Guides
Heather Colours Explained: Mottled Shades for Your Team
In short
Heather colours are created when fibres of different colours are blended before spinning – the result is a mottled, lightly speckled shade. In team clothing they look less uniform than strong solid colours, which suits relaxed industries or creative teams. For your logo you need a light or dark print that gives enough contrast against the mottled background.
How are heather colours made?
With heather fabrics, fibres of different colours – for example grey and white, or blue and grey – are blended together before spinning. The yarn then consists of two shades that overlap visually without fully merging. The result is not an evenly dyed fabric but a lively, lightly speckled look. Unlike dyeing afterwards, the mottled character is retained even after many washes, because it is deep inside the yarn.
Heather colours vs. solid colours: when to use which?
Solid colours look stronger and clearer – ideal for high-contrast logos or industries where a uniform, professional appearance matters, such as the trades or hospitality. Heather shades are a good fit if you want a contemporary, slightly casual look: for agencies, start-ups, creative teams or leisure events. On mottled fabrics, light stains can look somewhat more noticeable than on darker solid colours, depending on the base shade – keep that in mind for everyday work. For trade fairs and events, heather shirts are a pleasant alternative to classic navy or black.
Logo printing on heather fabrics
Heather fabrics have a livelier surface than smooth solid colours. To keep your logo sharp, we recommend clear colour areas without lines that are too fine or very small text. On lighter heather shades such as Athletic Heather or Heather Grey, a dark logo works well; on darker heather variants such as Dark Heather Grey, you need a light or white print. When you send your enquiry, you can ask for a preview before you give your approval.
Which products offer heather options?
The standard T-shirt (Fruit of the Loom F130) offers a wide selection of heather shades, including Heather Grey, Heather Navy, Athletic Heather, Dark Heather Grey and more. The premium T-shirt (Build Your Brand BY102) also comes in mottled variants such as Grey (Heather) or Charcoal (Heather). Heather options are also available for the standard sweatshirt and standard hoodie. You will find the exact colour names in the product overview for each model.
At a glance
| Feature | Solid colour | Heather |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Even and strong | Mottled, lightly speckled |
| Contrast for the logo | Easy to plan | Needs coordination |
| Mood | Professional, clear | Modern, relaxed |
| Typical uses | Trades, construction, hospitality | Creative, events, service |
Frequently asked questions
Do heather shirts wash differently from normal T-shirts?
In principle, care is not fundamentally different from other cotton or blended-fibre products. Follow the care label of the respective model – it gives the exact temperatures and drying instructions. You can preserve the mottled character well with gentle washing.
Can we mix heather colours with solid colours in one order?
Yes, that is no problem. The tiered prices apply to the total quantity of all items in an enquiry, regardless of whether you combine different colours. Just make sure your logo stays legible on all colour variants – with very different backgrounds you may need two print versions.
Are heather colours also available for caps and beanies?
There are no classic heather variants for caps in the current range. The standard beanie (Beechfield CB45), however, offers Heather Grey, Heather Navy and other mottled shades. Check the colour overview of the respective product to see all available variants.
