Ringspun Cotton vs Regular Cotton: Key Differences Explained

Cotton is among the most common fabrics for t-shirts (tees). But have you ever wondered why some cotton tees feel softer than others? The secret to this lies in the type of cotton clothing manufacturers use to produce tees. Usually, apparel manufacturers use ringspun cotton and regular (pure) cotton as fabrics for t-shirts. Knowing the difference between these two types can help you choose the right apparel or tees made from them.

In this post, we’ll shed light on key differences between ringspun (also written as ring-spun) and regular cotton. But before that, we want you to understand what these two types of cotton actually are. 

Introduction to Ringspun Cotton and Regular Cotton

Let us introduce you to both ringspun and regular cotton one-by-one. 

What is Ringspun or Ring-Spun Cotton?

It is a type of cotton that manufacturers produce via a unique spinning method. In order to produce it, they twist and thin pure cotton strands. It results in stronger, longer-lasting, and softer cotton strands. This is how ring-spun cotton comes into existence.   

Moreover, ring-spun cotton has a greater thread count than regular cotton. For the same reason, it has a dense, tighter weave plus it is less prone to pill or fray with time. What's more?  

Ring-spun cotton is highly absorbent and breathable, making it a perfect fabric for t-shirts. In addition, it is a perfect fabric to customize tees for branding as promotional giveaways or at company events.    

What is Regular or Pure Cotton?

Regular cotton is also recognized as pure cotton. Apparel manufacturers produce it via twisting and weaving the natural fibres of the cotton plant. The process to produce it entails the extraction of fluffy bolls from cotton plants first. Then, it involves the cleaning of fluffy bolls to remove impurities from them. 

Later, manufacturers card and comb the cleaned cotton they get through the aforementioned process. It detangles and aligns the fibers. As a result, manufacturers get a smoother, breathable, and more durable regular cotton fabric. Moreover, regular cotton has a prevalent use in clothing manufacturing compared to ring-spun cotton. Why? Regular or pure cotton is more cost-effective to produce than ring-spun cotton. The former is also more prone to shrinkage than the latter.

Nonetheless, you can avoid the shrinkage of regular content to some content while capitalizing on a few tips. We have shared them below for you:

• Machine wash your regular cotton apparel, such as tees, on a gentle or normal cycle in cold water.

• Air dry instead of putting your regular cotton clothing items in the dryer. 
  

Why Compare Ringspun Cotton and Regular Cotton?

Comparing ringspun vs. regular cotton matters for choosing the right clothing items made from them. Not to mention, it can significantly impact your clothing experience. You may consider it like choosing between a standard sedan and a luxury sports car. 

Both of the aforementioned rides can help you reach your destination, but their riding quality will differ. The same holds for ring-spun and regular cotton. Hence, you need to compare the two in light of their differences to choose the right clothing items. 

Key Differences Between Ringspun Cotton and Regular Cotton

It is time we unveiled to you the key differences between ringspun and regular cotton. Without further ado, let us reveal them to you.

Manufacturing Process

The first key difference between ring-spun cotton and regular cotton is how manufacturers produce them. We have already talked about it when we introduced these two types of cotton fabric to you. However, we would like to talk about the same in more detail to differentiate these two types.    

How Ringspun Cotton Is Made (Produced)

Ring-spun cotton has earned its name because of the process that it entails for its production. Clothing manufacturers spin the yarn that they create for ring-spun cotton in a specific way. It results in stronger and longer cotton strands, which are extremely durable and free from the rough texture of standard raw cotton. 

Apparel manufacturers continuously spin, twist, and thin the cotton strands for ring-spun cotton production. During the same process, manufacturers compact threads in a specific way, resulting in a strong and durable material. Consequently, the process yields long, soft cotton strands, termed ring-spun.           

How Regular Cotton is Made (Produced)

Clothing manufacturers twist together soft vegetable fibers into yarn first to produce regular cotton. Then, they weave the yarn together. It results in the production of regular or pure cotton.   

Though regular cotton has wider applications, ring-spun cotton is increasing in popularity with time. Thanks to the fact that ring-spun cotton feels softer than regular cotton, which we will also talk about next!

Texture and Softness

When it comes to softness, ring-spun is softer compared to regular cotton. In fact, the exquisite texture of the former goes beyond softness with an upscale appearance. It not only makes ring-spun cotton apparel, like tank tops and tees, visually appealing but also suitable for customization.

In other words, customizing clothing items made from ring-spun cotton via screen printing or embroidery is a good deal. You can easily notice the difference between ringspun and regular cotton apparel in touch and appearance. We have also explained next how these two types of cotton feel and differ from each other. 

Why Ringspun Cotton Feels Softer

Ring-spun cotton is exceptionally soft compared to regular cotton. The secret to that lies in its production entailing continuous twisting and thinning of cotton strands. So, ring-spun cotton feels softer and luxurious against the skin with enhanced durability. 

