preferences, comfort, and the garment’s intended use. Cotton delivers a timeless appeal, while performance shirts cater to activewear with anti-sweat functionality. Selecting the appropriate fabric aligns with achieving the desired technical and visual aspects in embroidered designs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shirt
- The quality, softness, moisture-wicking capacity, and breathability of the fabric.
- The type of screen printing or embroidery you want. Even though we can do embroidery digitizing and provide vector art for any fabric.
- The purpose of these shirts.
- Your budget per item.
- The style and expectation of the person who is going to wear them.
Conclusion
Cotton shirts have been in fashion for decades. They are loved and adored by everyone who loves lightweight and breathable fabrics. However, the performance shirts are better, especially for those who have a daily hardcore workout and training routine. It can keep them dry and fresh while allowing better mobility. Still, it’s not environmentally friendly and may cause skin irritation to some people because of its chemical composition. Thus, if you want a sustainable lifestyle and natural products cotton is your best option.
