Here are some commonly used terms in the custom imprinting industry.
6.1 oz 100% Cotton
This is the heavyweight of t-shirts. This is the one most people are accustomed to wearing and against which all other shirt styles are measured against. This is the top selling t-shirt style.
5.4 oz 100% Cotton
100% cotton light weight shirt. Feels lighter and does not last as long as 6.1 oz shirt. Slightly more economical than 6.1 oz.
50/50 Cotton/Polyester
Refers to a cloth blend of half cotton and half polyester. The polyester is more resistant to wear, extending the life of the shirt. low wrinkling, machine washable, and very durable. More heat sensitive in care, less absorbent, and less appealing to touch of the hand.
Organic Cotton
Cotton is grown with pesticides, which are bad for the environment. Organic cotton uses less pesticides. At this writing most organic cotton is available in natural (off-white) color. Samurai Graphix recommends organic cotton over regular cotton, but it does cost more.
Hemp
Hemp is an alternative plant to cotton. It grows quickly and anywhere. As opposed to a shirt "wearing out," hemp cloth "wears in." This means that after a few washings, the shirt will feel more comfortable than the first wearing. Very durable. The production of hemp products uses much less water and chemicals than cotton. Samurai Graphix recommends hemp cloth.
Sweatshop-Free
This means that the product was manufactured under labor-respectful conditions. As the national social consciousness continues to rise, more people will be demanding sweatshop free products.
Union Bug
This seal means that the products were manufactured by union members, assuring that the product was manufactured under labor-respectful conditions. Since NAFTA went into effect, union and sweatshop-free products now cost more than other brands.
Baby Rib
Ribbed cloth has a slight stretch and gives a more fitted shape. Very comfortable. It is more challenging to print on. Small details in a screen-printed design can crack when the material stretches.
