Cotton vs Polyester: Which is Best for Sportswear?
When it comes to choosing the right sportswear, one question always comes up: Cotton or Polyester – which is better?
Whether you’re ordering uniforms for your team, creating custom gym tees for an event, or stocking your brand with high-performance wear, the fabric you choose can impact comfort, durability, and performance.
At Habitus Sportswear, we help businesses make informed decisions for their bulk apparel needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s best for your brand.
1. Comfort: Cotton Wins for Softness
Cotton is a natural fiber known for its soft feel and breathability. It’s ideal for casual wear, light workouts, or promotional tees where comfort is the top priority.
Pros of Cotton:
- Breathable and gentle on skin
- Absorbs sweat (but doesn’t dry quickly)
- Great for daily wear and low-intensity activities
Best For: Gifting tees, branded office wear, casual uniforms
2. Performance: Polyester Dominates for Sports
Polyester is a synthetic fiber designed for high performance. It’s lightweight, moisture-wicking, and holds its shape even after heavy activity and repeated washing.
Pros of Polyester:
- Dries quickly and resists shrinking
- Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and long-lasting
- Keeps athletes dry and cool during workouts
Best For: Sports uniforms, gym wear, marathon or event kits, active wear collections
3. Durability: Polyester is Tougher
Polyester outperforms cotton when it comes to longevity and colour retention. It resists wear and tear — perfect for teams or companies that need gear that lasts.
4. Printing & Branding
Both fabrics can be customized, but polyester holds sublimation prints and bold designs better — ideal for vibrant logos and all-over prints. Cotton works well for screen prints and embroidery.
5. Eco & Feel Factor
Today, many brands opt for blends (like cotton-poly) to combine the best of both. There are also organic cotton and recycled polyester options for those with sustainability in mind.
✅ Final Verdict: Choose Based on Purpose
| Use Case | Best Fabric |
| Daily Office/Gifting Tees | Cotton |
| Active wear & Gym Apparel | Polyester |
| Sports Teams & Marathons | Polyester |
| Eco-Friendly Branding | Organic Cotton / Recycled Poly |
| Promotional Events | Cotton or Blend |
💡 Tip from Habitus:
Want the best of both worlds? Ask us about our cotton-poly blends that offer comfort with performance — ideal for businesses that want durable, breathable, and stylish teamwear.
📞 Let’s Help You Choose the Right Fabric!
At Habitus Sportswear, we manufacture and supply high-quality sportswear in cotton, polyester, and custom blends — tailored for your brand. Contact us today to request mock-ups, samples or fabric swatches for your next order.
🔗 Explore Our Custom Sportswear Range → www.habitustees.com