Many people only look at the pattern when buying T-shirts, but the real determinant of comfort is the “T-shirt yarn”. If you always feel that T-shirts are not breathable and prone to pilling, then you may have chosen the wrong yarn. This article will teach you how to easily understand yarn count and types, and buy the truly suitable T-shirt.
T-shirt yarn refers to the yarn used to make T-shirts, mainly made of cotton, combed cotton, polyester cotton blend and other materials, as well as different yarn counts (such as 32, 40, 50) and weaving methods. The type of yarn determines the texture, breathability, and durability of a T-shirt. Choosing the right yarn is essential for comfortable, durable, and easy to care for.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the various types and yarn counts of T-shirt yarn, along with some practical summer shopping tips. These will help you avoid common mistakes and easily find the perfect T-shirt for the season!
What is T-shirt yarn?
T-shirt yarn is the yarn used to weave T-shirt fabric and is the fundamental determinant of T-shirt quality. It can be pure cotton or blended, such as cotton+polyester, cotton+spandex. The fabrics woven from different T-shirt yarns will have significant differences in hand feel, breathability, and wear resistance.
What are the common types of T-shirt yarn?
Here are several common types of T-shirt yarn:
- Full cotton yarn: natural fiber, sweat absorbing and breathable, good skin friendly, most commonly used.
- Combed cotton yarn: Removing impurities from cotton fibers makes the yarn finer and smoother to wear.
- Polyester cotton blended yarn: adding polyester to enhance wear resistance, not easily deformed, but slightly less tactile.
- Airflow spinning: fast speed, low cost, suitable for ordinary T-shirts, but with a slightly coarse texture.
- Ring spinning: tight structure, uniform yarn, higher quality.
- Single yarn vs stranded yarn: Single yarn is gentle, stranded yarn is sturdy, and the latter is less prone to pilling and shrinkage.
If you pursue comfort and skin friendliness, prioritize choosing T-shirts that combine combed cotton, ring spinning, and single yarn.
What is yarn count? How to understand 32 and 40?
The count “is a unit for measuring the thickness of yarn, and the larger the value, the finer the yarn.
- 32 pieces (32s): Belonging to medium thickness, sturdy and durable, suitable for all season T-shirts.
- 40 pieces (40s): Thin and soft, suitable for spring and summer, with a delicate and skin friendly touch.
- More than 50 pieces: The texture is light and thin, perfect for high-end, form-fitting apparel, though it tends to be on the pricier side.
Do you want to wear something breathable? It is recommended to choose yarn with a strand count of 40 or higher.
Which is better, 32 or 40? What is the suitable scenario?
Simple comparison:
| Project | 32 | 40 |
| Hand feel | Thick and coarse | Soft and delicate |
| Suitable for seasons | Spring and Autumn, Winter | Summer |
| Price | Slightly lower | Slightly higher |
| Durability | Stronger | Lighter |
When choosing, consider the purpose: 32 for casual outdoor wear, and 40 for hot summer or close fitting wear.
What kind of T-shirt yarn is suitable for summer? Is it the coolest to wear?
Wearing T-shirts in summer emphasizes freshness, breathability, and no stuffiness. The following combinations are preferred for summer:
- Combed cotton
- 40 or more
- Single yarn structure
- Ring spinning process
This type of yarn spun T-shirt is very lightweight to wear, and it fits snugly without feeling stuffy, making it a must-have player for summer.
What is the difference between combed cotton and regular cotton?
Combed cotton is processed through a “combing” technique to remove impurities and short fibers.
| Project | Regular Cotton | Combed Cotton |
| Impurities | More | Very Few |
| Softness | Average | Very Soft |
| Pilling | relatively easy | almost not |
| Price | Cheap | Slightly expensive but worth it |
If you pursue comfort in wearing, there is no doubt that choosing combed cotton is more reassuring.
Which T-shirt yarn is most suitable for printing patterns? Not easily deformed and wrinkled?
Recommended use: combination of ring spinning+strand yarn+combed cotton.
- The yarn structure is stable and not easily displaced during printing;
- The surface of combed cotton is smooth and the color adhesion is good;
- Ring spinning has high strength and is not easily wrinkled after washing.
If you like personalized printed T-shirts, remember to see these three points clearly.
How should consumers understand yarn labels when choosing T-shirts?
Pay attention to the following keywords when looking at hang tags:
- Quantity: such as “40s”, “50”, etc
- Material: Does it indicate “combed cotton” or “polyester cotton blend”
- Process: Does it mention “ring spinning” or “air flow spinning”
Tip: Some brands also label “cotton+OE yarn” or “CVC”. You can search for the meanings of these terms to have more confidence when buying clothes!
T-shirt yarn is not as complicated as you imagine, as long as you understand a few key indicators, you can buy high-quality T-shirts. What yarn problems have you encountered in your purchasing process? Welcome to leave a message and communicate, let’s become people who can choose clothes together!
