Introduction: Why Fabric Knowledge Powers Printing Success

Choosing the wrong fabric can ruin a print, and choosing the right fabric can take your designs to a high-value product. The textile printing market is competitive, so knowing about the properties of fabric is essential in successfully running your business. Each textile has its own properties including ink absorption, durability, and quality when developing prints for printing, durability, and profiting from prints.

For fabric printers well-versed in fabric science, a tipping point can be reached by improving efficiencies, reducing errors and waste, improving turnaround times, as well as producing better products which are able to fetch a premium price. With modern digital design software, it is becoming much more efficient to see how your prints will look on various fabrics before production starts, saving huge amounts on sampling and giving you better color accuracy and print clarity.

Whether using natural fibers like cotton and silk, or emerging synthetic markets like polyester sportswear, fabric expertise empowers you to make informed choices about print approaches by considering inks, print processes, post-processing, etc. Smart printers have caught on to the demand for sustainable textiles, and turned sustainable fabric materials into highly profitable markets.

Fabric Fundamentals: Properties That Impact Printing

Weave Types (Plain, Twill, Satin) & Print Clarity

Identifying the weave type of fabric considerably impacts the print process. Each of the three weaves - plain, twill, and satin - is made distinctively. Plain weaves are a uniform, tightly-packed weave that produces a flat surface with strong feet for solid printing with the ability to create very sharp images. Twill weaves consist of diagonal lines that create a much sturdier fabric with raised surfaces that could distort slightly for very fine print designs. Satin weaves have a surface face that refracts light in an attractive gloss effect; however, it may pool inks and distort fine details in the printed image, so great care needs to be taken with ink selection and printing technique.

Natural vs. Synthetic: Ink Absorption & Durability

Natural fabrics, usually cotton and linen, tend to absorb inks deeper into their fibers, providing the most rich matte finishes; however, they will shrink and fade rather quickly if not properly pre-treated. Synthetic fabrics, usually polyester and nylon, often require disperse inks (for sublimation printing) to achieve the most color vibrancy and length to retain color, particularly for athletic wear and outdoor products.

Synthetic fabrics are polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex blends that have been made with surfaces that are smoother, less absorbent, and can use specialty inks, such as disperse dyes for sublimation printing. If processed correctly, synthetics can achieve remarkable color vibrancy, UV sustained performance, and moisture-wicking performance, which makes them all the more necessary for athletic wear, banners, flags, and outdoor signs. Besides, synthetics generally have better color retention with an ability to hold shape better, so the user's investment into products will be more apparent over time.

Why Fabric Weight Matters in Commercial Printing

Fabric weight (noted by GSM above) affects how ink works with textiles. Thinner and lightweight fabrics absorb inks rapidly and can soak through and bleed poorly. Heavier weight fabrics offer a more robust surface for imagery or longer lasting prints. Knowing weight helps printers weigh down the feel of the fabric but also have high print quality on all end products to meet their clients' expectations.

The Fabric Encyclopedia: 35 Textiles for Print-Ready Projects

Below are sample entries for a few key fabrics. Each entry follows your requested structure.

Cotton

Characteristics: A 100% natural cellulose fiber that is soft, 120-180 GSM, medium in weight.

Printability: Very good ink absorption with either screen printing or digital printing; however, minimal shrinkage if it is pre-shrunk; do not use sublimation unless the cotton is a blend with polyester.

Top Applications: T-shirts, merchandise, home textiles.

Profit Tip: Be sure to confirm and closely match any opening Pantone colors with accurate color-matching tools, especially because cotton is dull and the colors will not be as bright on the matte cotton.

Care Instructions: Wash in cold water, do not bleach your prints; there will be a longer lifespan for your prints if you air dry them.

Polyester

Characteristics: Synthetic polymer, smooth fiber, lightweight and medium weight fabric (90-150 GSM).

Printability: Perfect medium for dye-sublimation printing, and it can offer vibrant and beautiful prints without cracking or peeling. Dye-sublimation is more durable and long lasting over pharmaceuticals. Water-based inks do not absorb very well into polyester fibers.

Top Applications: Sportswear, banners, flags, and some promotional products.

