In Search of the Perfect T-Shirt
I want the very best shirts available for my equestrian brand that still make them accessible and budget-friendly for everyone. I truly dislike cheap, harsh-feeling cotton shirts, and I am more than willing to accept a smaller profit margin on each shirt sold if it means providing better quality. Recently, I have added a selection of shirts by Bella + Canvas. I appreciate their incredible softness and the colors they provide. While they may be slightly more expensive to purchase initially, I wholeheartedly believe they are worth the investment for the comfort and style they bring.
I stayed away from Bella + Canvas for a long time their sizes tend to run really small. Then, I found their 6400cvc relaxed heather CVC shirt. This shirt’s sizing is more consistent with what is expected.
This search made we wonder what the difference was between brands and materials they use.
This is what I have learned without boring you with details. Combed, ring spun cotton is softer than just ring-spun cotton, which is again softer than normally processed cotton. Bella + Canvas has Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, where only longer cotton fibers are spun. This, according to them results in even smoother softer material. With more processing and added benefits comes more cost. The cheaper equestrianT-shirt may not retain its look, be as soft or may shrink more.
I prefer heathered shirts as I find it gives them more visual appeal. The heathered effect is made using polyester fibers with cotton. The polyester also makes the shirts softer. Bonus.
Whether the shirt has a side seam or not also makes a difference. Less expensive shirts are made from a tube of material. This means there isn’t any shape to the shirt, and the back and the front are the same. For a better fitting shirt, look for one with side seams.
What about 100% polyester? This is commonly used in athletic shirts and our equestrian sunshirts. It is light, soft, wicks moisture, dries quickly, is odor resistant, and doesn’t shrink or wrinkle. It is a more expensive option.
The best material for casual equestrian clothing is a blend of fabrics. Cotton, polyester, and other man-made fibers combined to benefit from the qualities all fabric types possess. For athletic purposes, more or all polyester fabric is preferred.
