T-shirts are the staples of every wardrobe. So simple, so classic, and popular than ever. There are a wide variety of fabric types, in which cotton is highly enjoyed. When it comes to cotton, you may wonder what’s the best type of cotton. There are different sorts of cotton, growing conditions, processing, knits, and more.
In this post, we’ll go through two popular types of cotton fabrics, which are pre shrunk cotton and regular cotton. When you purchase t-shirts, knowing the difference can assist you to choose the perfect one that meets your needs.
Why Cotton?
We fall in love with cotton. It’s one of our favorite fabrics and a staple of our closet. We love cotton because of its softness, natural fibers, breathability, and relatively reasonable cost. We love it so much, so we always try our best to make it look and feel just as we want.
What Is Pre Shrunk Cotton?
What is the pre shrunk cotton? It means that the fabric goes through a controlled process during manufacturing whereby the fabric is preshrunk and then made into a garment to prevent further shrinkage after use.
How do you know if your t-shirt is pre shrunk cotton? Normally, the label will show you whether the fabric is pre shrunk cotton or not, by many times it doesn’t. If you shop online, check out the product description. Nowadays, premium cotton and cotton garments are said to be preshrunk. When it comes to high-quality and 100% cotton, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Pre shrunk cotton doesn’t mean that it will never shrink.
- Three factors are assisting in the shrinking process – moisture, heat, and agitation.
- These factors can cause the strips of fabric to constrict, making the garment weave tighter, eventually reducing its size.
- When washed and dried according to the care label’s instructions, it will draw in very little for a well-made cotton garment.
- The material relaxes after worn so it will form back to its original shape before you wash them.
If your item is not well made, high-quality, and 100% cotton garment, it’s probable that it won’t be preshrunk.
Regular Cotton
You may not find “regular” on any label or in any description. It’s the most basic of cotton. Regular cotton ends up a modest production, but it can continue to be further refined to produce other types of cotton.
Here are the basics of how a t-shirt begins. Regular cotton is made from soft vegetable fibers that are twisted together to make yarn, which is then woven to create the material. Processing is kept to a bare minimum, which means it’s less expensive to make and affordable to buy.
Though it’s heavier, it’s still airy. The minimal production means a textured fabric with a loose weave. Through the microscope, a thread with frayed ends simply can’t be knitted tightly together. But it’s a feeling that some people prefer.
There is a slight problem with that loose weave. It can be hard for your shirt to bounce back. And it can shrink if it meets the washer and dryer. Though cotton is probably the easiest material to print on, your design can be lost in the push and pull of this regular cotton.
These days, it’s truly difficult to find regular cotton. However, it still has its positions in the heart of many people. It’s affordable and famous for feeling like cotton to those who prefer a starchy, firm feel.
Which Is Better?
It’s difficult to say which one is the best for you. Everyone has their own opinion and preference. The type of garment you purchase is completely up to you and your likes. You may choose pre shrunk cotton material that is best for your needs because you want the colors of your cloth to remain vibrant. And the fit of the garment is most significant to you. While pre shrunk cotton may still shrink after washing, they are more possible to keep their original shape.
On the other hand, you may decide to order regular cotton t-shirts because you love a starchy, firm feel.
How To Care For Cotton?
Whether you choose preshrunk cotton or regular cotton, here are a few things you should know to care for your item:
Washing Cotton
Cotton can be machine-washed or dry cleaned, and the instructions vary based on the color of the fabric and its composition (such as a cotton blend). Make sure to check the label for washing instructions.
- Pretreat any stains before you throw them in the washing machine.
- Wash similar colors together to ensure there is no bleeding. Darker colors should be washed in cold water, while lighter colors can be washed on a warm or cool cycle. Do not wash in hot water as it may shrink the cotton.
- Bleach can be used on cotton. If you get bleach on your cotton t-shirt, check out these tips on how to get bleach out of clothes.
Related: How To Remove BBQ Stain On My White T Shirt
- Cotton tends to shrink, so if you are sewing with cotton, ensure to pre-wash your fabrics.
- Cotton can be hung dry or tumble-dried. Bear in mind that cotton wrinkles easily and shrinks, so if you don’t want shrinkage, line dry and remove from the dryer quickly to avoid excess wrinkles.
- Gently stretch the garments during washing to get them back into shape.
- Always air dry: dry clothes flat and dry in the sun if possible.
- Fabric softeners are one of the great way to make the the cotton fibers feel softer and may decrease some wrinkling.
Ironing Cotton
Cotton is very likely to wrinkling so it is often necessary to iron it. However, to try not to iron too much:
- T-shirts and jeans often don’t necessarily iron if you gently stretch them when taking them from the washing machine and then air dry them flat. Use the ‘reduced creases’ setting if your washing machine has this mode.
- It’s best to iron cotton clothes while they’re still slightly moist or use the steam setting on your iron.
- Read the care label instruction to know what iron temperature setting is safe.
Final Thoughts
No matter which type of cotton you choose, always follow the care direction on the tag whenever you wash or care for your items. Whether you decide on pre shrunk cotton or regular cotton, you can find the perfect garment at a moderate price through Tshirt At Low Price. Check out our cool collection of cheap T-shirts for men and women and snag the perfect one.