We all prefer wearing comfortable dresses, right? Manufacturers use different materials to make shirts that feel easy to wear. They use either pure or mixed cotton. But many people seem lost when it comes to pure cotton vs cotton blend shirts. Remember, both of these materials give shirts unique properties.
Some people consider these materials the same, which is wrong. Shirts made with pure cotton are premium and more expensive. However, blended cotton shirts, being inexpensive, offer many unique advantages. If you don’t know about them, don’t worry! I’ll discuss the differences between pure and blended cotton shirts. So, let’s have a start!
Overview of Pure & Blend Cotton Shirts
Pure cotton shirts are made of 100% cotton. On the other hand, blended cotton shirts don’t only rely on cotton. Instead, they use some synthetic fibers along with cotton. For example, they can consist of 60% cotton and 40% polyester fiber. Cotton is the base material in both of these shirts.
First, cotton is a natural fiber. It is generally taken from plants and trees. Remember, cotton is not a new material. Instead, it has been in use for many centuries. Its use in the fabric industry started in the 1770s. This material has many unique properties, such as softness and breathability. However, pure cotton is costly.
On the flip side, the blended shirts consist of non-natural fibers. These synthetic fibers are not very old. They first came into existence in the 1940s and 1950s. Examples of these fibers include nylon, acrylic, and linen. They are artificially made and used in fabrics due to their specific properties. They are less expensive than pure cotton material.
These fibers are manufactured artificially using different chemicals. The blended cotton shirts consist of both cotton and non-natural fibers. Those can be anything like polyester, linen, or modal. However, cotton is generally in higher quantity in these cotton blended shirts. Remember, manufacturers use synthetic fibers based on their properties.
For example, they can use polyester fiber for durability in their shirts. Similarly, cotton is mixed with spandex when elasticity is required. Shirts with a higher synthetic fiber content will have more prominent properties of this synthetic fiber. The differences between pure and blended cotton shirts are due to their composition.
Differences Between Pure Cotton & Cotton Blend shirts
In the section above, I mentioned some basics of pure and blended cotton. Have you got an initial understanding of both of these materials? Our main topic is to explore how shirts made with these materials vary. Let’s dive in and discuss the prominent differences between these shirts.
1- Comfort & Breathability
Cotton is a very soft natural fiber. A shirt made with this material also feels very soothing to the skin. Due to its softness, cotton is considered a premium material. Moreover, it is highly breathable. This means that air can flow through cotton shirts, making them very comfortable in hot weather.
On the flip side, the blended cotton shirts are not very soft. They include synthetic fabrics, which are a bit rough. Additionally, these synthetic fibers reduce the breathability of the shirt. So air does not pass through the blended cotton shirt. You won’t feel comfortable wearing such shirts in the summer season. Shirts made with pure cotton are premium and very comfortable.
Quick Highlight: Blend cotton shirts suit winter or chilly weather. The synthetic fibers are not breathable, so cold air cannot flow through them. So, wearing them in the cold will save you from the cold. However, regarding comfort, pure cotton-made shirts are superior to their counterparts.
2- Durability & Longevity
Synthetic fibers are generally vigorous and durable. Manufacturers only use those synthetic fibers known for their durability. Combining pure cotton with synthetic fibers makes the blend shirts very durable. They can easily withstand many washes. Using them regularly does not affect their quality for long.
On the flip side, cotton is premium but fragile. Its softness comes with the drawback of low durability. Cotton shirts lose their shape and quality after a few months of use. Moreover, they can degrade quickly if washed in hot or cold water. However, blended cotton shirts are excellent for durability and longevity.
3- Wrinkle Resistance
Cotton shirts are more prone to wrinkling. For example, you wear a cotton shirt. Initially, the shirt looks very smooth. But after some time, you’ll notice that your dress has lost its sharpness and has many wrinkles. So, ironing will be needed to remove those wrinkles. This is due to their excellent softness.
Natural fibers lack hardness, so they fail to maintain shape. On the flip side, cotton blend shirts retain their shape. The synthetic fibers are excellent at keeping them in good form for a long time. You won’t feel the need to iron the shirt again and again. Ironing once a day will be enough to keep it in excellent shape.
You won’t have any issues, as the shirt won’t get wrinkles. Have you ever seen some cotton dresses that keep ironing for almost the whole day? Those dresses mainly consist of blended cotton, which is a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. In short, pure cotton shirts are less resistant to wrinkles.
4- Moisture / Sweat Wicking
Pure cotton does not wick moisture. If moisture comes on it, it stays on the cotton for a bit longer. So, the shirt becomes damp. The reason is that natural fibers start to absorb moisture. This is especially not good in hot weather when you sweat a lot. Your shirt will become wet very quickly.
The counterpart (blend cotton shirts) has excellent moisture-wicking capability. In simple words, the synthetic fibers don’t absorb moisture. So, the moisture evaporates more quickly and leaves the shirt’s surface. This is very helpful in the summer season. Your sweat will be wicked away very quickly.
Quick Highlight: Some people wonder how to wash these shirts. Remember, there is no particular difference when it comes to washing. You can put both in the washing machine. However, don’t use too hot water. It can affect the quality of a pure cotton shirt.