Profit Tip: Use synthetic heat presses and follow color profiles to help achieve high-impact colors.

Care Instructions: Can be machine-washed; prints can be fairly fade-resistant, but do not machine dry (or dry using any high heat).

Linen

Characteristics: Natural fiber from the flax plant, coarse fiber structure and a heavier weight (150-200 GSM).

Printability: Good ink absorbent, and a coarse surface gives limited print texture, versatile and ideal for screen prints and direct to garment (DTG).

Top Applications: Home décor, upholstery, and premium apparel.

Profit Tip: Promote your linen prints more as a luxury and eco-friendly to provide a higher return on investment.

Care Instructions: Hand-wash, or preferable; iron on the reverse side to protect printedness.

Silk

Characteristics: Natural protein fiber, soft and lustrous, lightweight (80-120 GSM).

Printability: Good with both digital and silk printing when using the appropriate silk-screen inks; good for absorbency but delicate and will fade in sunlight.

Top Applications: High-end fashion, scarves, and luxury home textiles.

Profit Tip: Use pre-press analytics/system to alter for sheen of silk fabric and to ensure reproduction of color print as intended.

Care Instructions: Dry cleaning preferred; avoid strong detergents.

Nylon

Characteristics: Synthetic polyamide fiber, strong, elastic, lightweight (70-130 GSM).

Printability: Nylon prints well via screen print and as well via the sublimation process, but it'd be recommended to use the pre-treatment in the case of sublimation for the best adhesion possible. Very durable and dries super-fast.

Top Applications: Activewear, outdoor gear, accessories.

Profit Tip: Market the durability of nylon prints to the sports and outdoor markets.

Care Instructions: Wash in cold water, use mild detergent, do NOT use fabric softeners as it will deteriorate your prints.

Polypropylene

Characteristics: Lightweight synthetic fiber that performs well to moisture and chemicals, low weight of 60-100 GSM.

Printability: Difficult due to poor ink adhesion; good print ink adhesion occurs through heat transfer or sublimation for copolymer versions.

Top Applications: Sports jerseys, reusable bags, industrial textiles.

Profit Tip: Promote any polypropylene printed items as durable and water resistant that can survive in aquatic lifestyles.

Care Instructions: Washing machine safe, do not bleach or wash with high heat treated fabrics.

Acrylic

Characteristics: Synthetic fiber with wool-like feel, medium weight (100-160 GSM).

Printability: Printing acrylics will be determined as good for screen printing and heat transfer, limited or impractical for sublimation; the heat tolerance is impractical. Medium risk of shrinkage unless pre-treated.

Top Applications: Knitwear sweaters, outdoor fabrics.

Profit Tip: Use acrylic specialized inks so your print will not crack or fade over time.

Care Instructions: Hand wash or put on gentle cycle in washer, and air dry will maintain the integrity of the print.

Spandex

Characteristics: A very elastic synthetic fiber. Usually knitted or mixed with other materials for stretch, very lightweight (80-120 GSM).

Printability: Requires specific inks and processes. Typically use screen printing with stretchable inks or where able use sublimation on blends.

Top Applications: Active wear, leggings, swimwear, etc.

Profit Tip: Promote print elastics and durability to appeal to sportswear customers.

Care Instructions: It is recommended to wash in cold water without fabric softener for long-term retention of elastics.

Viscose

Characteristics: Is a semi-synthetic fiber taken from regenerated cellulose source; has a silky surface and moderate sheen; and medium weight (100-150 GSM).

Printability: Great for digital printing and screen printing; moderate shrinkage.

Top Applications: Fashion apparel, jacket linings, home textiles.

Profit Tip: Promote the viscose prints as soft and luxurious to mid-market apparel customers.

Care Instructions: Hand wash is recommended; avoid harsh detergents to maintain color vibrancy of prints.

Vinyl

Characteristics: Synthetic polymer, non-woven, flexible and smooth, variants in weight and thickness are extensive.

Printability: Excellent substrate for UV print, screen print, and thermal transfer. Printed vinyl has excellent durability.

Top Applications: Banners, signage, decals, promotional items, etc.

Profit Tip: Ensure vinyl has UV stable pigments and UV cured substrate will remain longer outdoors and keep clients happy!

