Tri-blends have only been on the market since the mid-2000s, but in that time have become a favorite for those who love soft, lightweight t-shirts. We've recently declared tri-blend to be the world's softest T-shirt material.
This article provides a quick guide to the tri-blend t-shirt: what it's made of and the features people love about it. We also give you our recommendations and answer the most common questions about this fabulous fabric.
What is a tri-blend shirt?
Tri-blend is a fabric type combining cotton, polyester, and rayon to make t-shirts and other apparel that are soft, durable, flexible, and lightweight. They typically have a vintage, dappled look known as "heathered" and are more form-fitting than standard tees.
Tri-blend materials
Tri-blend fabric is a blend made by combining cotton, polyester, and rayon. These three materials each have their strengths (and a few weaknesses). But together, they form a best-of-three-worlds fabric that's become hugely popular, especially for merchandise/retail and sportswear.
The standard ratio of materials in a tri-blend is 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon, although it may vary slightly among brands.
- Cotton: The world's favorite fabric plays a starring role, providing natural softness and comfort, along with being excellent for printing on.
- Polyester: This popular synthetic fabric brings more durability and breathability to the mix, along with anti-wrinkling and anti-stain properties.
- Rayon: This newer textile, developed as an alternative to silk, adds a bit of flexibility, drape (flowy-ness), and, yes, silky smooth softness.
For more about the different t-shirt fabrics, check out our comparison of polyester, cotton, and 50/50 blends.
Tri-blend shirt features
Most tri-blends on the market share the following features:
- Soft: While the top shirts compete for absolute softness, every tri-blend out there is soft to a degree and typically much softer than the average tee.
- Smooth: Tri-blends are considered premium tees, typically made with ringspun cotton and 30 singles or more for an exceptionally smooth print surface.
- Lightweight: Most tri-blends have a light fabric weight, ranging from 4.1 oz down to 3 oz. Some shirts are so light they are semi-transparent.
- Semi-fitted: Whether you call it slim fit, fashion fit, or just fitted, tri-blends contour the body more than their counterparts. Most feature side-seams.
- Semi-flowy: While not quite as flowy as silk or viscose, tri-blends have better drape and movement than cotton or polyester because of the rayon.
- Heathered: The speckled appearance comes from the three different materials in tri-blends taking dye differently. There are now solid-color tri-blends available.
- Price point: Let's be real, tri-blends have a higher price point than their standard counterparts. But you get what you pay for, and they are still affordable.
Printing on tri-blends
The important thing about customizing tri-blends is to avoid using a lot of ink. Large prints with mostly solid areas will weigh down these lightweight tees. Use designs with fine lines, less filled-in areas, and smaller print sizes for best results.
Recommended print methods
- Screen printing: Always the best bet for tri-blends, traditional screen printing has the most versatility, and the ink sits naturally on the fabric's surface. Keep the ink coverage low and the print size smaller, and you'll have the perfect printed tee.
- DTF printing: Best for unlimited colors, photographic designs, and crisp details. Keep designs on the smaller side so the transfer stays light on the fabric.
Print methods to avoid
- Vinyl and printed vinyl: Too heavy, it weighs the shirt down, and the edges of the design can appear slightly pinched because of the characteristics of the fabric.
- Embroidery: Again, too heavy for the fabric and the same pinching issue. The one exception would be a small logo embroidered onto the edge of the sleeve or the upper back near the collar.
Pro tip: Use a distressed effect
For a lightweight, flexible print with added breathability and less ink deposited, use a distressed effect that breaks up the print surface. Plus, it gives your design a distinctly retro/vintage look that works especially well on tri-blend shirts. Learn how to use a distressed effect.
The top 3 tri-blend shirts
Now the important question: which tri-blend t-shirts are the best? We've learned a thing or two from being in business for 20 years, and we have the answer.
1. Bella+Canvas tri-blend t-shirt
There's a clear winner, and it's the Bella+Canvas 3413C. On top of being incredibly soft, it's spun from 40 singles yarn (similar to a high thread count), giving it a super smooth print surface.
Bella+Canvas has perfected the tri-blend. These unisex tees come in a wide range of colors, have a great retail fit, and have a competitive price point.
