Which Cotton is Best for Printing? Carded or Combed?

Why do some cotton T-shirts feel softer than others? Is softer less durable than others?

We explain why the cotton knit can effect the quality of your print and how a rough heavy-weight shirt is not necessarily more durable than a softer feel knit.

CARDED COTTON.

Carded open-end is a cheaper way of turning cotton into "open end" yarn. In this method, fibres are bound by a wrapped fibre that runs perpendicular to the bundle. Up close you can see that carded open end fibre is bulky, fuzzy and creates an uneven knit. These are a durable and cost effective option.

COMBED RING SPUN COTTON.

Ring-spun cotton is smoother and longer than open end yarn. The term “ring spun” means that the yarn goes through an innovative spinning process that’s designed to thoroughly soften and straighten each fibre. Our most popular AS Colour Shirts are made from combed ring-spun cotton with a fine weave making it ideal for printing – the best in the market and available in various weights. Don't be fooled by the soft feel, 180-220gsm ring-spun t-shirts are our most durable and colourfast T-Shirts.