Cotton, CVC or TC: how to choose polo shirt fabric
Most polo shirts are knitted in piqué, a textured knit with a small raised honeycomb pattern. Piqué holds its shape better than flat jersey and breathes well, which is why it has been the standard polo fabric for decades. The bigger decision for a buyer is the fibre blend, because it drives price, comfort and how the shirt looks after months of washing.
The three common blends
| Blend | What it is | Strengths | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 100% cotton yarn | Soft, breathable, absorbent, premium hand feel | More shrinkage and creasing, colours fade faster with heavy washing |
| CVC | Chief Value Cotton: cotton-rich blend with polyester | Close to cotton in comfort, more stable and easier care | Slightly less natural feel than pure cotton |
| TC | Polyester-rich blend with cotton | Durable, low-wrinkle, keeps colour, cost-efficient | Less breathable, can feel warmer in hot climates |
A small percentage of spandex can be added to any of these for stretch and shape retention, which is common in slim fit polos.
Matching the blend to the order
Fashion and retail polos. Customers touch the product before they buy, so hand feel matters. Cotton or a cotton-rich CVC is the usual choice, often in 200–240 gsm.
Corporate and hospitality uniforms. Staff wear the same shirt several times a week and it goes through frequent washing. CVC or TC keeps shape and colour better and reduces replacement costs.
School programmes. Durability and easy care come first, and price per piece matters across large quantities. TC or CVC piqué is typical.
Promotional and event polos. The shirt is worn for a short campaign, so the budget usually leads. TC or polyester piqué in a lighter weight keeps the cost down while still looking presentable.
Golf and performance. These move away from cotton entirely: polyester or polyester-spandex knits that wick moisture and dry quickly.
How we quote fabric
We usually quote three options side by side, from cotton-rich to CVC to TC, so you can see how fabric moves the price. Once you share a target price, we confirm the exact composition and weight on the spec sheet with the quotation. Colours are matched to Pantone and approved on a lab dip before bulk production.
What to send us
- A photo or reference sample of the polo you have in mind
- Quantity per style, colours and size range
- Your target price, if you have one
- How the shirt will be used: retail, uniform or promotion
With that we can propose fabric, price and lead time within 24 hours, and make a sample in 2–3 days. See our polo range or send us a photo.
