Cotton is not equal to cotton - Ringspun and Open-end

Cotton is the primary material used to make T-shirts – an obvious statement, perhaps. Most tags on these garments proudly display "100% cotton." But the fact that various T-shirts are made from the same raw material doesn't mean they’re all the same. They differ in weight and type of cotton. This brings us to the crux of the matter: have you ever wondered what "Ringspun" means? Does the term "open-end" ring a bell? If not, then this article was written just for you!

Is Cotton Just Cotton?

Why do T-shirts that look similar feel different to the touch? The difference lies in the production process. Today, there are essentially two methods used to spin cotton – open-end spinning and traditional ring-spun spinning. Depending on the technology used, the fabric acquires unique qualities.

Ringspun Cotton

You can recognize ringspun cotton even with your eyes closed. It feels soft and light when worn. These characteristics come from a relatively time-consuming production process, which can take up to five times longer than other methods. The cotton is carefully cleaned and combed, resulting in smooth, long fibers that significantly enhance the yarn's quality and durability. This dense structure makes ringspun T-shirts exceptionally soft to the touch. The production process also makes these garments remarkably resistant, extending their lifespan.

Open-End Cotton

Open-end cotton is the most popular type of cotton used in T-shirt production. The manufacturing process is simpler, and the final product differs slightly from ringspun cotton. Open-end cotton T-shirts are highly resistant to pilling, meaning that printed designs retain their original look for longer. Even after many wash cycles, these T-shirts feel just as they did initially. The fibers in open-end cotton T-shirts are more loosely twisted, providing excellent breathability.

Ringspun vs. Open-End – Which to Choose?

This is a question we’d like you to answer for yourself. The best way to decide is to experience both options firsthand. We invite you to visit our office, where we maintain a showroom where you can discuss with us and see samples from our range. You can find our address and directions here.

Although ringspun cotton is dominant in popular retail stores, more producers are introducing open-end cotton products. Open-end cotton gives a bit of a ‘vintage’ feel, popularized by the trend of returning to the styles of the 1980s and 90s. The popularity of this yarn has also made T-shirts made from it more readily available, with a vast array of styles to choose from. Opting for open-end cotton T-shirts also means contributing to environmental protection – the shorter production process requires less water and energy. Add to this a wide variety of colors and weights (like our Valueweight T, a best-seller made from open-end cotton available in 33 colors!).

As we mentioned, ringspun cotton T-shirts are commonly found in retail stores. Their texture is pleasant to the touch and is highly suitable for various types of prints. Consumers will likely recognize this type of cotton as the standard offered by most fashion brands. Ringspun Premium from Fruit of the Loom is a new addition to our range, a return to the roots and the durable products for which this brand is known. In addition to being soft, it’s highly functional – one of the few options on the market that can be washed at up to 60°C. Plus, with double stitching, reinforced shoulder tape made from the same material, and a cotton/Lycra rib, these T-shirts retain their shape and resist stretching over time.

Both ringspun and open-end cotton are perfect for promotional, sports, and workwear, or simply for everyday use.

Try them for yourself, and feel free to share your observations with us!