Care Instructions: Clean with warm soap and water, do not scrub heavily.

Artificial Silk (Rayon)

Characteristics: Smooth, semi-synthetic fiber with a lustrous finish, light weight to medium weight (90-140 GSM).

Printability: Good with screen and digital printing; however, must be handled with care as it is delicate.

Top Applications: Dresses, scarves, linings.

Profit Tip: Market prints on rayon as elegant, soft-touch fabric that appeals to an upscale market.

Care Instructions: Hand wash and dry clean to protect prints.

Faux Fur

Characteristics: Synthetic fiber with thick pile to mimic animal fur, heavy weight (200+ GSM).

Printability: Not easily printed on - best seen with applique, embroidery, or heat transfer.

Top Applications: Fashion, costumes, upholstery.

Profit Tip: Use techniques to print subtle imagery or branding to charge a premium.

Care Instructions: Clean gently at home and do not use high heat.

Modal

Characteristics: Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber made from beech trees; it is silky soft, medium weight (120-160 GSM).

Printability: Very printable in both silk screen printing and digital printing. Modal is an excellent absorbent fiber, and durable inks create brilliant color. Modal has low shrinkage if treated properly.

Top Applications: High-end apparel, underwear, loungewear.

Profit Tip: Brand modal as a luxury eco-fiber for high-end customers.

Care Instructions: Use cold water washes, allow prints to build up longevity, do not tumble dry.

Repreve® (Recycled Polyester)

Characteristics: Repreve is polyester that is eco-friendly because it is made from post-consumer post-industrial waste. It is soft, somewhat heavier weight (90-150 GSM).

Printability: Repreve has the same compatibility as regular polyester, and can actually be printed on dye sublimation printing, where cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are not reduced in permanence so that the colors pop.

Top Applications: Sustainable activewear, eco-friendly merchandising.

Profit Tip: Target brands and customers that have eco-sustainability planning, and include sustainability in your sales strategy.

Care Instructions: What to keep in mind when washing is to run on a cold cycle; also, don't use fabric softeners to keep permanent prints.

Polyester-Cotton (Polycotton)

Characteristics: A polyester and cotton blend that combines synthetic and cotton natural. The GSM is medium weight (130-180), and the hand is a blend of the two.

Printability: The blend is very versatile for printing; screen printing, direct to garment, and sublimation; while sublimation continues to be accepted under this blend category as long as you are sublimation on blend products that are a lot higher in polyester than cotton so that there would be less collapsing when washed.

Top Applications: All T-shirts, uniforms, promotional work-wear.

Profit Tip: Corporate clients like the durability and comfort by continuing to promote versatility.

Care Instructions: Machine wash warm, bleach free.

Tweed (Blend of Wool)

Characteristics: Wool blends with synthetic fibers in a heavy weight fabric, often textured with a visible weave pattern.

Printability: Not recommended for direct printing; rather utilize an embroidered or woven design. Generally not sublimation friendly.

Top Applications: Outerwear, suits, upholstery.

Profit Tip: Utilize fabric specific design templates to sell luxury niche products for greater returns.

Care Instructions: Dry clean only to prolong fabric and print life.

Plain Weave

Characteristics: A very basic weave style using a completely over-under pattern most often, and generally a smooth with medium weight.

Printability: Simple weave technique fabrics offer predictable ink absorption with clear print. Many of the print techniques are manageable using this style of fabric.

Top Applications: Shirts, dresses, home textiles.

Profit Tip: Recommend these fabrics to new printers to understand fabrics and processes with predictable prints and cost-efficient projects.

Care Instructions: Depends on fiber content, but plain weave is machine washable.

Twill Weave

Characteristics: Strong diagonal rib. Medium to heavy weight fabric.

Printability: Slightly textured fabric may blur fine details, but better for bold graphics; screen printing or digital print is acceptable.

Top Applications: Jeans, jackets, upholstery.

Profit Tip: Create an association with rough and rugged apparel (premium dollar but very durable).

Care Instructions: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low.

Cotton-Polyester-Rayon Triblends

Characteristics: Cotton-polyester-rayon, softness-stretch-durability. Medium to light weight (120-160 GSM).

