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The Anatomy of A Tee – Let’s Talk 50/50 Blends

Posted by Ann Tiller - Project Manager at The Crackerjack Shack on 23rd May 2016

Another popular choice among customers when choosing shirts for screen printing at The Crackerjack Shack are the 50/50 cotton/polyester tees.

What are the Benefits of “Blended” Shirts?

Remember, how the Reese’s Peanut Butter cup came about?

“Hey, you got peanut butter on my chocolate!”

“Well, YOU got chocolate in my peanut butter.”

Thus, was born a great combination. It’s the same with the 50/50 polyester and cotton blend tees.

Cotton is known for its softness, comfort, and breathability. That’s great!

But, It’s also known to wrinkle and shrink when washed. That’s not so great.

Polyester is known for being strong, resisting shrinking and stretching out of shape. That’s great!

On the other hand, it doesn’t breath and stains can be difficult to get out.  Hmmmm… not so great.

The Best of Both

So, the great minds in the apparel industry decided to combine the two and developed a product that offers the best of both fabrics – one that minimizes shrinkage, is breathable and can offer some moisture-wicking properties to boot.

Two of our most popular 50/50 blends at The Crackerjack Shack is the Gildan 8000 - Dryblend and the JERZEES 29M - Dri-Power.

The Challenges of Screen Printing 50/50 Blends

From a screen printing perspective, nothing can beat printing on pure cotton. Polyester, however, can be different story.

Printers can experience something called dye-migration when printing on polyester or other synthetic fabrics.

While cotton fibers absorb ink. Polyester does not.The ink lays on the fiber, rather than be absorbed within it. In either case, the ink is cured through the dryer at 320 degrees.

However, when polyester is ran through a dryer that is too hot, say 360 degrees or more, the dye in the garment will turn into a gas, or sublimate. Smaller dye molecules can get pulled into the ink, causing the ink to change colors or bleed.

That said, the screen printer simply has to be a little more watchful of how the print looks when it comes out at the end of the dryer. If it doesn't look just right, he'll adjust the heat on the dryer and the way he applies the ink.

The Crackerjack Shack 50/50 Polyester Cotton Blend

Here are two great examples of printing. The tee on the left is 100% cotton, while the tee on the right is a 50/50 blend.  What do you think?

When it’s done right – and our awesome Crackerjack Shack crew certainly knows how to do it right - the screen print design is equally bright and clean.

A Great Combination

So, which is best?

Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference. Consider that chocolate has its place and peanut butter has its place. But, when you put the two together… they make an incredible “blend”.

If you or your organization would like more information on ordering custom tees for an upcoming event, don’t hesitate to contact The Crackerjack Shack at 417-751-9511.

Have a blessed day!