Why Colours Look Different on Different Fabrics - And What You Can Do About It

When it comes to on-demand fabric printing, one of the most common and frustrating surprises is this:
The same design can look completely different when printed on two different fabrics.

Even if both fabrics are made from the same fiber — like 100% cotton — you may notice shifts in colour vibrancy, sharpness, or depth. So why does this happen, and how can you prepare for it?

Let’s break it down.

Fabric Structure Affects Colour

While fibre composition matters, it’s only one part of the equation. The structure, texture, and weight of a fabric have a major impact on how it absorbs and reflects ink or dye.

For example:

• A smooth Classic Cotton might give a brighter, sharper result.
   

• A heavier or more textured Heavy Twill could slightly dull colours or reduce contrast.
   

Even slight differences in fabric density or weave tightness will affect how pigment sits on the surface or is absorbed. That means your carefully calibrated design might appear warmer, cooler, darker, or more muted — depending entirely on the material.

Why You Can’t Expect One Design to Fit All Fabrics

Every fabric has its own character — and that includes how it interacts with colour. This becomes even more noticeable when you're printing the same design across a product line that includes different materials (e.g. cotton, hemp, linen, polyester).

On top of structure, different print methods also play a role:

• Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo are printed using pigment printing — where ink sits on the surface.
   

• Polyester fabrics are printed using sublimation, a heat-based method where dye bonds with the fiber itself.
   

These techniques produce completely different finishes and colour behavior. Exact colour matching between cotton and polyester is not achievable, and should not be expected in cross-material printing.

What You Can Do: Test, Adjust, Repeat

If colour accuracy is important for your project, here’s what we suggest:

1. Create test variations of your design
Prepare two or three slightly adjusted versions of your design. You can tweak hue, saturation, or contrast to compensate for how your chosen fabrics absorb colour.

2. Print small test samples
Order a one-meter print of each variation on each target fabric. This gives you a real-life preview of how the final product will look. 

3. Compare and choose the best result
Once printed, you can compare the test swatches under natural and artificial light to decide which version performs best on each fabric type.

This method is especially helpful for designers working on product collections, fashion pieces, or branding items that need to look consistent — or at least intentionally coordinated — across fabric types.

Pro Tip: Design With Flexibility in Mind

Instead of aiming for perfectly identical results, aim for intentional consistency. This means embracing the unique qualities of each fabric and adjusting your design approach accordingly.

For example:

• Use bolder colours on heavier fabrics where some fading is expected

• Choose one fabric as your reference standard and match others as closely as possible

Still Unsure?

At Caspar, we’re here to help you get the best results — but it’s important to remember that some variation is always part of the process when working with different materials.

Understanding the way fabrics and print methods behave can help you avoid costly surprises and create products that look great, feel intentional, and meet your expectations.

If you're not sure which fabric to choose or how your design will translate, feel free to contact us. We’ll help you understand your options and make informed decisions.

In Summary

• The same design can look different on different fabrics — even if they’re both cotton

• Differences in weave, weight, and texture affect colour absorption

• Pigment and sublimation printing behave differently (natural vs. synthetic)

• Testing A/B/C versions of your design on small fabric samples is the best way to find what works

• Don’t aim for perfection — aim for consistency and clarity in your design decisions

Have questions?

We’d love to hear about your project. Get in touch and let’s make your vision work — fabric by fabric.