The yarn you choose decides how a T-shirt feels, drapes and lasts. Here is how to specify cotton yarn for tees.
Count
Most T-shirts use counts around 24s to 40s. Finer counts (30s–40s) give a lighter, smoother, more premium tee; coarser counts (around 20s–24s) give a heavier, more rugged feel.
Combed vs carded
Combed cotton is smoother, stronger and less prone to pilling — the choice for premium tees. Carded cotton is more economical for value ranges.
Ring-spun vs open-end
Ring-spun (and compact) yarn gives a softer, finer tee; open-end is firmer and more economical. For soft, premium tees, combed ring-spun is the standard.
Blends to consider
- 100% cotton — breathable, natural feel
- CVC — cotton-rich with added durability and shrink-resistance
- Cotton-bamboo or cotton-modal — extra softness and drape
What to specify
Share count, combed/carded, spin, blend and the target GSM of the fabric, and your supplier can match it.
Sourcing
AA Enterprises supplies tee-quality cotton yarn and soft blends. Request a quote with your count and feel.
More on this: Yarn count chart · Blend ratio calculator · Get a quote