The clothing industry has come a long way since the 100% cotton t-shirt. Tri-blends continue to grow in popularity, and for good reason. The combination of the right amount of cotton, polyester and rayon gives you a sweater with incredible softness, strength and drape: it's the best of both worlds!
-Cotton is breathable, durable and comfortable : all the great attributes of the classic fabric we know and love. Cotton has improved dramatically over time from a rough industrial standard to combed and ring-spun yarns that produce a surprisingly soft feel.
-Polyester, on the other hand, gives a smooth and shiny appearance in addition to giving extra resistance to the fabric. This fabric saves us hours of pesky ironing or steam cleaning:- creases don't stand a chance against good polyester.
-Rayon brings softness and an excellent drape. Adding rayon to the blend results in a garment with superior drape and fluidity. It is a very soft and breathable fabric with great moisture absorption capacity. This means that it is an ideal choice for summer, as it absorbs sweat and wicks it away from the skin. This high absorbency also means dyes will appear rich, deep and brilliant. Rayon also helps reduce the amount of pilling.
With the right balance of the 3, you can reap all the benefits each fabric brings to the table. It's no surprise that tri-blends are so sought after. Knowing the pros and cons of each fabric will help you make a more informed decision about your purchase.
Happy shopping!