Choosing the right T‑shirt fabric for restaurant staff can make a big difference in comfort, performance, and durability. Cotton and polyester are the two most common choices, and each has its strengths and drawbacks.

This guide breaks down what makes cotton and polyester unique and helps restaurant owners, managers, and event coordinators choose the best fabric for staff shirts — whether for front‑of‑house service, kitchen crews, or special events.

What Restaurants Value Most in Staff Shirts

Before comparing fabrics, it helps to understand what restaurants really need from staff T‑shirts:

  • Comfort — Shirts worn all day must feel good.
  • Durability — They must stand up to frequent wash cycles.
  • Performance — Breathability and moisture control matter in fast‑paced kitchens.
  • Appearance — Shirts should look clean, crisp, and professional.

Balancing these priorities is easier when you know what each fabric brings to the table.

Cotton: Classic Comfort and Breathability

Cotton is a natural fiber that many restaurant owners prefer for staff shirts because it:

  • Feels soft against the skin
  • Breathes well, keeping staff cool
  • Absorbs moisture from sweat

Cotton’s comfort is why it’s so popular in everyday wear. For staff on long shifts — especially servers who greet guests and kitchen team members working near hot equipment — cotton’s breathability helps manage heat and sweat.

However, cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away, which means shirts can feel damp during long service hours. Still, many restaurants like cotton’s natural feel — and when paired with short orders or front‑of‑house staff, it often works best.

To explore friendly styles and options for staff tees, check out the T‑Shirts page.

Polyester: Performance and Moisture Management

Polyester is a synthetic fiber known for performance advantages that are especially useful in active environments:

  • Moisture‑wicking draws sweat away from the body
  • Quick‑drying keeps staff comfortable
  • Colorfastness helps shirts stay vibrant after repeated washings
  • Strong durability resists stretching and shrinking

Because polyester doesn’t absorb moisture the way cotton does, it stays lighter during long shifts. That makes it a favorite for kitchen staff, outdoor events, harder work, or hotter climates.

Polyester also works well for custom decoration — especially with methods like Direct‑to‑Film (DTF) printing that bond ink strongly to synthetic fibers.

Cotton‑Polyester Blends: Best of Both Worlds

Many restaurants choose a cotton‑polyester blend to balance comfort and performance. These blends usually come in ratios like 50/50 or 60/40:

  • Cotton gives softness and breathability
  • Polyester adds moisture control and durability

A typical blended shirt feels more breathable than full polyester but performs better in active environments than pure cotton. Blends also tend to fade less over time and hold shape better through countless wash/dry cycles.

Which Fabric Is Best for Restaurant Staff?

There’s no single “best” fabric — it depends on your priorities:

For Comfort and Breathability

Cotton is the winner.
Restaurant staff who interact with guests benefit from the soft, natural feel — particularly in casual dining or hospitality positions.

For Active Work and Performance

Polyester or blended shirts outperform cotton.
Kitchens, outdoor events, and high‑intensity shifts make moisture management and quick‑drying fabrics more comfortable.

For Balanced Everyday Wear

Blends offer a solid middle ground.
They feel comfortable, dry faster than cotton, and hold up well in commercial laundry settings.

Print Quality Considerations

Fabric choice also affects how well custom graphics and branding print on staff shirts.

Screen printing tends to work well on both cotton and blends. For polyester heavy garments, other methods like DTF or Direct‑to‑Garment (DTG) can also deliver vibrant results.

For a broader look at how different printing methods compare — including how they work on cotton and synthetics — the industry reference at Screen Printing explains screen printing strengths and considerations well.

Having your restaurant logo printed cleanly and boldly helps staff look unified and professional during service.

Care and Durability

Staff shirts go through frequent wash cycles. How they hold up over time depends on fabric:

  • Cotton: May shrink or fade faster, especially if washed hot
  • Polyester: Resists shrinking and fading
  • Blends: Tend to retain shape and color longer

Always follow care labels and wash shirts inside out with mild detergent. Avoid high heat in dryers to protect prints and fabric quality.

Cost Considerations

Price differences between fabrics can affect your choice, especially for large kitchen staff or multi‑location teams. Generally:

  • Cotton may cost less upfront
  • Polyester may cost slightly more for performance fabric
  • Blends sit in the middle but often offer the best value over time

Consider total lifecycle cost — including durability and comfort — rather than just initial cost.

Real Customer Testimonial

“We switched half our team to polyester shirts and the difference was noticeable. Kitchen staff stay drier and cooler during busy nights, and the shirts still look sharp after dozens of washes.” — Luis M., Fort Worth

How Restaurants Can Make Better Apparel Choices

If you’re looking for staff shirts that match your service style and environment, MyInkADo offers guidance from fabric selection to printing. Start with breathable options on the T‑Shirts page, and consult the Start Your Design tool to upload lightning‑fast artwork and preview print placement.

Choosing the right material — and pairing it with quality printing — gives staff comfort, professional appearance, and apparel that lasts.