Printability: Very versatile for print methods, superior with screen printing and digital printing. Color will be very vibrant, and shrinkage is low.

Top Applications: Trendy casual, graphic T's, loungewear.

Profit Tip: Market triblends as premium casuals, and charge more; combine comfort with style.

Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; do not bleach to protect print quality.

Cotton-Polyester Blends (CVC)

Characteristics: Cotton-polyester blends with a relatively high cotton ratio. This fabric is a 1:1 ratio for testing and decision. A very common fabric weight (130-180 GSM).

Printability: Cotton blends with polyester (also CVC blends) screen print and digital print very well. For the most part, it is easier to produce (takes less minutes than 100% cotton). This blend also has better fade and wrinkle resistance than 100% cotton products. Depending on the blend, polyester blended 100% cotton can be sublimated.

Top Applications: Casual apparel, corporate apparel, promotional items.

Profit Tip: In positioning the CVC blend within the day-to-day apparel markets, try to maintain a balance of softness and ruggedness.

Care Instructions: Cold wash; tumble dry low (dry slowly to maximize print longevity).

Organza

Characteristics: Very light weight, sheer, crisp fabric typically made of silk or synthetic fibers.

Printability: Limited ability to directly print; best suited for overlays and embellishments of any type using heat transfers or embroidery.

Top Applications: Bridal, formal gowns, decorative accents.

Profit Tip: Promote as a luxury fabric; use custom prints for niche markets with high margins.

Care Instructions: Dry cleaning recommended.

Tulle

Characteristics: Light weight, netted fabric, very light sheer fabric.

Printability: Challenge to direct print; best suited for appliqued, dyed, or surface embellishments.

Top Applications: Bridal veils, tutus, decorative textiles.

Profit Tip: Use tulle for bespoke pricing using specialty applications.

Care Instructions: Hand wash gently and air dry flat.

Satin Weave

Characteristics: Smooth, slippery, shiny surface with a high shine; very lightweight to medium-weight.

Printability: Ink may puddle on surface; printing possible using specialty inks and slower drying inks to minimize smudging.

Top Applications: Evening wear, scarves, luxury bedding.

Profit Tip: Use pre-press tools to increase saturation levels when printing on reflective substrates.

Care Instructions: Hand wash or dry clean to protect print and sheen of the fabric.

Jacquard

Characteristics: Great fabrics that have hugely complex weaves of patterns, textures, and weights in a medium to heavy weight.

Printability: Not the best for direct printing, usually has embroidery added as well, sometimes as part of the design with colored yarns woven throughout.

Top Applications: Upholstery, high-end apparel, drapery and curtains.

Profit Tips: Always use jacquard for luxury markets when you want a benefit of craftsmanship.

Care Instructions: Dry clean only.

Velvet

Characteristics: Velvet is a soft-ended, thick pile, medium to heavyweight fabric made from silk, cotton, or other synthetics.

Printability: Direct printing is hard since it is a pile fabric; velvet would be best used for flock printing or an appliqued piece.

Top Applications: Upholstery, evening wear, high-end accessories.

Profit Tip: Specialty printing on velvet can increase the price point by adding value to the product.

Care Instructions: Dry clean only.

Lace

Characteristics: Lace is an open structure and decorative fabric made from cotton, nylon, or polyester. Lace can also be sheer and light weight.

Printability: Lace can be too difficult to direct print as a rule of thumb. I like to use lace as an overlay or embellishment using either heat transfer or embroidery.

Top Applications: Bridal, lingerie, evening dresses.

Profit Tip: Where positioning lace prints, strive for luxury items, as margins are typically higher in fashion and special occasion applications.

Care Instructions: Like many fabrics, a hand wash or dry clean will keep product integrity with fabric and print.

Georgette

Characteristics: Georgette is a light weight, sheer, slightly crinkled fabric made from silk, but can also be synthetic.

Printability: Georgette is fine for digital and screen print, but ensure to use an ink that will not do any bleeding.

Top Applications: Dresses, scarves, blouses.

Profit Tip: Price georgette at the upper end in a fashion market for the flowing drape and large prints.

Care Instructions: Usually hand washed or dry cleaned.