Regular Cotton: The Standard Feel

Compared to ring-spun, regular cotton, also called carded or open-end cotton, doesn’t undergo the rigorous production process. As a result, it retains more of its natural texture and softer feel. However, it can have a slightly rougher texture than ring-spun cotton.

Durability and Longevity

Another key difference between ringspun and regular cotton lies in their durability and longevity (strength). We have compared these two types of cotton in this regard next to help you understand that.

Ringspun Cotton’s Strength and Durability

Apparel manufacturers produce ringspun cotton via twisting and thinning of cotton strands. It produces incredibly finer, stronger, and softer yarn with a refined production process. For this reason, ring-spun cotton is durable, which can easily withstand rough wear and tear. At the same time, it can withstand frequent washing without pilling, color fading, or losing its shape. 

How Regular Cotton Holds Up Over Time

As manufacturers produce regular cotton from not tightly woven fibers, it is less durable than ring-spun cotton. It can show signs of wear quickly with time without holding up well over time. In fact, you may notice it has started to pill, face color, and become thin following several washes.  

Cost and Affordability

We have already mentioned that ring-spun cotton is not as cost-effective as regular cotton. Now, we would like to differentiate the two next, based on their cost and affordability.   

Is Ringspun Cotton Worth the Extra Cost?

Yes, ring-spun cotton is more expensive to produce than regular cotton. The reason for it is the manufacturing process it entails for its production. That is the continuous thinning and twisting of the fibers, which requires more time and resources for production.

Despite the fact that ringspun cotton is expensive to produce, it is worth the extra cost. How? It is a popular choice for garments among individuals and businesses because of its superior quality. Customers are willing to pay for its softness and durability. Hence, it justifies why ring-spun cotton is worth the extra cost.  

Regular Cotton: A Budget-Friendly Option

Unlike ringspun, regular cotton is a budget-friendly option for tops, such as t-shirts. This is a perfect option for quality tees for a fundraiser or a donation. In fact, you can invest in regular cotton tees when you are after standard tees to withstand wear and tear. However, it is important you care for them well to ensure they last longer with loads of use. 

Also, you may seek affordable cotton options for tops, such as tees. Then, we recommend you don’t miss out on checking clothing items on sale at JustBlanks.

Suitability for Custom Printing

Another noticeable difference between ring spun and regular cotton is their suitability for screen printing. We’ll talk about it next to help you choose the right cotton fabric for screen printing.  

Is Ring-Spun Cotton a Better Choice for Screen Printing?

Ring-spun cotton is definitely a better choice for screen printing compared to regular cotton. Let us explain that to you: Why? Ring-spun cotton has strong and refined fibers. It makes the texture of garments produced from this cotton fabric smoother and more even. For the same reason, ring-spun cotton is an excellent fabric for screen printing logos or designs on tees, in particular. Thanks to the fact that this fabric allows for better ink saturation for printing precise designs on garments!   

Is Regular Cotton a Better Choice for Screen Printing?

Unlike ring-spun cotton, regular cotton has a slightly rough texture. Because of that fact, you cannot print precise designs on regular cotton garments via screen printing. Yet, regular cotton fabric remains a popular choice for printing casual or rustic designs on t-shirts. 

Moreover, the choice between ringspun and regular cotton for screen printing comes down to the following:

• Your Own Preference

• Designs You Want to Print

• Outcome You Desire from Printing

Both ringspun and regular cotton are appropriate for screen printing with their own set of qualities and characteristics. Pondering the factors above, you can choose the right type of cotton for screen printing. 

Benefits of Ringspun Cotton Over Regular Cotton

Now you know the key differences between the two popular cotton fabrics, including ringspun and regular cotton. It is time we revealed to you why ring-spun cotton has the edge over regular cotton. Let us talk about that with the emphasis on the benefits of ringspun cotton:

Superior (Unmatched) Comfort and Softness

One of the benefits of ring-spun cotton is its unmatched softness compared to regular cotton. It has a smooth finish as a fabric because of the spinning process involved in its production. By the same token, it has the edge over regular cotton as a soft and comfortable fabric. It also makes it a perfect choice for garments for everyday wear, like tees, hoodies, etc. 

Enhanced Durability for Long-Term Use

Another benefit of ring-spun over regular cotton is the durability of the fabric. Again, thanks to the intensive spinning process it entails for its production! As ring-spun cotton has a great thread count, it is more durable than regular cotton. What does it mean for your favorite t-shirt or hoodie made from it? 

You can expect your favorite ring-spun tee or hoodie to last a long time besides feeling great wearing the items. That is to say, expect ring-spun garments to last repeated washes without losing their shape and softness. In other words, ring-spun cotton garments maintain their quality with time.     

Ideal for High-End Fashion and T-Shirts

Another edge that the ring-spun cotton has over regular cotton is its suitability for high-end fashion. Thanks to the superior softness and smoothness of ring-spun cotton, it is a perfect option to produce high-end tees! Ring-spun cotton has a fine weave, which allows for highly detailed prints on tees.

