When ordering custom clothing in Ottawa, many focus on design, logo, or printing but fabric choice is just as important. The material affects appearance, comfort, durability, and how well prints last over time.

Whether it’s uniforms, jerseys, or fundraising apparel, the right fabric ensures your clothing looks professional and feels great to wear. At Colortex, we produce 100% Canadian-made apparel locally in Ottawa and guide clients in choosing fabrics that best support their brand and goals.

This guide reviews the most common fabrics, their pros and cons, and tips to help Ottawa businesses select the right material for custom projects.

 

Why Fabric Choice Matters

Durability

The longevity of custom clothing depends heavily on fabric. Durable materials withstand repeated washing and daily wear, ensuring that your branding remains visible for years.

Comfort & Wearability

Comfort determines whether someone will wear your branded apparel once or make it part of their regular wardrobe. Breathable fabrics like cotton or blends encourage long-term use, extending your brand’s visibility.

Print Quality

Different fabrics react differently to printing methods such as screen printing or embroidery. Some absorb ink better, while others resist fading. Choosing the right fabric ensures your logo appears sharp and vibrant.

Functionality

The intended purpose of the clothing also matters. A t-shirt for casual giveaways has different requirements than uniforms for construction workers or moisture-wicking gear for sports teams.


Common Fabrics Used in Custom Clothing

1. Cotton

  • Description: A natural fiber known for softness and breathability.

  • Pros:

    • Extremely comfortable to wear.

    • Absorbs ink well, making it ideal for screen printing.

    • Hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin.

  • Cons:

    • Prone to shrinking if not pre-shrunk.

    • May wrinkle more easily than synthetic fabrics.

  • Best for: T-shirts, casual wear, and eco-friendly branding campaigns.

2. Polyester

  • Description: A synthetic fiber valued for durability and moisture resistance.

  • Pros:

    • Strong and long-lasting.

    • Resists shrinking and wrinkling.

    • Ideal for sports and outdoor apparel thanks to its moisture-wicking properties.

  • Cons:

    • Less breathable than cotton.

    • Can feel less natural against the skin.

  • Best for: Sports jerseys, uniforms, and corporate apparel that needs to withstand heavy use.

3. Poly-Cotton Blends (50/50 or 65/35)

  • Description: A mix of cotton and polyester that combines the best features of both.

  • Pros:

    • Comfortable and breathable while still durable.

    • Resists shrinking and fading better than 100% cotton.

    • Often more affordable than pure cotton.

  • Cons:

    • May pill over time with frequent use.

  • Best for: Everyday staff uniforms, affordable promotional t-shirts, and versatile branded apparel.

4. Tri-Blends (Cotton, Polyester, Rayon)

  • Description: A luxurious blend known for its softness and fashionable look.

  • Pros:

    • Incredibly soft and lightweight.

    • Offers a “vintage” or fashion-forward feel.

    • Drapes well, making it flattering for many body types.

  • Cons:

    • More expensive than other fabrics.

    • Ink colors may appear softer or slightly faded compared to cotton.

  • Best for: Premium promotional items, fashion brands, or businesses targeting younger, trend-conscious audiences.

5. Performance Fabrics

  • Description: Advanced synthetics designed for athletics and high-performance use.

  • Pros:

    • Moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying.

    • Excellent for sports teams and activewear.

    • Retains shape even after intense use.

  • Cons:

    • Less eco-friendly unless sourced from recycled materials.

    • Higher cost compared to basic fabrics.

  • Best for: Sports teams, gyms, fitness studios, and outdoor promotional apparel.


Matching Fabric to Printing Technique

Screen Printing

Screen printing works best on cotton and poly-cotton blends, as these materials absorb ink evenly. For bright and bold logos, cotton is often the top choice.

Embroidery

Thicker fabrics such as polyester polos, sweatshirts, and jackets are ideal for embroidery, as they hold stitches firmly without puckering.

Specialty Prints

Fashion-oriented techniques like discharge printing or water-based inks work best on natural fibers like cotton or blends with high cotton content.


How Ottawa Businesses Benefit from the Right Fabric

Restaurants & Cafés

Cotton-poly blends are perfect for staff uniforms in restaurants; they're comfortable, durable, and easy to wash. Branded aprons or polos create a professional look while reinforcing brand identity.

Corporate Offices

For office staff, breathable and wrinkle-resistant fabrics like polyester blends are ideal. They maintain a polished appearance even after long workdays.

Sports Teams & Gyms

Performance fabrics dominate this category. Moisture-wicking shirts and jerseys keep athletes comfortable and ensure logos remain visible during active use.

Nonprofits & Events

Budget-friendly cotton or poly-cotton blends are perfect for fundraising shirts or promotional giveaways at festivals. They balance affordability with quality.


Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Fabrics

In Ottawa, consumers are increasingly conscious of sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly fabrics not only benefits the planet but also strengthens your brand’s reputation.

  • Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful chemicals.

  • Recycled Polyester: Made from recycled plastic bottles, reducing waste.

  • Bamboo: Naturally soft, breathable, and sustainable.

By choosing sustainable fabrics, businesses show alignment with values that resonate strongly with Ottawa’s eco-conscious community.


Why Work with Colortex for Fabric Selection

At Colortex, we guide businesses through every step of fabric selection. We understand that apparel must balance comfort, durability, and branding impact. Our approach includes:

  • Expert Recommendations: Helping clients choose fabrics tailored to their specific goals.

  • Quality Assurance: Testing how fabrics interact with inks and embroidery.

  • Local Production: Ensuring all clothing is made in Ottawa, supporting Canadian craftsmanship.

  • Sustainability Options: Providing eco-friendly fabric alternatives to meet modern business needs.

With our experience, Ottawa businesses can be confident that their custom clothing will look sharp, feel great, and last.




Practical Tips for Ottawa Businesses

  1. Consider the purpose – Uniforms need durability, giveaways need affordability, and sports gear needs performance fabrics.

  2. Think about comfort – A comfortable shirt gets worn more often, extending brand exposure.

  3. Match fabric to printing – Some fabrics work better with certain inks and techniques.

  4. Budget wisely – Higher-quality fabrics may cost more upfront but save money in the long run by lasting longer.

  5. Stay sustainable – Eco-friendly fabrics appeal to Ottawa consumers who value local and responsible production.


Conclusion

Choosing the right fabric is one of the most important steps in creating custom clothing that truly represents your brand. From cotton’s comfort to polyester’s durability, each material has unique strengths that impact how your apparel looks, feels, and performs.

At Colortex, we’re proud to design and produce custom apparel in Ottawa, 100% made in Canada. We work closely with businesses, nonprofits, and teams to recommend fabrics that balance quality, comfort, and branding needs. With the right fabric, your custom clothing becomes more than apparel; it becomes a powerful marketing tool that supports your brand’s success in Ottawa and beyond.