Suede

Characteristics: Soft fabric with a napped surface made from the flesh side of leather or synthetic materials.

Printability: Little chance of direct printing. Usually decorated with embossing, special screen printing, and also heat transfers.

Top Applications: Jackets, shoes, accessories.

Profit Tip: Allow customers to appreciate suede and the luxury feel of bespoke prints for those high-end buyers.

Care Instructions: Clean professionally.

Chiffon

Characteristics: Lightweight and sheer fabric made from silk or synthetic fabric. Slightly rough texture.

Printability: Can be digitally or screen printed, but inks need to be diluted to not stiffen the fabric.

Top Applications: Scarves, dresses, eveningwear.

Profit Tip: It should be noted to customers that chiffon prints are delicate and sweet for those fashion-forward clientele.

Care Instructions: Hand wash or dry clean.

Canvas

Characteristics: A heavy, plain weave fabric, usually cotton or linen; extremely durable.

Printability: Excellent for screen printing and digital printing; holds ink well with little bleed.

Top Applications: Bags, tents, upholstery, art prints.

Profit Tip: Market canvas prints as rugged with endless uses for fashion and industrial applications.

Care Instructions: Machine wash cold; clean spills and stains directly.

Cashmere

Characteristics: Luxurious natural fiber from cashmere goats, very soft and lightweight (100-200 GSM).

Printability: Printing is rare and delicate, better to embroider or heat transfer with specialty inks to maintain softness.

Top Applications: High-end scarves, sweaters, shawls.

Profit Tip: Promote exclusivity and soft feeling. Limited prints can demand higher price points.

Care Instructions: Dry clean only for fabric quality and prints.

Wool

Characteristics: Wool is a natural protein fiber derived from sheep that is warm and insulating. Wool typically has a medium-heavy to heavy-weight (150-300 GSM). Wool typically has a slightly coarse texture.

Printability: Wool has limited possibilities for direct printing using a flatbed press, but can work for thick discharge and plastisol screen printing. The texture makes it better for embroidery. Shrinkage can be an issue if the wool is not treated.

Top Applications: Sweaters, coats, suits, upholstery.

Profit Tip: Brand wool products as premium winter wear in which the print embellishment is durable.

Care Instructions: Dry cleaner or hand wash in cold. Wool can bleed, causing issues with print, so avoid agitation as much as possible.

Leather

Characteristics: Leather is a heavy natural material from animal hides that is durable and flexible. Leather can have a smooth finish or textured finish that has some degree of flexibility.

Printability: Leather is very difficult to print on directly; it is easier to use embossing, foil stamping, or UV printing for decorative printing applications on finished leather.

Top Applications: Jackets, bags, shoes, etc.

Profit Tip: Careful consideration of custom developed and printed leather bespoke luxury products will yield high profit margins.

Care Instructions: Recommend professional cleaning when necessary. Leather does not like excess moisture.

Synthetic Fabrics

Characteristics: Synthetic yarns and fibers are sourced from polyester, nylon, acrylics, propylene, vinyls, and spandex - all mixtures of man-made products.

Printability: All synthetic yarns are very amenable to horizontal screens, heat sublimation, heat transfer, or direct digital printing.

Top Applications: Activewear, outerwear, advertising banners, upholstery, or decorative or promotional accessories are all uses for these textiles.

Profit Tip: Offer these in the thriving market for sportswear and outdoor clothing. Also think about which attributes of synthetic textiles can be emphasized which could create more orders and/or higher profits, e.g., durability, color-fastness, multi-uses.

Care Instructions: Almost all synthetic fabrics may be machine-washed fabric, while using non-chlorine bleach, fabric conditioner, and a mild detergent. Tumble dry on low or medium heat.

Microfiber

Characteristics: Microfiber threads which are constructed of polyester or nylon are so fine that it is thought that they are one thousand times finer than silk, and uses microfiber fabrics instead of silk fabrics.

Printability: Microfiber fabrics are excellent to work with for dye-sublimation and digital print applications.

Top Applications: Effective uses of this fiber are that it is found in performance fabrics, sportswear, upholstery, drying cloths, and activewear.

