T-shirt Fabric Information
courtesy of www.americanapparel.net

Combed ring spun cotton is noticeably softer and higher in quality than carded cotton.



Combed Cotton Fibers

The combing process separates the more desirable longer, thinner, more even fibers from the less desirable shorter, coarser, less consistent fibers. A higher count of thinner fibers tightly twisted together make a stronger, smoother, finer thread. This finer-knit fabric is softer and lighter to touch.



Carded Cotton Fibers

Carded cotton is a mixture of ragged, thicker, short fibers. This cotton is cheaper for manufacturers to produce and is rough, heavy and lower in quality. Fewer coarser fibers are blown together, resulting in a loosely bound, thicker, rougher thread. This thread produces a looser knit, heavier material that is coarse to the touch.

Printability

The surface of Combed ring spun cotton is exceptionally smooth and tight-knit and ideal for screenprinting and embroidery.



Carded cotton fiber produces a surface that is not ideal for screenprinting and embroidery because it is not smooth or tight knit.