Sublimation enthusiasts now the struggle: finding the perfect t-shirt can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. For vibrant results, the ideal shirt must combine a light color (to make your designs pop) with a high polyester count (at least 65%) to bond the ink effectively. Unfortunately this combo can drastically narrow your options-but don't worry, I've done the legwork for you!

The Best 65/35 Poly-Cotton Blends

Poly-cotton blends are a fantastic choice for sublimation, offering a mix of comfort and performance. For pricing, Jiffy is my go-to for affordability and fast shipping, but I’ve also had good experiences with AllDayShirts. For reference, the prices listed below were based on Jiffy at the time of this article.

One standout option is the Tultex 0241TC. These shirts are affordable ($4.83), comfortable, and have the look and feel of cotton, making them a hit with customers. These are my personal favorite and my go to for sublimation t-shirts.

Here are a few other 65/35 blends worth checking out:

• Gildan Softstyle G640 ($3.85): Available in heather colors with 65% polyester. While darker shades aren’t ideal for sublimation, some of these colors may work if your design features darker elements.
• Next Level 6200 ($7.72): Available in white, silver, ash, and heather grey.
• Bella+Canvas 3001ECO ($3.36): A budget-friendly option, though only available in white.
• Port & Company PC381 ($6.08): A reliable pick for light colors.
• Walmart’s George T-Shirt ($4.98): Surprisingly Walmart's Georgia brand t-shirts sublimate very well, but sadly, my local store has swapped them out for a 100% cotton version. (If you can still find them in your area, grab them while you can!)

For the Purists: 100% Polyester

If your goal is vibrant, crisp designs, 100% polyester is hard to beat. While polyester sometimes has a slick or sheer feel, a few options stand out for their quality and comfort:

• Gildan G420 ($7.21): Highly rated, though I haven’t personally tested it yet.

• Jerzees 21M ($6.26): This shirt pleasantly surprised me. The grey version (athletic heather), in particular, feels closer to a blend than traditional polyester, with a soft texture that elevates its appeal.

Exploring Workarounds: Sublimation Coating Spray & HTV

For those determined to sublimate on cotton, there are alternatives worth considering:

• Sublimation Coating Spray: While some have experienced good results, my results were mixed. The spray improved the design transfer to cotton but still left it too faded for production-level quality.

• Sublimation HTV: This method involves pressing a heat transfer vinyl (HTV) onto your shirt, then sublimating your design on top. I tried HTVRONT Sublimation HTV and found it worked well, though aligning detailed designs can be tricky, and the vinyl removes some of the natural feel of the shirt.

Share Your Favorites!

No matter your preference, there’s a t-shirt out there to match your sublimation needs. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what shirts have worked best for you? Do you have a favorite blend or workaround? Drop your recommendations or experiences in the comments below! Let’s help each other find the best sublimation options out there.