Choosing the Right Fabric for Custom Printing: What Works and Why

When it comes to custom printing, the fabric you choose can make all the difference. Whether you're printing for apparel, home textiles, or accessories, picking the right fabric ensures your designs look vibrant, last longer, and feel great to the touch.

At Caspar Create, we specialize in two main printing techniques on fabrics: pigment printing and sublimation printing. Each works best on specific fabric types, so let’s dive into what fabrics perform best — and why.

Pigment Printing: Best on Natural Fabrics for a Soft, Durable Finish

Pigment printing is our go-to method for natural fibers. Why? Because pigment inks bond beautifully with fabrics like cotton, linen, and viscose, giving you prints that feel soft and last wash after wash.

What makes natural fabrics a perfect match?

  • Cotton, Linen and Viscose absorb pigment inks deeply, resulting in rich, vibrant colors.

  • The prints stay soft to the touch — no cracking or peeling.

  • These fabrics are breathable and comfortable, perfect for clothing and home décor.

Our favorites for pigment printing:

Choosing pigment printing with natural fabrics means your products don’t just look good — they feel good, too. It’s premium quality that your customers will want to wear and use again and again.

Sublimation Printing: The Best Partner for Synthetic Fabrics

If you want bold prints with vivid colors, sublimation printing on polyester fabrics is where it’s at. Sublimation inks bond chemically with polyester fibers, which means the design becomes part of the fabric itself — no cracking, no peeling, just vibrant, durable prints.

Why polyester?

  • It holds sublimation inks perfectly, producing sharp, high-resolution images.

  • The prints stay soft and flexible because the ink is absorbed into the fibers.

  • Polyester fabrics are super durable and resistant to fading, even after repeated washes.

Popular sublimation fabrics we use:

Sublimation is your best choice when you want striking colors that last and fabrics that move with you.

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Project

When deciding on fabric, think about:

  • What’s the end product? Apparel, tote bags or blankets — each has its own ideal fabric type.

  • Printing method: Use natural fibers for pigment printing, synthetic for sublimation.

  • Fabric feel and weight: Should it be soft and lightweight or sturdy and textured?

  • Eco-consciousness: Certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX® matter to many customers today.

Why Caspar Create Fabrics Are the Perfect Choice

We don’t just print — we source and test every fabric to ensure it performs beautifully with our pigment and sublimation printing technologies. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Premium quality: Only carefully selected fabrics that guarantee the best print results.

  • Sustainability focus: GOTS-certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX® certified inks, and eco-friendly processes — so you can feel good about your products.

  • Customization at its best: From lightweight muslins to cozy blends, we offer a variety of textures and weights to fit your brand’s vibe.

  • Expert support: Years of experience helping brands bring their creative ideas to life with the perfect fabric-print match.

Let’s Create Something Your Customers Will Love

At Caspar Create, we know that the right fabric paired with the right printing method turns your designs into products your customers won’t want to put down. Whether it’s soft organic cotton with rich pigment prints or bold sublimation on smooth polyester, we’re here to help you bring your ideas to life — with care, creativity, and quality.

Not sure which fabric is the perfect fit?
We offer fabric sample packs so you can see, touch, and compare all our available materials in real life before placing a custom order. It’s the easiest way to make sure your fabric choice matches your product vision.

Ready to explore? Browse our fabric options or get in touch — we’re here to help you choose what works best for your brand and your customers.

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