Profit Tip: Depending on your customers in athletics or other high-performance industries, they will likely appreciate and will indicate a preference for the softness, durability, and outstanding print quality from microfiber.

Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, avoid bleach and fabric softeners to preserve print clarity and fabric performance.

Categorization & Key Fabrics

Choosing the right fabric isn't just a technical decision — it's a profitability strategy. The wrong choice can lead to faded prints, poor drape, or costly reprints. The right choice maximizes ink performance, minimizes waste, and positions your product in the right market segment. This quick-reference cheat sheet helps printers match fabrics to print methods, profit margins, and client needs.

Fabric Selection Cheat Sheet for Printers

Pro Tips for Maximum Profitability

Align the Ink to Fabric Chemistry - For synthetics, such as polyester, sublimation chemically locks the colors into the fibers, yielding full colors that are vibrant and won't wash out.

Focus on Performance, Not Price - In higher value market segments (luxury scarves, eco-branded activewear), consumers expect more value from textile products and will pay for that value.

Leverage Your Platform's Previews - Showing clients how designs look on different weaves or textures cuts approval times and reduces sampling costs.

Stock Versatile Fabrics - Carry a mix of cost-effective basics and niche specialty textiles to cater to both budget and premium segments.

Sustainability = Profitability

Data-Driven

67% of the world's fashion and merchandise companies will require eco-friendly materials for supplier contracts by 2024 (McKinsey). This transition isn't just ethical — it's changing the mathematics of printing. Printers who offer sustainable textiles alongside conventional textiles have been awarded larger and more lasting accounts and have more often been able to charge a premium.

Why Should Printers Care?

Eco-fabrics such as Repreve® (recycled polyester), Tencel, and organic cotton equal sustainability and print performance. Printers will be able to check sustainability expectations on their clients' agendas, while giving the style and feel that their clients expect also. For example, high-quality recycled synthetics can accept rich vibrant sublimation CMYK prints, and are a very viable and inexpensive option for sportswear and general promotional products.

How Does This Point to Profitability?

"Green" fabrics are not a specialized market — they are rapidly becoming the most popular market with average markups of 15%-30% over conventional textiles. Customers are willing to pay higher premiums in order to satisfy their sustainability policies in the verified eco-fabrics evaluation. Being able to market their product lines as "carbon-conscious" or "reducing plastic waste" will entice their customers even more.

You should have at least two types of sustainable fabrics in each main category (natural, synthetic, and blend). Use WTPBiz's Fabric Design tool to tag and then promote in their clients' catalogs, create sustainability campaign opportunities, and provide instantaneous print previews to eliminate waste and sampling.

Design Tools Spotlight: Achieve Print Perfection

Smarter Fabric Printing Starts with the Right Tools

Printing on fabrics like chiffon, stretch knits, or jacquard has always been tricky. One wrong estimate in ink behavior or pattern alignment can lead to misprints, wasted fabric, and lost time.

That’s why we’ve developed the Fabric Design Tool, a powerful solution built specifically for fabric printers and fully integrated with Shopify and WordPress. This tool transforms the way end users engage with your store by giving them full creative control:

• Scale designs across different fabrics instantly

• Select materials and see how patterns adapt to the weave

• Adjust repeat patterns in real time for perfect alignment

• Preview designs live before committing to print

• Upload personal patterns or create new ones with AI-driven image generation

• See real-time pricing for complete transparency at checkout

By putting these interactive options directly in the hands of customers, printers reduce costly misprints, speed up production, and deliver exactly what users envision—without the endless back-and-forth of old-school workflows.

Conclusion: Turn Textile Mastery into Revenue

When it comes to textile printing, knowledge of fabrics is power. Being able to intelligently navigate fiber characteristics, print properties, and now we can assume the demand of the market comes with increasingly stronger decision-making skills that lead to fewer costly mistakes, faster production times, and ultimately the ability to pursue profit-differentiating top-end customers who value your product. This can apply from typical cotton tee shirts to high-margin specialty textiles. Making the right fabric choice will ultimately be the difference between durable, high-value end users of your designs over competition.

Summary: Knowing about fabrics = fewer mistakes, shortening turnarounds, appealing to premium end-users.

Are you ready to reliably print on any textile? Book a Demo of our design platform today.