Product descriptions for blank tees are full of yarn terms: ringspun, combed, carded, open-end. They sound technical, but the ideas are simple, and understanding them helps you pick blanks that suit your decoration method and your customers. This guide explains what each term means and how it can influence screen printing and DTF results.
Open-end (carded) cotton
Open-end spinning, also called rotor spinning, is a fast, efficient way to turn cotton fibers into yarn. The resulting yarn tends to be slightly rougher and more textured, with more small fiber ends sticking out. Open-end fabric is common in classic, budget-friendly tees and is often described as having a traditional, sturdy hand feel. Because it costs less to produce, it is a frequent choice for high-volume orders where price matters most.
Ringspun cotton
Ring spinning twists and thins the fibers more slowly, which generally creates a finer, smoother and stronger yarn. Tees made from ringspun cotton usually feel softer and can be made lighter without feeling flimsy. That is why ringspun is popular for retail-style and fashion-oriented shirts. The trade-off is that ringspun blanks often cost more than open-end blanks of a similar style.
Combed cotton
Combing is an extra step that happens before spinning. Fine combs remove short fibers and impurities, leaving longer, more aligned fibers. Combed yarn can then be ring spun, and the result is a smooth, even fabric often described as premium. You will commonly see the phrase "combed ringspun cotton" on higher-end blanks. Note that combed and ringspun describe different steps, so a shirt can be one, the other or both. Read the product description to see exactly what is listed.
What it means for screen printing
A smoother, finer surface can help fine detail and halftones look crisp, because there is less surface texture for ink to sit around. Rougher, more textured fabric can still print very well, especially with bold artwork, but very fine lines may look slightly softer. Ink type matters too: water-based and discharge inks soak into the fibers and are often chosen for a soft feel on smooth cotton, while plastisol sits on top. Ask your printer which combination they prefer for the artwork you have.
What it means for DTF
DTF transfers are applied with heat and pressure, so the film adheres to the surface of the garment. Many decorators find that smoother fabric gives a very even result, but transfers can work well on a range of cotton tees. The details that matter most are your press settings, the transfer supplier's instructions and the fabric's fiber content. Fabric blends and finishes can behave differently, so run a test press on the exact blank you plan to buy.
Quick comparison
- Open-end: Traditional feel, usually the most economical, great for bold graphics and big runs.
- Ringspun: Softer, smoother and often lighter, a common pick for retail-style shirts.
- Combed (usually ringspun as well): Extra-refined yarn for a smooth, premium hand feel.
Choosing the right blank
Start with your end customer and your budget. Giveaway shirts and event staff tees often do well with economical open-end cotton, while a brand selling shirts at retail may prefer a softer ringspun or combed option. Then confirm with a sample: print it, wash it and wear it. Our Decoration & Printing Guide has more detail on preparing artwork for different methods.
Ready to compare styles? Browse the T-Shirts collection, review our bulk pricing and volume discounts and see how to order. For help choosing, email support@thedifferentapparelstore.com.