What Are Ring-Spun Cotton T-Shirts?

Many customers often ask us what is the difference between regular cotton and ring-spun cotton.  The short short answer to this question is ring-spun is nicer and feels softer.  Regular cotton is made from soft vegetable fiber, and is a completely different process than the ring-spun cotton process. These strands of cotton fiber are twisted together to make yarn that is then woven together to make a section of material. Regular cotton is used to make the industry standard t-shirts.  Gildan, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom and all the other major mills offer what I call regular cotton t-shirts for all of their best sellers.  Regular cotton tees are less expensive and for that reason the mills sell more of these.

Creating ring-spun cotton is a totally different thing.  You start with the same process as the standard cotton tees.

Ring-Spun cotton t-shirts are softer and more durable, but cost more than standard cotton t-shirts.

But in the Ring-spun process the yarn is made by continuously twisting and thinning the strands making a very fine rope of cotton fibers. The twisting makes the little hairs of cotton separate from the rest, resulting in a stronger yarn that feels much softer to the touch.  I know this sounds confusing but to the casual buyer of t-shirts it shouldn’t matter.

If you purchase ring-spun cotton t-shirts you are getting something different than if you purchase regular t-shirts.  It is more durable and lasts longer.  Also it can feel heavier than regular cotton even if it isn’t. A 5 oz. ring-spun tee will feel heavier to the touch than a 6 oz. regular cotton.  And it will feel softer.  But at the end of the day this will cost you more money.  Either way, t-shirts are more comfortable and here at The Adair Group we love wearing them to work.  It sure beats wearing a suit and tie!