Regular Cotton vs. Ringspun Cotton: Choosing Right Fabric for Your Retail Fall Apparel

Fall is around the corner. As we gear up for the season, we thought we should cover a crucial topic that apparel retailers like yourself will appreciate, particularly when you’re about to stock up on wholesale blank apparel for Fall. 

From the title you might’ve guessed this is all about cotton. Yes.

But do you know that many retailers in the USA still don’t know the distinct differences between regular cotton and ringspun cotton? Or combed ringspun, cotton for that matter. Particularly when it comes to apparel decorations. We’ll look into all of that.

Let's start with everything that sets these fabrics apart and how they can impact your customers' satisfaction.

Regular Cotton: Also uncommonly known as carded cotton, this is the standard cotton you'll find in many t-shirts and casual wear. It's made by spinning fibers into yarn, which is then woven or knitted to form a fabric. The result is a product that is quite affordable and hence common.

Ringspun Cotton: Ringspun cotton is a kind of cotton where regular cotton goes through one more step that makes a rather significant difference. Ringspun cotton has its fibers twisted and thinned. This results in a super soft, super smooth yarn. These are the signatures of ringspun cotton, which is also known for superb durability that many of us don’t give it enough credit for.

No type of cotton beats ringspun cotton in comfort (taking into account the combed ringspun cotton too). Customers love it primarily for its softness. Though regular cotton isn’t as soft, it’s globally popular for being very comfortable. It remains an almost irreplaceable option for budget-conscious buyers.

When it comes to durability, not many people are aware that ringspun cotton does outlast the regular one…in most cases. This is possibly due to the tighter twist in the fibers of the ringspun variant. This “tightness” also makes it more resistant to pilling. So theoretically, ringspun cotton is a great choice for Fall apparel that is expected to withstand cold temperatures and frequent wear. Regular cotton is considered adaptable and is seen as an any-season wear.

You already know that cotton can be decorated. Both ringspun and regular cotton take prints well but behave differently depending on the printing techniques employed.

Suitability ratings in Low, Medium, and High with “High” being the most suitable.

Our Regular Cotton Blank Apparel Recommendations

• Gildan G2400 100% Cotton Long Sleeve T-Shirt (Except Dark Heather, Safety Green, Safety Orange, Ash, & Sport Grey that are blends)
• Fruit of the Loom 4930 100% Cotton Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• Gildan 5400 Heavy Cotton Long Sleeve Tee
• Hanes 5586 100% Cotton Long Sleeve T-Shirt
• CornerStone CS430 Workwear Pocket Tee
• Port & Company Core Cotton PC54PFD Tee

Suitability ratings in Low, Medium, and High with “High” being the most suitable.

Our Ringspun Cotton Blank Apparel Recommendations

• Comfort Colors 1717 Ringspun T-shirt
• Next Level Apparel NL3600 Unisex Tee
• Bella+Canvas BC3719 Unisex Sponge Fleece Hoodie
• American Apparel 2001A Jersey T-Shirt
• Alternative AA8050 Fleece Zip Hoodie
• Gildan SF500 Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt
• Sport-Tek ST254 Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt
• District DT105 Long Sleeve Tee

If you plan to offer your brand of custom apparel for Fall, knowing the differences above is pivotal to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.

But the cost has to be considered too right? Time to talk numbers then.

Let’s just start with the fact that regular cotton is generally cheaper, which can be attractive when buying blank apparel wholesale. But if you prefer something more durable but still “cottony”, ringspun cotton offers the best value. Ringspun cotton is also a solid pick if you are going for high-end product lines that customers will expect to be durable.

Cotton, in all forms, remains the most popular fabric in the USA. 

Recent data from the National Cotton Council shows that despite global economic challenges, U.S. cotton consumption remained stable in 2023, with a slight uptick in demand for premium cotton products. 

This also seems to suggest that consumers in the USA will invest in quality fabrics, with cotton being the frontrunner in such fabrics. 

But is cotton really good for Fall?

Before we get into this, think about the type of garments you want to stock for the fall season. Heavier apparel like sweatshirts, hoodies, and long-sleeve tees are a great way to start. Especially if they are made from ringspun cotton that imparts extra softness and durability. Your customers will likely start layering the pieces as the temperature gets colder. With ringspun cotton, discomfort is considerably minimized. The difference would be apparent if you have used regular cotton for Fall apparel before.

An additional advantage of ringspun cotton comes from its longer lifespan, which contributes to reducing the overall consumption of clothing. You could say this somewhat aligns with the growing interest in sustainable fashion.

We don’t intend to confuse you further. Proceed only if you have answers to these questions.

• Are your customers willing to pay more for arguably the best cotton in the world?
• Will the garments be subject to frequent wear and washing?
• What decoration methods will you use?
• Will the cost difference impact your margins?
• Do you want your brand to stand for quality and comfort over everything else?

Here’s something that will make it easier for you.

As you build up your retail stock of blank or customized apparel this Fall, weigh your options carefully. If it’s affordability you need, go for regular cotton and cotton blends. If you want to offer something that’s considerably softer and more durable, get ringspun cotton garments. However, the latter tends to be pricier as they are considered premium due to the fabric itself. 

Happy sourcing, and here's to a successful Fall season ahead!