Choosing the right shirt starts with one critical question: what material is it made from? Shirt fabric isn’t just about feel or appearance—it impacts breathability, fit, durability, stretch, and how well the garment holds up throughout the day.
Whether you’re buying a formal shirt for work, a smart-casual staple, or something breezy for summer, knowing your fabric options is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common shirt materials, breaking down their pros, cons, and best use cases—with expert sizing advice from Tellar.co.uk.
1. Cotton
The undisputed king of shirting fabrics, cotton is a natural fibre that balances comfort, breathability, and structure. It comes in several weaves including poplin, oxford, twill, and broadcloth, each with slightly different textures and drape.
Pros:
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Breathable and absorbent – great for warm or active days
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Soft on the skin – ideal for daily wear
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Durable – especially high-quality long-staple cottons like Egyptian or Pima
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Easy to dye and print – a wide variety of colours and patterns
Cons:
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Wrinkles easily – especially untreated cotton
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Can shrink – unless pre-shrunk or blended
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More expensive than synthetics
Best For:
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Everyday shirts, workwear, and occasion pieces
2. Linen
Linen is made from the fibres of the flax plant and is beloved for its lightweight and airy weave. It’s a go-to summer material thanks to its dry, crisp hand feel and exceptional breathability.
Pros:
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Highly breathable – moisture-wicking and cool
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Textured and stylish – offers a relaxed look
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Durable – stronger than cotton over time
Cons:
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Wrinkles very easily – considered part of the look, but not for everyone
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Less flexible – not as soft or stretchy as cotton
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Can feel coarse initially – softens with wear
Best For:
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Summer holidays, hot climates, and relaxed tailoring
3. Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fibre known for its resilience. Often found in blends, it’s used to add wrinkle resistance, shape retention, and affordability.
Pros:
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Wrinkle-resistant and durable
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Quick-drying and lightweight
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Less expensive – budget-friendly
Cons:
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Less breathable – can trap heat and odour
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Feels less natural – not as soft on the skin
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Prone to static and pilling
Best For:
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Uniforms, travel shirts, budget pieces
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Use Tellar’s free tool to find polyester shirts that won’t cling or overheat
4. Cotton-Polyester Blends
A practical hybrid, these blends combine the softness and breathability of cotton with the structure and durability of polyester.
Pros:
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More wrinkle-resistant than pure cotton
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Less shrinkage and fading
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Good value – quality performance at lower price
Cons:
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Can feel synthetic – lacks premium natural texture
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Breathability reduced compared to 100% cotton
Best For:
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Workwear, everyday casual shirts, easy-care wardrobes
5. Viscose/Rayon
This semi-synthetic material is made from regenerated wood pulp, giving it a silky and fluid drape that works beautifully in dress shirts or flowing silhouettes.
Pros:
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Soft and smooth – similar to silk
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Good drape and flow – elegant feel
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Breathable – more so than polyester
Cons:
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Less durable – can weaken when wet
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Prone to shrinkage unless treated
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Requires careful washing – usually cold wash or dry clean
Best For:
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Dress shirts, occasionwear, fashion-forward styles
6. Silk
The luxury choice. Silk is a protein-based natural fibre prized for its lustre and softness. Though rarely used in everyday shirts, it’s a standout for evening and high-fashion options.
Pros:
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Luxurious drape and sheen
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Naturally temperature regulating
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Hypoallergenic – kind to sensitive skin
Cons:
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Expensive
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Delicate – stains and tears easily
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Requires dry cleaning
Best For:
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Evening shirts, dressy occasions, luxury fashion
7. Tencel (Lyocell)
An eco-conscious semi-synthetic made from wood pulp, Tencel is growing in popularity for shirts thanks to its soft hand-feel, breathability, and sustainability.
Pros:
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Soft and breathable – feels like cotton and silk combined
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Moisture-wicking and odour resistant
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Eco-friendly – closed-loop production
Cons:
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Wrinkles moderately
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More expensive than polyester
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Can shrink if not washed carefully
Best For:
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Sustainable wardrobes, breathable work shirts
8. Flannel
Technically a weave rather than a material, flannel is usually made from brushed cotton or wool. It’s thick, warm, and perfect for cooler weather.
Pros:
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Warm and insulating
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Soft brushed finish – very comfortable
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Casual, rugged style
Cons:
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Too hot for summer
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Can pill over time
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Bulky under layers
Best For:
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Autumn/winter shirts, casualwear
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Get size matched to flannel shirt brands instantly with Tellar
Which Material Is Best for You?
Your perfect shirt material depends on your lifestyle, body type, climate, and personal preferences. Use this breakdown to match materials to your priorities:
| Need | Best Material |
|---|---|
| All-day comfort | Cotton, Tencel |
| Summer wear | Linen, Tencel |
| Travel-friendly | Cotton-poly blend, Polyester |
| Luxury/evening wear | Silk, Viscose |
| Sustainable option | Tencel |
| Cold weather | Flannel, brushed cotton |
Still unsure? Tellar.co.uk takes the guesswork out of shirt shopping by letting you input your measurements and instantly see your ideal size across 1,500+ brands—no more guessing based on a label.
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✅ Final Thoughts & CTA
Understanding shirt materials is a key part of building a wardrobe that feels good, fits well, and works for your lifestyle. Don’t just shop by size—shop by fabric, cut, and feel.
At Tellar.co.uk, we do more than tell you a size—we help you buy smarter. Our free tool lets you match your body to shirts from top brands instantly, with no sign-up required.
👉 Create your free size profile now
👉 Browse stores and get size matched
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