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T-Shirts – Common Terms Explained

Manufacturers of T-shirts use many terms to describe the products they make. It is helpful to have a guideline as the terms may not always be consistent. A higher number indicates a finer thread and a finer fabric. T-shirts made from the 30s and 40s have a softer, finer feel and a better drape than those made from the 20s.

Although the terms can be used in many ways, it is the number that matters. "20s," 20/1," and "20 singles", are all the same. You can twist threads together to make thicker strands. It would be called 20/2 if two 20/1 cotton threads are twisted together. You can buy online with the amazing and affordable raglan shirts for you.

Bamboo Fabric: Rayon is made from bamboo cellulose. While rayon is a synthetic man-made material, experts agree that it can be biodegradable. Bamboo fabric is very soft and has a great drape.

Bamboo: A fast-growing plant that can be easily processed to create rayon clothing from bamboo.

Bleach Wash: This is a process that uses bleach in order to soften or distress the fabric being washed.

Brushed cotton: This is a method to remove excess fibers and lint from cotton fabric. Broiled cotton is usually soft and smooth.

Burnout: This process uses sulfuric acid (or another strong acid) to "burn out" parts of a fabric knit. It is usually a polyester/cotton mix. This process creates a transparent, sheer effect. Cap Sleeves for Women: Usually, refers to shorter sleeves in women's clothing.

Carbon Dioxide: CO2. A chemical compound that consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Because of its connection to global warming, it is known as a "greenhouse gas". A few t-shirt producers are now recording and measuring the CO2 emissions from their production.

Bamboo fabric is rayon made from bamboo cellulose. Cotton T-Shirt: T-shirts made from carded cotton using 18/1 thread and usually knitted on 20 gauge machines.