It is a little known fact that different types of t-shirts will produce different results when printed. As with most things the rule of 'you get what you pay for' applies to printed garments. When it comes to 100% cotton t-shirts there are two basic categories. The first and most common, also the cheaper option, is 'open end' cotton. This category is used in most basic entry level tees. The second and slightly more expensive option is 'ring-spun' cotton. Ring-spun cotton may cost anywhere from $1.00- $2.50 more than a basic tee, but the resulting print is noticeably better. The reason for the quality difference is in the cotton fibers. Ring-spun cotton maintains a tighter weave with less stray fibers, which tend to stick up and interrupt the print causing small particles of ink to deposit outside of the design area. A good way to think about it is like a paint canvas. If there were stray pieces of canvas sticking up here and there it would be impossible to make a brush stroke with out having paint end up where you did not want it. For imprinted garments the t-shirt is our canvas and the canvas directly effects the quality of the finished product. So next time you are ordering printed tees keep ring-spun tees in mind. If you want the best print possible then it is the only way to go. For high quality prints we recommend ring-spun garments from Bella/Canvas and American Apparel.
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