Will 50% Cotton and 50% Polyester Shrink?

Blended fabrics like 50% cotton and 50% polyester have become increasingly popular in clothing for their durability, softness, and versatility. But if you’ve ever wondered whether these blends shrink like pure cotton or hold their shape like polyester, the answer lies in how they’re treated and washed.

A 50/50 cotton-polyester blend¹ will shrink slightly, but not as much as 100% cotton. Polyester helps reduce the shrinkage while maintaining the softness of cotton.

Let’s explore whether this blend is good for sublimation printing, how shrinkage works in cotton-polyester shirts, and whether it’s an ideal fabric choice for hoodies.

Is 50 cotton 50 polyester good for sublimation?

Sublimation printing is a popular method for creating vibrant, long-lasting designs, but its success depends heavily on the type of fabric used.

A 50/50 cotton-polyester blend is not ideal for sublimation printing² because sublimation works best on fabrics with a higher polyester content. A blend with at least 65% polyester is recommended for optimal results.

Why Sublimation Requires Polyester

1. How Sublimation Works

   • Sublimation involves turning ink into gas and bonding it to polyester fibers.
   • The higher the polyester content, the better the ink adheres to the fabric, resulting in more vibrant and durable designs.

2. Cotton’s Role in the Blend

   • Cotton fibers do not bond with sublimation ink, which means the ink will fade quickly on the cotton portion of the fabric.
   • With a 50/50 blend, only half of the fabric will fully absorb the ink, leading to a muted or uneven design.

What to Use Instead

• 65/35 Polyester-Cotton Blends: A higher percentage of polyester ensures better sublimation results while maintaining some cotton softness.
• 100% Polyester: Best for vibrant, long-lasting sublimation prints.

Blend	Sublimation Result
50% Cotton, 50% Polyester	Muted and less durable designs
65% Polyester, 35% Cotton	Good vibrancy and durability
100% Polyester	Excellent vibrancy and durability

While a 50/50 blend can work for sublimation in some cases, it’s better suited for other printing methods like screen printing or heat transfer vinyl (HTV).

Can you shrink a polyester and cotton shirt?

Shrinkage is a common concern with blended fabrics, especially when mixing cotton and polyester.

A 50/50 cotton-polyester shirt can shrink slightly under certain conditions, but polyester’s synthetic fibers significantly reduce the amount of shrinkage compared to 100% cotton.

Factors That Affect Shrinkage

1. Cotton Content

   • Cotton is naturally prone to shrinkage when exposed to heat during washing or drying.
   • The more cotton in the blend, the more likely it is to shrink.

2. Polyester’s Role

   • Polyester is resistant to shrinking and helps the fabric maintain its shape.
   • In a 50/50 blend, polyester stabilizes the fabric³, reducing overall shrinkage.

3. Heat Exposure

   • High heat during washing or drying is the main cause of shrinkage in cotton-polyester blends.
   • Using cold water and low-heat drying cycles minimizes the risk.

How to Intentionally Shrink a 50/50 Shirt

If you want to shrink a cotton-polyester shirt slightly, follow these steps:

1. Wash in Hot Water: Use the hottest water setting on your washing machine.
2. Dry on High Heat: Place the shirt in the dryer on the highest heat setting.
3. Repeat If Necessary: This process will shrink the cotton portion of the shirt, but the polyester fibers will limit the overall effect.

Blend	Shrinkage Potential
100% Cotton	High shrinkage
50% Cotton, 50% Polyester	Minimal shrinkage (1-3%)
100% Polyester	No shrinkage

With proper care, a 50/50 blend will retain its shape and size, making it a low-maintenance option for everyday wear.

Is 50 cotton 50 polyester good for hoodies?

Hoodies made from 50/50 cotton-polyester blends are among the most popular options for casual wear, offering a balance of comfort, durability, and affordability.

A 50/50 cotton-polyester blend⁴ is excellent for hoodies because it combines the softness of cotton with the durability and wrinkle-resistance of polyester.

Benefits of 50/50 Blended Hoodies

1. Comfort and Softness

   • Cotton provides a soft, breathable feel, making the hoodie comfortable for everyday wear.
   • Polyester adds a smooth texture and reduces the bulkiness of pure cotton hoodies.

2. Durability

   • Polyester fibers make the fabric more resistant to stretching, shrinking, and wrinkling.
   • The blend holds up well to frequent washing and maintains its shape over time.

3. Moisture-Wicking

   • Polyester’s moisture-wicking properties keep you dry, making the hoodie suitable for light physical activity or layering.

4. Affordability

   • 50/50 hoodies are often more budget-friendly than 100% cotton or higher-end polyester blends.

Limitations of 50/50 Hoodies

• Heat Retention
  • While the blend offers moderate warmth, it may not provide enough insulation for very cold weather. For harsh winters, consider fleece-lined or 100% polyester options.
• Pilling Over Time⁵
  • The blend is prone to pilling with heavy use, though this is common in most polyester-containing fabrics.

Feature	50/50 Hoodie Performance
Comfort	Soft and breathable
Durability	Excellent for daily wear
Warmth	Moderate, good for layering
Maintenance	Easy to wash and resistant to wrinkles

A 50/50 blend strikes a great balance for hoodies, offering durability and comfort for casual use.

Conclusion

A 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend offers a versatile fabric that resists shrinking, provides moderate warmth, and balances comfort with durability. While it’s not ideal for sublimation printing due to its low polyester content, the blend works well for everyday wear and is particularly suited to hoodies and casual shirts. With proper care, shrinkage is minimal, making it a practical and low-maintenance choice. Whether you’re designing custom apparel or shopping for a hoodie, this blend offers a reliable option for both functionality and style.