There are small comforts in life that truly can make a difference in one’s day. There’s nothing like sipping on a warm cup of coffee on a brisk morning or lying under a fluffy, heavy blanket while watching your favorite movie. A beautiful morning jog or a sunset stroll can make a positive impact on your day, just like wearing your favorite tee can…and the material your favorite tee is made of can make all the difference.
If you’re searching for the softest tee material to connect your community of supporters, or even add to your own closet, this guide is for you. We’ll go over the four softest materials currently available to help you find the best fit for you and your custom tee.
What Makes a Shirt Soft?
Besides providing a smooth feeling against your skin, wearing a soft shirt means you have better breathability and comfort throughout your day. Your tee’s softness can be affected by factors like fiber length, processing methods (such as combed or ring-spun), and blends that impact hand-feel.
You can determine t-shirt fabric softness by asking these three questions:
- Does the material have a smooth surface?
- Is there minimal scratchiness?
- Does the shirt feel pleasant against the skin during wear?
Soft shirts offer natural breathability, moisture absorption, and anti-irritation properties, which are essential for that all-day comfort and wearability.
Tri-Blend Fabric: The Overall Softest Blend for Shirts
Tri-blend fabrics are often considered the softest fabric options available for shirts. Typically made of a blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon, they offer a unique feel, drape, and performance.
Fabric specifications tri-blend:
- Often made from a blend of 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon
- They have a lightweight feel with an effortless drape
- Superior softness, offering ultimate comfort and wearability
CVC Blends: Affordable Softness with Polyester Strength
Chief Value Cotton (CVC) blends are a practical balance between softness, durability, and value. These shirts offer the softness and comfort of a cotton tee, while the polyester helps retain shape, avoid wrinkles, and make care simple. They are particularly popular for budget-conscious buyers and are great for group apparel!
Fabric specifications of CVC blends:
- CVC blends combine 60% cotton and 40% polyester
- Designed to be softer than plain cotton while remaining cost-effective
- Offers affordable softness with the added strength and wrinkle resistance from polyester
100% Cotton Varieties: Classic Comfort with High-Quality Options
When thinking about t-shirts and ultra comfort, there’s no doubt that one’s mind automatically goes to all-cotton t-shirts. 100% cotton is often considered the best shirt choice for natural breathability, softness, and comfort.
Fabric specifications of 100% cotton:
- 100% cotton tees offer a range of options, from standard cotton to premium types like Egyptian and Supima cotton
- These premium varieties feature longer fibers for even greater softness
- Your choice depends on your comfort needs and budget
Combed Ring-Spun Cotton: Smooth Texture for Printing and Comfort
Combed ring-spun cotton feels smoother than typical cotton, making it great for high-quality, custom-printed shirts.
Fabric specifications of combed ring-spun cotton:
- Cotton fibers are combed to remove broken fibers and impurities, and then spun to create strong yarn. This produces a fabric that is softer, smoother, and more uniform than regular cotton
- A popular option for printed t-shirts because it provides a premium canvas for graphics and logos
- A top soft shirt fabric for those prioritizing both comfort and design clarity
What’s the Best Soft Shirt for You?
In the end, your best choice will come down to what’s most important to you and your needs. Factors like budget, desired softness, sustainability, durability, print needs, and personal comfort will help you narrow it down to the best soft tee for you.
Want to explore more? Take a look at the soft styles Bonfire offers in our catalog. Once you’re ready, head over to our Design Tool to see your masterpiece on your choice of soft tee.
Design, sell, and order the softest custom shirts with Bonfire
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the softest material for t-shirts?
The softest materials for t-shirts are tri-blend fabrics and high-quality cottons like Pima or Supima, which feature extra-long fibers for superior softness and comfort.
Is 100% cotton or a polyester blend softer?
100% cotton is typically softer than polyester blends, though blends can offer additional benefits like wrinkle resistance, stretch, and easy care.
Does cotton get softer with washing?
Yes, cotton t-shirts naturally get softer with each wash, developing a comfortable, lived-in feel over time.
What is the difference between regular cotton and Pima cotton?
Pima cotton has extra-long fibers that make it softer, stronger, and more resistant to pilling and fading than regular cotton.
What fabric is best for sensitive skin?
Natural materials like 100% cotton and sustainable options such as organic cotton or bamboo fabric are best for sensitive skin because they are breathable and gentle.
Written by: Katie Davis
Illustrated by: Tess Miller
