Freedom Wear Shirt Sample Pack
Combed cotton is a softer version of regular cotton. It’s made by further treating the cotton after it’s been picked, then spun into yarn. Because of the added work and higher quality that is added to the cotton, combed cotton is usually more expensive than regular cotton. With Combed Cotton being superior in softness and more durable than regular cotton, let's dive into how it's made.
What is combed cotton fabric?
It is not the name of a kind of cotton, but a kind of technology. Combed cotton is a kind of fabric that leaves long and neat after combing the shorter fibers (less than 1 cm) of cotton fibers. The cotton fabric combed by comber is softer, stronger and more durable than ordinary cotton fabric
What Is Combed Cotton’s Manufacturing Process?
To understand the manufacturing process of combed cotton let's first touch on the manufacturing process of regular cotton. To make regular cotton or “conventional” cotton, the cotton is first harvested. From there it is cleaned and the seeds are removed. This is where the carding or combing of the cotton comes into play. Conventional is spun into thread at this stage. Combed cotton has an extra step. Of course, that extra step is combing the cotton.
Combed cotton is softer than regular cotton because it doesn't have any impurities or short protruding threads as they have been combed out. Combed cotton is also stronger than regular cotton because the combing process removes short fibers, which are prone to breakage.
Let’s break down the step in creating combed cotton thread:
1.Fibers are separated and roughly lined up so they are all facing the same direction.
2.Next these aligned fibers are divided into slivers, which are then spun into thread or yarn.
3.Fine brushes (combing) are then used to pull out any remaining impurities as well as any short cotton fibers.
4.About 15% of the original volume is removed, leaving only long straight strands that have been evened out and aligned
What are the advantages of combed cotton?
1)Combed Cotton is Soft and Breathable
Because it doesn't have any impurities or short protruding threads Combed cotton has more softness and breathability than even regular cotton. Combed cotton also pairs nicely with other fabrics for this reason. This is why you will often see blended shirts like a polyester/cotton blend using combed cotton.
2) Combed Cotton is Stronger than regular cotton
During the Combing process, the short fibers have been removed. This makes the fabric stronger as the long stands have been spun together to create a long tight thread that is less likely to break. The short fibers were the proverbial “weak link” in the chain and the combing process has removed them.
3) Cool in the Summer, Warm in the winter
It’s hard to find a fabric that is perfect for all occasions. Cotton is not only being breathable during those hot summer months, but it’s also known for holding in heat during the winter. This trait is due to its absorbency characteristic, pulling the cold moisture away from your body.
4) Great for adults and kids alike
Cotton starts from a flower and grows into a fluffy ball, before ultimately being spun into the soft fabric that we love. We all love natural fibers. They work well with our skin. We love them for our kids, and to be honest we love them for ourselves too. The combing process helps remove impurities, making it even softer.
5) It’s Easy to Care For
With its easy care instructions, and holding its color well, your cotton tee can be washed over and over again. Cotton can have a tendency to shrink but as long as you do not wash it in hot water you should see no problem with that.
What can combed cotton be used for?
Combed yarn can be used to produce textiles with higher quality requirements, such as high-grade undershirts, high-grade cotton socks for men and women, etc. It is more suitable for underwear fabrics, especially for the elderly and infants. Please enjoy this high quality product.
