Official T-Shirt Wholesaler Blog
We all know cotton is an industry-standard among apparel manufacturers, but is all cotton the same? Sure, a label may boast about their garments being made from 100% cotton, but is that enough information to make a good decision about your next purchase? The truth is, just because something's made of cotton doesn't mean it's going to be the perfect, fabulous feel you're after. But don’t fret; that's where we come in!
We've compiled this handy guide to the different types of cotton you'll find in most wholesale apparel options. Whether you're after t-shirts or sweatpants, this blog post will be your road map to all the cotton coziness and natural knowledge you need to make a wise choice next time you make a bulk t-shirt order for your event or inventory.
Working Out the Tangles: Combed Cotton
Combed cotton is renowned for its premium feel and super soft qualities. Developing this cush material involves removing the short fibers through a sifting process that results in a smooth and uniform bunch of fibers. Refining the cotton in this way results in a smoother and more durable material that presents a lovely fabric for garments like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies.
One of the most notable qualities of combed cotton is its reliability when it comes to customization. The smooth fibers that remain after the combing process present a uniform surface, making it ripe for screen printing, vinyl pressing, and other forms of customization.
Additionally, combed cotton offers minimal irritation, making it ideal for garments worn close to the skin. As a common material used in t-shirts, underwear, or linens, combed cotton makes an excellent, comfy fabric.
Don’t Get It Twisted: Ringspun Cotton
Similar to combed cotton, ringspun cotton involves processing the fibers to produce a softer and more durable material. During this process, cotton fibers are wound tightly together to produce stronger individual fibers within the fabric weave. Compared to unprocessed cotton, ringspun cotton has a softer texture and smoother surface, giving it a naturally lush feel on the skin.
Because the fibers are tightly wound together, they produce a smooth fabric surface, ideal for customization. The close-knit fibers offer a lightweight feel and a ready-made surface for screen printing and personalization. Plus, ringspun cotton offers a durable material that can help prevent color fading for brilliance that lasts. Take, for example, this American apparel women's boxy t-shirt that features 100% ringspun cotton in 30 singles.
With the high tensile strength of the tightly bound fibers and the super soft quality, ringspun cotton makes an attractive choice for corporate events, custom merchandise, or any large group activity that needs custom apparel.
Make it a Combo: Combed AND Ringspun Cotton
Of course, several manufacturers aren't satisfied with merely presenting the same old cotton garments. Instead, they combine the two methods, producing a sturdy yet super soft garment material. Clothes that use both methods tend to produce a durable, soft-to-the-touch fabric that furnishes all-day comfort and easy customization capabilities.
Although it can be a long process to produce combed and ringspun cotton, the results can be stunning. First, cotton fibers are combed, removing any uniform or short fibers. Once the combing process is complete, cotton fibers are then tightly twisted to produce the ringspun effect and feel.
Manufacturers that take the time to produce combed and ringspun cotton garments typically pride themselves on their softness and durability, like this Allstyle long-sleevemate long sleeve t-shirt or this Bella + Canvas unisex tee. Both of these garments feature combed and ringspun cotton, giving them that relaxed feel and comfortable wearability.
Cotton Twill: The Tough Nut
Cotton twill is like the Tough Mudder of the material landscape. Known for its distinct diagonally woven pattern, cotton twill produces a unique weave compared to other cotton garments. A twill weave offsets fibers, giving it a distinct diagonal pattern, unlike the typical criss-cross manner found in other common patterns. This produces a more durable, thicker fabric that is less prone to wrinkling.
While cotton twill may not be the ideal material for garments like a t-shirt or sweatshirt, it makes a handy material for more rugged items like hats and bags. For example, this DRI DUCK cotton twill hat or this Port Authority cap.
Its tough and durable nature makes cotton twill a viable option for items that require a little more rigidity.
No matter what type of cotton you prefer or need for your next project, you can always count on our inventory to deliver the options and materials you need. Find the fabrics you're looking for, and keep it cozy today!
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