Comparison: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer for Custom Cheer T-Shirts

100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends: Choosing Fabrics for Custom Cheer T-Shirts

When designing custom cheer t-shirts, selecting the right fabric is crucial for comfort, performance, durability, and appearance. The three most common options—100% cotton, 50/50 cotton-polyester blends, and tri-blends—each offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the best choice for your squad.

100% Cotton

Pros:
– Soft and Breathable: Cotton is naturally soft against the skin and highly breathable, making it ideal for warm environments or cheer routines that generate body heat.
– Classic Feel: Offers a traditional, familiar T-shirt texture that many people prefer for everyday wear.
– Eco-Friendly Option: Cotton is biodegradable and often considered a more sustainable choice, especially when organic.

Cons:
– Prone to Shrinking: 100% cotton garments are more likely to shrink in the wash, especially if not pre-shrunk.
– Less Durable: Over time, cotton can wear out faster, particularly with frequent washing and high-impact use.
– Wrinkles Easily: Requires more ironing or steaming to maintain a crisp appearance—important for game days or competitions.
– Absorbs Moisture: While breathable, cotton holds sweat, which can lead to discomfort during intense routines.

Best For: Casual squad shirts, fan merchandise, or events where maximum breathability is valued over performance.

50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend

Pros:
– Durability: The polyester adds strength, making the fabric more resistant to wear, shrinking, and pilling.
– Moisture Wicking: Polyester helps wick sweat away from the body, keeping cheerleaders drier during performances.
– Low Maintenance: Resists wrinkles and shrinkage better than 100% cotton, making it ideal for frequent washing.
– Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than tri-blends while offering a good balance of comfort and function.

Cons:
– Less Breathable: Not as breathable as pure cotton, which may cause discomfort in hot conditions.
– Texture: Can feel slightly synthetic or less soft compared to cotton or tri-blends.

Best For: High-use cheer shirts, practice wear, or uniforms that need to withstand frequent laundering and active movement.

Tri-Blend (Typically 50% Polyester, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon)

Pros:
– Luxurious Softness: Tri-blends are known for their ultra-soft, smooth texture—often compared to vintage or high-end tees.
– Excellent Drape: The rayon adds a slight stretch and fluid drape, resulting in a flattering, comfortable fit.
– Moisture Management: A good balance of breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
– Reduced Shrinkage: More stable than 100% cotton and less prone to shrinking.

Cons:
– Higher Cost: Tri-blend fabrics are typically more expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Less Durable: While soft, they may be more susceptible to pilling and wear over time with heavy use.
– Care Sensitivity: Requires gentler washing (cold water, low heat drying) to maintain quality and prevent damage.

Best For: Performance uniforms, photo shirts, or special events where a premium look and feel are desired.

Final Tips for Choosing

• Consider the Use: Will the shirts be worn during intense stunts and tumbling (opt for 50/50 or tri-blend), or are they for casual fan wear (100% cotton works well)?
• Think About Climate: In hotter regions, breathability (cotton or tri-blend) matters more. In variable conditions, moisture-wicking blends perform better.
• Budget Matters: Tri-blends offer luxury but at a higher price. 50/50 blends provide a smart compromise between cost and performance.
• Test a Sample: Order a sample shirt in each fabric to feel the difference and assess print quality before placing a large order.

By weighing comfort, durability, care, and budget, you can confidently select the perfect fabric to keep your cheer team looking sharp and feeling great—on and off the mat.

How to Get the Best Price for Custom Cheer T-Shirts (Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)

Ordering custom cheer t-shirts in bulk can be a significant cost, but with smart planning and insider knowledge, you can maximize your savings without sacrificing quality. Here’s how to secure the best price on your next bulk order.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks for Maximum Savings

Most screen printing and apparel companies offer discounted pricing when you order larger quantities. Understanding and strategically using these “quantity breaks” is key to getting the best deal.

• Know the Thresholds: Common quantity breaks occur at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72+ units. Always ask your supplier for their specific pricing tiers. For example, ordering 48 shirts might cost $8 each, while 72 could drop to $6.50 each—saving you hundreds overall.
• Consolidate Orders: Combine orders from multiple squads, teams, or events to hit higher quantity tiers. For instance, ordering cheer uniforms, spirit wear, and fundraiser shirts together can unlock better pricing.
• Buy in Advance: Plan ahead for upcoming seasons or events. Larger early orders qualify for better per-unit pricing than last-minute small batches.
• Mix and Match Within Limits: Some vendors allow size and color variations within the same design without affecting the bulk price—just confirm this policy upfront.

Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Printing Costs

The complexity of your design directly impacts the final price. Simple, smart artwork choices keep costs low and turnaround fast.

• Limit Print Colors: Each additional ink color requires a separate screen and setup fee. Stick to 1–3 colors (especially if using lighter shirts) to minimize expenses.
• Use Vector Art: Provide artwork in vector formats (AI, EPS, SVG) for crisp, scalable prints. Raster images (JPG, PNG) may need costly redrawing if low resolution.
• Simplify the Design: Avoid tiny text, intricate gradients, or photo-realistic elements. Bold, clean graphics with solid colors print better and cheaper.
• Standard Print Locations: Chest prints are typically the most affordable. Large back prints or all-over designs increase labor and ink use, raising the price.
• Get Artwork Approval Early: Confirm your design with the printer before production to avoid costly reprints due to errors or resizing issues.

By combining smart bulk ordering with print-friendly artwork, your cheer squad can look amazing—and stay on budget. Always get quotes from multiple vendors and ask about special discounts for schools or nonprofits to ensure you’re getting the absolute best deal.