Put differently, ring-spun cotton is a perfect fabric to print intricate designs or logos on tees to utilize for fashion. Still, it doesn’t mean that you cannot utilize regular cotton tees for fashion. 

For instance, you can print vintage-inspired graphics on regular cotton t-shirts. Or you may wear the same clothing items to accomplish an intentionally distressed look. It may not provide you with the same level of luxury as ring-spun tees or premium-quality polos. Yet, it will allow you to maintain a rugged charm in regular cotton t-shirts.          

When to Choose Ringspun Cotton vs Regular Cotton

There are instances where ringspun or regular cotton is the right choice. So, when should you choose between these two types of cotton for clothing, such as dress shirts? We have briefly mentioned instances below when regular or ring-spun cotton is the right choice.

Ring-spun cotton is the right choice for clothing when:

• You want to wear clothing items, such as tees, often.

• Or you seek clothing items to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

• You are after garments that feel soft and luxurious against the skin.

• Or you want your clothing items to last longer.     

Regular cotton is the right choice for clothing when:

• You don’t want to wear clothing items often.

• Or you seek clothing items that you will not expose to a lot of wear and tear.

• You are after budget-friendly garments.

• Or you aren’t concerned about your clothing items lasting longer.     

It is also important to know the best applications of ringspun and regular cotton to choose the right fabric. We'll talk about them next, in brief.  

Best Applications for Ringspun Cotton

The following are the best applications of ring-spun cotton:

1. T-Shirts and Apparel for Casual Wear

Ring-spun cotton is a perfect fabric for casual wear, such as tees and hoodies. The reason for this is that it is both cozy and durable. Hence, it remains a popular choice for t-shirts and apparel for casual wear.  

2. High-end Fashion Clothing

Another great application of ring-spun cotton is its use in high-end fashion. Thanks to the high-quality finish of the fabric, it often remains a pick for high-end casual clothing for fashion! As a matter of fact, you will often find the use of this fabric in both streetwear and minimalistic fashion.   

Moreover, you may seek high-end cotton fabric clothing items for fashion. Then, we recommend you check out our New Arrivals category, where you will also find affordable and exclusive clothing items.   

3. Activewear/Sportswear

Ring-spun cotton is not only skin-friendly as a soft fabric but also breathable and moisture-wicking. In other words, it is comfortable as well as a functional fabric. For this reason, it is a popular choice for activewear, such as gym clothing and relaxed sportswear.    

4. Workwear/Work Clothes

Ring-spun cotton combines softness with strength to last a long time. It makes it an excellent choice for protective clothing or workwear for industries that need such garments. Construction and landscape, to mention a few. So, ring-spun cotton has a use in protective clothing as workwear for employees belonging to industries requiring safety clothing.      

5. Children’s Clothing 

Another prominent use of ring-spun cotton is in children’s clothing. Thanks to its ultra-soft texture, which makes it ideal for garments made for infants, toddlers, and older children! 

Apart from the above application, ring-spun cotton has a few other practical applications, too. That is the production of linens, such as bedsheets, and accessories, like tote bags and aprons.  

Best Applications for Regular Cotton

Now, we would like to talk about the best applications of regular cotton in brief.

Everyday Clothing

The most prominent use of regular cotton is the production of clothing for everyday wear. Tees and jeans for everyday wear, for example. Clothing manufacturers choose this fabric to produce everyday clothing because of its breathability and comfort it offers. 

Budget-friendly Home Textiles

Another prominent use of regular cotton is in the production of home textiles. In fact, many bed linens, curtains, and towels you see are made from regular cotton.

Apart from the above-mentioned applications, regular cotton is used to produce the following:

• Wall Coverings, Zipper Tapes, and Bookbinding Materials (Industrial Use)

• Diapers and Cotton Balls (Use as Consumer Goods)

• Cotton Seed to Feed Livestock and Soil Enrichment (Agricultural Use)
  

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cotton for Your Needs

The two popular yet common types of cotton to produce t-shirts are regular and ring-spun. Clothing manufacturers produce ringspun cotton via a unique spinning method. And they produce regular or pure cotton via twisting and weaving of the natural fibers of the cotton plant. Both ring-spun and cotton share five key differences based on the following:

1. Manufacturing

2. Texture and Softness

3. Durability and Longevity

4. Cost and Affordability

5. Suitability for Screen Printing

We have shared key takeaways next from our ringspun and regular cotton fabric comparison besides our final thoughts to finish.

Key Takeaways from the Comparison

• Ring-spun cotton is softer than regular cotton.

• Ring-spun cotton lasts longer than pure cotton as a more durable fabric.

• Regular cotton is cost-effective to produce compared to ring-spun cotton.

• Ring-spun cotton is a popular choice for tees and high-end fashion, whereas pure cotton has a prominent use in everyday clothing.
  

Final Thoughts on Ringspun vs Regular Cotton

Lastly, it is up to your needs to decide whether ringspun or regular cotton is the right choice for you.