Cotton is the most commonly used natural fiber for making T-shirts. It is a comfortable and breathable material that is easy to work with and can be found in a variety of grades. The grade of cotton refers to the quality of the fiber, which is determined by the length, strength, and fineness of the cotton strands. Different grades of cotton can be used to create different types of T-shirts. Here are some of the most common cotton grades used in T-shirts.
- Pima cotton: Pima cotton is a high-quality cotton that is grown primarily in the United States, Peru, and Australia. It is known for its extra-long staple fiber, which is the longest cotton fiber available. This makes it strong, durable, and resistant to pilling. Pima cotton is often used to make high-end T-shirts because of its softness and durability.
- Egyptian cotton: Egyptian cotton is another high-quality cotton that is known for its long staple fiber. It is grown in Egypt and is considered one of the finest types of cotton in the world. Egyptian cotton is incredibly soft and has a luxurious feel to it. T-shirts made from Egyptian cotton are known for their high quality and durability.
- Organic cotton: Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other harmful chemicals. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for T-shirts. Organic cotton is not graded based on fiber length or strength but is instead certified by various organizations that ensure it is grown and processed according to strict environmental and social standards.
- Supima cotton: Supima cotton is a trademarked name for American-grown Pima cotton. It is a high-quality cotton that is known for its extra-long staple fiber and durability. T-shirts made from Supima cotton are soft, breathable, and resistant to pilling.
- Upland cotton: Upland cotton is the most common type of cotton grown in the United States. It has a medium-length staple fiber and is often used to make more affordable T-shirts. Upland cotton is not as soft or as durable as Pima or Egyptian cotton, but it is still a good choice for everyday T-shirts.
- Slub cotton: Slub cotton is a type of cotton that has irregularities in the yarn. These irregularities create a textured look and feel in the fabric, which gives T-shirts made from slub cotton a unique and vintage look. Slub cotton is often used in casual T-shirts and is popular among people who prefer a more relaxed, laid-back style.
- Combed cotton: Combed cotton is a type of cotton that has been combed to remove any impurities or short fibers. This creates a smoother and stronger yarn, which is then used to create T-shirts that are soft, durable, and resistant to pilling. Combed cotton is often used in higher-end T-shirts because of its high quality.
In conclusion, different grades of cotton are used to create different types of T-shirts. High-quality cotton such as Pima, Egyptian, and Supima cotton are known for their softness, durability, and resistance to pilling, while Upland cotton is a more affordable option. Organic cotton is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for T-shirts, and slub cotton creates a unique and vintage look. Combed cotton is often used in higher-end T-shirts because of its high quality. When choosing a T-shirt, it is important to consider the grade of cotton used to ensure that you are getting a comfortable and durable garment that will last for years to come.