5- Maintaining Colors
This factor is closely related to the durability of these two shirts. As I said above, pure cotton shirts are less durable. Washing and ironing them deteriorates their quality. Fading of their color is a more prominent issue once they get old. Three reasons increase their chances of their color fading:
- Regular iron (A few times a day)
- Washing aggressively and using soaps
- Leaving them under the sun when the cloth is dried
On the flip side, synthetic fibers are excellent for keeping colors. Therefore, blend shirts don’t lose their color. Even if you keep using them under the sun for a long time, they won’t have any issues. It is no secret that pure cotton shirts require care. If you use them recklessly, their quality will be affected.
Quick Highlight: Some believe blend shirts don’t fade color, which is wrong. Their color also fades, but their fading of color happens after a very long time. Every fabric loses color over time. The blended cotton shirts are no exception but happen after prolonged use. However, they offer a better life in terms of color-keeping than their counterparts.
6- Allergies & Sensitivity
Are you a person with allergic or sensitive skin? If so, you’ll love wearing pure cotton shirts. Let me explain why. Cotton is a soft material. When it touches the skin, it feels soothing. These fabrics won’t irritate your skin. Above all, it is breathable and allows the passage of air. So, your skin will get fresh air even if covered with this shirt.
This reduces the chances of Allergy or any other issues. On the contrary, the blended cotton shirts are less soft. The synthetic fibers add a bit more hardness to the cloth. This hardness is good as the cloth becomes less prone to wrinkles. But this hardness of fabric blocks the passage of air. So, your skin will feel less comfortable and more allergic.
Quick Disclaimer: My above observations are based on my own experience. If you have a severe skin issue, I highly recommend asking your doctor for the best advice. Generally, the pure cotton dress and shirts are more comfortable. Just to be on the safe side, asking advice from your doctor is the best thing.
7- Cost & Affordability
Pure cotton is expensive because it is a natural fiber. It cannot be made artificially; instead, it is extracted from plants or trees. The extraction process takes time and effort, so the cost of this material is high. So, shirts made with pure cotton are costly. However, their softness and comfort are worth the price.
On the other hand, synthetic fibers are inexpensive. They can be made quickly and do not take long, so their cost is low. So, manufacturers mix some synthetic fibers with pure cotton to produce inexpensive. These shirts are around 50 to 60 percent cotton; the rest are synthetic fibers. This combination of materials makes shirts very affordable.
Almost all men’s tee shirt manufacturers offer low-cost blended cotton shirts. The primary reason behind this is that synthetic fibers are inexpensive. But these shirts come with some drawbacks. They are less comfortable and do not allow flow through them. Shirts made with pure cotton fall in the premium category.
Pure Cotton vs Cotton Blend Shirts: Which One Should You Choose?
There is no single answer to this question. Both types of shirts are common in the market. Pure cotton shirts are soft, comfortable, and premium, but they are costly. Shirts made with blended cotton are less expensive, but their overall feel is not premium. They are a good option if you use shirts aggressively.
Generally, pure cotton shirts are counted as luxury things. Their softness makes them very soothing to the skin. People with more money prefer purchasing pure cotton shirts. You should buy cotton shirts if:
- You want comfort
- Don’t care about budget
- Need a shirt for a short period
- Have sensitive skin, or are you allergic to fabric
The blended cotton shirts are also decent options. However, their use is typical among people who prefer durability in their dressing. These shirts consist of artificial fibers that are more durable and strong. So, these shirts can be with you for several months without fading colors. You should buy a blend cotton shirt if:
- You have a tight budget
- Want a durable shirt with a long life
- Hate wrinkles and don’t want to iron my shirts again and again
Both of these materials have their pros and cons. There is no one fit for all when it comes to cotton shirts. It is all about what you like and prefer. Want to know my opinion? I would recommend the combination of both shirts. I would buy a few pure cotton shirts and some blended cotton shirts. Why? Because I’ll be able to wear it as per my mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can blended cotton fabrics cause allergies or skin irritation?
Generally, they don’t cause allergies to normal skin. However, if you are sensitive, they can. The reason is that they use artificial fibers in their composition. These fibers are stuffy and stop the flow of air. The skin gets very low in the air and gets allergic.
Do blended cotton fabrics shrink like pure cotton?
The blended cotton shirts also shrink, but not as quickly as the pure cotton shirts. Their artificial fibers keep their shape for a long time.
What are the pros and cons of pure cotton shirts?
Their pros include softness, comfort, premium feel, and more breathability. Their high price has more cons. Moreover, they are less durable and less resistant to wrinkles.
What are the pros and cons of blended cotton shirts?
They are inexpensive and resistant to color fading and wrinkles. However, they are less comfortable than pure cotton shirts. Wearing such shorts increases the chances of allergies if you have sensitive skin.
Conclusion
This article is not about favoring one-shirt material. I aimed to educate you about when you should choose what. Both of these shirts are excellent and serve their purpose. You can have both of them in your wardrobe. However, your buying decisions should be based on logic. In this article, I explain their fundamental differences. So, remember which shirt will be a perfect fit when buying a shirt.