For more, check out our recent comparison of Bella+Canvas vs Next Level.
Bella + Canvas Tri-Blend T-Shirt
- +61 colors
A lightly textured, print-friendly surface and pre-shrunk fabric make it a dependable pick for retail merch and brand drops. Print with no minimum, from one tee to a full run.
433 reviews
2. District tri-blend t-shirt
American Apparel's Track T-shirt pioneered tri-blends in the mid-2000s, but with it no longer in our catalog, the District Perfect Tri Tee (DM130) takes second place. This 4.5 oz. blend of 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, and 25% rayon feels soft and breathable, with a rib-knit neck and shoulder-to-shoulder taping that help it hold its shape.
District built its reputation on fashion-forward basics, and the Perfect Tri is one of our best-selling tri-blends, making it an easy pick for retail merch, events, and everyday wear.
District Perfect Tri Tee
- +44 colors
A lightweight, breathable feel makes it ideal for warm-weather events, layering, and everyday wear, with a tear-away label for easy comfort. Print with no minimum.
25 reviews
3. Next Level tri-blend t-shirt
Third place means nothing to the people who consider the Next Level 6010 their favorite t-shirt. The fit is flattering, the fabric is soft, and it comes in a wide range of colors. Next Level gets many things right, and their tri-blend is one of them.
Next Level Tri-Blend T-Shirt
- +17 colors
Fabric laundered for reduced shrinkage and a baby rib-knit collar help it keep its shape wash after wash, with a tear-away label for relabeling. Print with no minimum.
219 reviews
Alternative tri-blend options
Here are two honorable mentions in the tri-blend category. One at a lower price point, one made in the USA.
Port & Company tri-blend t-shirt
The Port & Company Tri-Blend Tee (PC330) is an outstanding tri-blend at a lower price than the others. It has a unique ratio of 50% polyester, 37% cotton, and 13% rayon, plus a proprietary finish that gives the fabric a soft, smooth feel, making it a smart pick for events and giveaways.
Port & Co Tri-Blend Tee
- +14 colors
A 1x1 rib knit neck, shoulder-to-shoulder taping, and a removable label add durability and comfort at a budget-friendly price. Print with no minimum.
10 reviews
Volunteer Knitwear tri-blend t-shirt
If you want your tri-blend made in the USA, you want the Volunteer Knitwear Tri Tee (VL40). It's knit in the USA from a 4.5 oz. blend of polyester, combed ring-spun cotton, and rayon, with a slightly slimmer body and shorter sleeves for a modern fit. The price point is higher, which is typical for anything made stateside. For those who wish to actively support US manufacturing, it's a small price to pay. 🇺🇸
Volunteer Knitwear Tri Tee
Set-in sleeves and a tear-away label give it clean lines for printing and easy relabeling for retail. Print with no minimum, from one tee to a full run.
6 reviews
Are tri-blend shirts for you?
If you love t-shirts that are soft and lightweight, with form-fitting comfort and flexibility, you should definitely go with tri-blends. They've become the go-to shirt for merchandise and retail, especially among those who want a retro/vintage look. We hope this quick guide has given you the necessary information to create your custom tri-blend.
Tri-blend FAQs
Short answers to a few of the most common questions about tri-blends:
Are tri-blend shirts expensive?
While the price point is generally higher than standard tees and considerably higher than budget tees, they are still affordable for custom printing. Ideal for retail, merch, and company shirts, they have a much higher perceived value.
Do tri-blend shirts shrink?
Not really. Although almost every T-shirt shrinks slightly after washing, tri-blends hold their size and shape much better than the rest and less than the 2% industry standard. Just make sure you follow proper washing and drying guidelines.
CVC vs. tri-blend: what's the difference?
CVC shirts are an affordable alternative to tri-blends. CVC stands for "chief value cotton," so there's always more than 50% cotton blended with polyester (no rayon). They are soft, lightweight, and heathered, but lack the tri-blend drape.
About the Author
A graduate of the Multimedia program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Imri Merritt is an industry veteran with over 20 years of graphic design and color separations experience in the screen printing industry.