The Anatomy of A Tee - Beginning With 100% Cotton

Here, at The Crackerjack Shack, customers come in looking for tees that will serve a variety of purposes.

During the Spring and Fall athletic seasons, for instance, we’re most likely to see any number of customers looking for a “basic” tee for their ball team. Something that is inexpensive, breathable, comfortable, yet sturdy enough to hold up well under a lot of washings.

Or, we may have companies looking to clothe their employees for a special event.

At that point, I usually direct our customers to the Gildan 5000. While there are plenty of good “basic” tees on the market, of which Hanes, Jerzees and Fruit of the Loom come to mind, we sure sell a lot of Gildan 5000 shirts here at the Shack.

From a screen printing perspective, Gildan is the industry standard. From the customer’s viewpoint, it is probably one of the least expensive, good quality tees available.

With the exception of some of the colors, it’s made up of 100% preshrunk cotton jersey knit – it has a sturdy 5.3 oz, with a quality feel, and it comes in dozens of colors. These are made from “open end” cotton, which makes for a slightly rougher feel.

If the Gildan 5000 tee were a car, it’d be the mini-van of tees.

Ring-Spun Cotton

Oh, but if you’re looking for a little more… something with a softer feel that’s 100 percent cotton, yet looks like it could hold up to the rigors of the day, I’ve found a new favorite. It’s the Anvil 980. Still, a very reasonably priced tee, that's nearly as soft as a triblend.

It’s made up of something called ring-spun cotton. I know… I didn’t know exactly what “ring-spun” cotton meant either, so I did a little research. According to Anvil, the cotton yarn is twisted and pulled to a point that “makes the short hairs of the cotton stand out, resulting in a stronger yarn with a significantly softer hand.”

Combed Ring-Spun Cotton

Then, there is the combed ring-spun cotton, found in more expensive tees, and a lot of toddler and children’s wear. And, just as the name suggests, the ring-spun cotton is made even softer by the use of fine brushes which pull out impurities and the short fibers.The result is that only the long, even fibers remain making this shirt very soft.

One of our most popular combed ring-spun cotton tees at The Crackerjack Shack, is the Bella + Canvas 3001.

Slub Cotton

Slub is actually defined as an imperfection caused by poor fiber cleaning and manufacturing. However, for fashionistas who are seeking the "imperfect", relaxed look, the Slub Cotton tee is the perfect choice.

Pima Cotton

Finally, there is Pima Cotton. Essentially, it is America’s version of the luxurious Egyptian Cotton - which is the finest cotton in the world. You can find tees made of Pima Cotton. However, at The Crackerjack Shack, you’re most likely to find Pima Cotton available in polos.

Stay tuned for my next blog, when I'll write about tee shirt fabric blends. Until then...

Have a blessed day!

The Crackerjack Shack