What’s t-shirt softness?
Think about your favorite tee. What do you look for in it? Most likely, you seek a t-shirt that moves with your body, fits well, and feels gentle against your skin. In other words, you want a soft shirt. But have you ever wondered what t-shirt softness actually is?
The Textile Institute defines fabric handle (softness) as the subjective assessment we make based on touch. How soft t-shirts feel will depend on the person, but researchers have been working on ways to measure and describe it. In prominent research, softness is defined as the opposite of stiffness or firmness, determined through tests involving bending length or thickness.
There are also two recognized systems for evaluating softness. The first system considers softness to be a combination of smoothness, suppleness, and a soft feeling (‘NUMERI’). In the second (‘FUKURAMI’), softness relates to a sense of volume, richness, and well-defined impressions.
So, when we talk about the softness of a shirt, we’re referring to how it feels against the skin and the tactile experience, which depends on the chosen material.
The softest t-shirt materials
When it comes to the best t-shirts, the softer, the better. No one wants itchy or rough clothes rubbing against their skin. While you’re likely familiar with common t-shirt fabrics like cotton or polyester, there’s more to their story. Each material possesses unique details and variants that play a vital role in understanding the final garment.
What type of shirts are the softest?
Here are the top fabric options that stand out for their super soft feel:
-
100% cotton
Pure cotton is derived from natural cellulose fibers found in cotton plants. These fibers are spun into yarn and woven into a material for your favorite t-shirt.
-
Tri-blend
Tri-blend shirts combine three materials—cotton, polyester, and rayon—in a balanced ratio of 50%, 25%, and 25%, respectively.
The choice between them may come down to aesthetics for some, depending on what t-shirt design ideas you prefer. But let’s explore the special qualities of each material to make sure you find the softest option.
100% cotton
Cotton remains the ultimate choice for super soft t-shirts. We love these shirts because they feel gentle on the skin, use natural fibers, breathe well, and don’t break the bank. But when your tee is made from 100% cotton, what does that actually mean? Here are the most common kinds of cotton you’re likely to come across:
-
Regular: Basic cotton, often found in everyday clothes.
-
Pre-shrunk: Cotton fabric that’s treated to prevent excessive shrinking.
-
Combed: Cotton fibers that are combed to remove dirt and debris.
-
Ring-spun: Cotton fibers, twisted and spun for a smooth, soft texture.
-
Organic: Cotton that’s grown naturally without synthetic chemicals like fertilizers or pesticides.
Characteristics of a cotton t-shirt
-
Light and breathable: Cotton fibers have a hollow structure, allowing air to flow through them effortlessly. This is why, when you wear traditional cotton tees, your skin can breathe.
Why are some 100% cotton t-shirts softer than others?
Not all 100% cotton shirts are made alike, even if their composition looks the same on the tag. The exact type, thread count, weave, and weight of the material all play a massive role in the feel of the final garment. Another important factor is, of course, the quality of the manufacturing.
Here’s what you can keep in mind when choosing your perfect tee.
-
Type: Different types of cotton, such as Supima, Egyptian, or Pima cotton, have longer fibers, making them softer and more durable.
-
Thread count: A higher thread count indicates that more threads are woven into each square inch of the garment, so t-shirts with a higher thread count will be softer and smoother.
-
Weave: The way the cotton fibers are woven together can affect the texture of the shirt. For example, jersey garments tend to be softer than twill weave items like denim.
-
Weight: Lighter-weight garments generally feel softer and more breathable compared to heavyweight options.
-
Quality: The quality of manufacturing processes, including spinning, weaving, and finishing, can impact the overall softness and feel of the garment.
Learn more: 9 Best Cotton T-Shirts: Men’s, Women’s, and Unisex
Tri-blend
You might be familiar with the term “tri-blend shirt,” or maybe it’s new to you. Either way, if you want the coziest t-shirts, it’s worth exploring garments made from this blended fabric because it’s a game-changer in the t-shirt industry.
The mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon makes for an incredibly soft fabric that feels smooth on the skin and works well for the dyeing process. These t-shirts offer a premium blend of comfort, durability, and breathability, establishing themselves as a prime choice among the best tees for printing.
Rayon is the least common material in this mix. Originally developed as a silk substitute, rayon offers a more silky feel and texture. It’s made of cellulose fibers and absorbs moisture well.
Tri-blends are actually relatively new in the world of t-shirt trends. The fabric emerged in the mid-2000s and gained popularity among those who appreciate soft and lightweight t-shirts.
Characteristics of a tri-blend t-shirt
-
Naturally heathered. This shirt material already comes with a heathered, vintage look. It can depend on the printing technique, design, and colors used.
-
Semi-flowy. While not as flowy as silk or viscose, tri-blends offer superior drape and movement compared to cotton or polyester due to the rayon component.
-
Comfortable and stretchy. The combination of rayon and polyester imparts a gentle stretch and enhanced softness.
Learn more: Unveiling the Mystery: What is a Tri-Blend T-Shirt
