Combed Ring-Spun Cotton is Growing in Popularity; Here’s Everything You Need to Know About This High-Quality Fabric

Combed ring-spun cotton is a premium type of cotton fabric known for its exceptional softness, durability, and smooth texture. It is widely regarded as a high-end material, particularly in the fashion and home goods industries.

As shoppers become more conscious of fabric quality and longevity, combed ring-spun cotton continues to grow in popularity, especially among those looking for comfort, performance, and value in their garments.

The market for this high-quality fabric is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for durable, and eco-friendly textiles. In the United States, sales of spun combed cotton yarns are projected to rise steadily from $551.92 million in 2024 to $616.34 million by 2028, reflecting a consistent year-on-year growth, according to Report Linker Research.

In addition, the shift towards sustainable and organic materials has amplified interest in natural fibers like cotton, particularly when processed through environmentally conscious methods. The apparel industry remains the primary consumer of combed ring-spun cotton, accounting for about 60% of its applications, with growing utilization in home textiles and technical fabrics.  

How is Combed Ring-Spun Cotton Made?

Combed ring-spun cotton is made using a two-step process that first combs the cotton to remove shorter, rougher fibers and then uses a ring-spinning technique to twist the remaining long fibers into a strong, fine yarn. Shorter, weaker fibers and impurities are removed, leaving behind only the longest and most uniform strands. These high-quality fibers are then tightly twisted together in the ring-spinning process, which creates a finer, stronger yarn with fewer loose ends.

This tight, consistent yarn structure results in a fabric that is not only smoother and softer, but also significantly more resistant to wear and fraying.

It is also less prone to pilling. This makes it ideal for clothing that’s worn and washed frequently, such as t-shirts, undergarments, and baby apparel. It also retains the natural breathability and comfort of cotton, making it a popular choice for people with sensitive skin.

How Does the Manufacturing Process Reduce Pilling?

Pilling occurs when the short, loose fibers in cotton work their way to the surface of the fabric over time. This process forms small, unsightly balls, or "pills. The manufacturing process of combed ring-spun cotton reduces the quantity of these types of fibers. This results in a cleaner surface that is far less prone to pilling and will maintain a fresher, newer appearance even after many wears and washes.

In Comparison, How Is Regular Cotton Made?

Regular cotton, often referred to as carded or open-end cotton, is made by spinning together raw cotton fibers without removing the shorter or rougher ones. Although still a soft and breathable fabric, when compared to combed ring-spun cotton, it is coarser, more loosely woven, less soft and more prone to wear and pilling.

Does it Help with Shrinking?

Retaining the most uniform fibers creates a more stable and consistent base for the yarn. And when these fibers are tightly twisted together it results in a denser yarn with less space between fibers. This tighter construction helps the fabric maintain its shape and integrity, making it more resistant to the contraction that typically occurs when cotton is exposed to heat and moisture during washing and drying.

While no cotton fabric is completely shrink-proof, the refined structure of combed ring-spun cotton minimizes the risk of excessive shrinking and does a better job at allowing garments to retain their fit and appearance over time.

What About Breathability?

Combed ring-spun cotton offers excellent breathability, comparable to or even better than regular cotton. This is due to its high-quality, natural fiber content and refined structure.

It retains the fiber's inherent ability to allow air to flow through the fabric, helping to regulate body temperature and wick away moisture. However, the combing and ring-spinning processes used to create combed ring-spun cotton result in a smoother, more consistent yarn that allows for a tighter yet still breathable weave.

Unlike some synthetic fabrics or lower-grade cotton blends, combed ring-spun cotton provides a soft, breathable feel that makes it ideal for warm weather, layering, or active use.

Why is Combed Ring Spun Cotton More Expensive?

Primarily because of the additional steps and higher-quality materials involved in its production.

During the combing process, more raw material is discarded than in the production of standard cotton. Next, the ring-spinning process is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than open-end spinning.

These extra processes require more energy, advanced machinery, and skilled labor, all of which contribute to higher manufacturing costs. And because the final fabric is softer, more durable, and more resistant to pilling and shrinking, it is considered a premium textile. The elevated price reflects not only the improved quality and performance of the material but also its longer-lasting value to consumers.

Is it typically blended with other fabrics?

Combed ring-spun cotton is often used on its own for premium garments, but it can also be blended with other fibers, depending on the desired qualities of the final fabric.

While 100% combed ring-spun cotton offers a soft, smooth, and breathable feel that’s ideal for comfort-focused clothing like t-shirts and loungewear, blending it with materials such as polyester, rayon, or spandex can enhance other characteristics like durability, stretch, moisture-wicking, or wrinkle resistance.

Cotton-poly blends are common in activewear and uniforms because they combine the softness of cotton with the strength and quick-drying properties of polyester. However, when combed ring-spun cotton is blended, the percentage of cotton is typically kept high to retain its desirable texture. Whether it's used alone or in a blend depends on the performance, aesthetic, and cost goals of the product.

How Does it Do with Wrinkling?

Like all cotton fabrics, it has a natural tendency to wrinkle, especially when it is 100% cotton with no synthetic fibers blended in. 

The combing and ring-spinning processes can help reduce wrinkling slightly compared to regular cotton. However, this smoother texture does not make it wrinkle-resistant. When you blend it with materials like polyester or specific wrinkle-resistant treatments, garments will take on more wrinkle resistance. The improved softness and quality of the fabric often make it more appealing despite the need for occasional ironing or steaming.

What Are the Care Instructions?

Combed ring-spun cotton is relatively easy to care for, but following proper washing and drying guidelines helps maintain its softness, shape, and longevity. It is generally safe to machine wash in cold or warm water using a mild detergent, which helps preserve the fibers and prevent shrinking.

To avoid excessive wear and fading, it’s best to wash it with like colors and turn garments inside out before washing. While combed ring-spun cotton can be tumble dried on a low setting, air drying or removing items promptly from the dryer can help reduce wrinkles and further minimize shrinkage.

Avoid using bleach, as it can damage the fibers, and skip fabric softeners, which can coat the cotton and reduce its natural breathability. If needed, a warm iron can be used to smooth out wrinkles.

What Apparel and Other Products Are Made Using Combed Ring-Spun Cotton?

It is found in a wide range of apparel and textile products where softness, durability, and a smooth finish are desired.

In clothing, it is especially popular in t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, and casual wear, as its refined texture and comfortable feel make it ideal for items worn close to the skin. It's also frequently used in baby clothes and premium undergarments due to its gentle, non-irritating quality.

Beyond apparel, combed ring-spun cotton is used in high-end bed linens, towels, and other home textiles, where its strength and soft hand feel enhance both performance and comfort. Additionally, it appears in accessories like beanies, tote bags, and even some socks, especially when a higher-quality cotton experience is preferred.

Comfort and Durability

There’s a lot to love about combed ring-spun cotton. At North Adams, our Organic Crew Tee is made with 60% organic, combed ring-spun cotton and 40% polyester. This is part of the reason that we can feel comfortable calling our t-shirts high quality. For more information about our tees, and why we started North Adams, visit here.