Cotton and lyocell are both popular t-shirt fabrics, but they have very different properties. This guide helps you choose the right one for your brand.
Cotton: The Classic Choice
- Natural fiber, widely available, affordable
- Breathable, soft (especially combed cotton)
- Works with all printing methods
- Can shrink if not pre-shrunk
- Conventional cotton has high water usage
Lyocell (Tencel): The Premium Eco Choice
- Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp
- Incredibly soft, silky hand feel
- Excellent moisture-wicking and temperature regulation
- More expensive than cotton
- Requires special care in washing
- Closed-loop production process (eco-friendly)
Head-to-Head
- Softness: Lyocell wins u2014 silkier and smoother
- Durability: Cotton wins u2014 more wash-resistant
- Printability: Cotton wins u2014 works with all methods
- Sustainability: Lyocell wins u2014 closed-loop production
- Price: Cotton wins u2014 significantly cheaper
- Comfort: Tie u2014 cotton is breathable; lyocell is cooling
Best For
- Cotton: Everyday wear, streetwear, printed tees, budget-friendly lines
- Lyocell: Premium basics, eco-conscious brands, activewear, luxury lines
Conclusion
Cotton for versatility and value; lyocell for premium eco positioning. Request fabric swatches to compare.
This article was reviewed by our manufacturing team. OEM T-shirts is a professional t-shirt manufacturer with 10+ years of experience, serving 500+ brands worldwide. Learn more about our factory or view our quality certifications.