Cotton Types Explained: Combed, Ring-Spun, Organic & Pima
By The Velocity Wear Team
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Two t-shirts can both say “100% cotton” and feel worlds apart. The difference is in the type of cotton and how the yarn is made. Understanding a few key terms helps you choose fabric that feels premium, prints cleanly and lasts — without overpaying.
It starts with staple length
Cotton fibres are called staples, and longer staples make stronger, smoother, softer yarn that pills less. The premium cottons (like Pima) are long-staple; cheaper cottons are short-staple. How the fibres are then spun matters just as much.
Carded vs combed
Carded cotton is cleaned and aligned but still contains shorter fibres and impurities — fine, but coarser. Combed cotton goes through an extra step that removes the short fibres, leaving only the long ones. The result is noticeably smoother, stronger and softer — the mark of a quality tee or hoodie.
Open-end vs ring-spun
This describes how the yarn is spun. Open-end (rotor) spinning is faster and cheaper but produces a coarser, weaker yarn. Ring-spun cotton is spun by twisting and thinning the fibres into a finer, stronger, softer strand. Combed, ring-spun cotton together is the gold standard for premium apparel.
Organic, Pima & Supima
- Organic cotton — grown without synthetic pesticides and with lower water use; the eco choice.
- Pima — a long-staple cotton prized for exceptional softness and durability.
- Supima — a trademarked, certified American Pima; premium and traceable.
Common blends
Cotton is often blended for performance or price. Poly-cotton adds durability, wrinkle resistance and a lower cost; tri-blends (cotton, polyester and rayon) give an ultra-soft, vintage drape; and cotton-elastane adds stretch. Pure cotton breathes best and takes most prints cleanly, while blends suit specific looks and uses.
When a supplier says “premium cotton”, ask the real question: is it combed and ring-spun? That answer tells you more than the word “premium” ever will.
Velocity Wear builds with combed, ring-spun cotton as standard, with organic, Pima and blended options on request, so you can match fabric to your brand and budget. Ask for a fabric recommendation with your quote.
