Question 1

What is a T-shirt and why are they called T-shirts?

Accepted Answer

A T-shirt is a casual garment shaped like the letter 'T', with a round neckline, short sleeves, and a straight hemline. The name comes from its distinctive T-shape when laid flat. T-shirts are made from cotton, blends, or synthetic fabrics and are one of the most versatile and widely produced garments globally.

Question 2

What are the main fabric types used for T-shirts?

Accepted Answer

Common T-shirt fabrics include: 100% cotton (breathable, comfortable), cotton-polyester blends (durable, easy-care), 100% polyester (moisture-wicking, quick-dry), modal (soft, sustainable), and specialty blends like bamboo or Tencel. The choice depends on intended use, climate, durability needs, and cost.

Question 3

What's the difference between ringspun and combed cotton?

Accepted Answer

Ringspun cotton is made by tightly spinning cotton fibers together, creating a stronger, smoother yarn with fewer loose fibers. Combed cotton has had short fibers and impurities removed before spinning, resulting in a softer, more durable fabric. Both improve quality over regular cotton, with combed generally being slightly more premium.

Question 4

What are the main T-shirt printing methods?

Accepted Answer

Popular methods include: Screen printing (bold colors, bulk orders), Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing (detailed designs, short runs), Heat transfer (photo-quality, versatile), Sublimation (vibrant, all-over prints), and Embroidery (textured, premium look). Each has tradeoffs in cost, quality, and minimum order quantities.

Question 5

How are T-shirts manufactured from yarn to finished product?

Accepted Answer

The process: 1) Yarn preparation, 2) Knitting loops of yarn into fabric, 3) Desizing and washing, 4) Dyeing and finishing, 5) Cutting pattern pieces, 6) Sewing seams and sleeves, 7) Hemming, 8) Printing or embroidery (optional), 9) Quality control, 10) Labeling and packaging. Total time typically 4-8 weeks.

Question 6

What is GSM and why does it matter for T-shirts?

Accepted Answer

GSM (grams per square meter) measures fabric weight/thickness. Lightweight T-shirts: 130-150 GSM (airy, summer). Standard: 150-180 GSM (everyday wear). Heavy: 180-220+ GSM (premium, durable). Higher GSM means more durable and opaque fabric, but less breathable. The choice depends on climate, intended use, and desired durability.

Question 7

What does 'preshrunk' mean and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Preshrunk fabric has been treated with heat and/or moisture to remove residual shrinkage before garment construction. This prevents T-shirts from shrinking significantly after washing. Sanforized fabric is shrunk to less than 1% residual shrinkage, the highest standard. Always check care labels, as 100% cotton can still shrink 2-5% even if preshrunk.

Question 8

What are sustainable T-shirt options?

Accepted Answer

Eco-friendly options include: Organic cotton (no synthetic pesticides), Recycled cotton or polyester (circular economy), TENCEL/Lyocell (sustainable cellulose fiber), Hemp or Linen (lower water use), and certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade. Production impact (water, chemicals, labor) often matters as much as material choice.

The Global T-Shirt Guide

Quick Navigation

Fabrics & Fibers

Printing Methods

Global Sourcing

Sustainability

Fabrics & Fibers

100% Cotton

Cotton Blends

Polyester

Sustainable Fibers

Printing & Decoration

Screen Printing

DTG Printing

Heat Transfer

Sublimation

Global Sourcing

India

Bangladesh

Vietnam

China

Turkey

Italy

Sustainability

Certifications to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions