Combed and carded are the two most common processing routes for cotton yarn, and the choice has a direct impact on fabric quality and price.
Carded yarn goes through the basic spinning process, retaining more short fibres. It is stronger in bulk, more economical, and well suited to heavier fabrics, denims, and applications where a slightly coarser hand is acceptable.
Combed yarn undergoes an additional combing step that removes short fibres and impurities, leaving longer, more parallel fibres. The result is a smoother, stronger, more uniform yarn that produces softer, cleaner fabric, ideal for premium apparel, fine knits, and shirting.
The right choice depends on your end product and margin. Many buyers over-specify combed when carded would serve, or vice versa. A good supplier helps you match the processing route to the actual requirement, rather than defaulting to the most expensive option.