Open-End vs. Carded vs. Combed Cotton: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to cotton fabric, not all fibers are created equal. Terms like open-end, carded, and combed refer to how the cotton is processed before it’s spun into yarn—and each method impacts the final fabric’s softness, strength, cost, and appearance. Whether you're designing a premium tee or sourcing bulk blanks, knowing the difference can help you make smarter choices.

Open-end cotton, also known as rotor-spun cotton, is produced using a faster, more cost-efficient method. Instead of aligning fibers into long, smooth strands, the fibers are essentially "tangled" together. This results in a coarser texture and slightly bulkier feel. It’s commonly used in budget-friendly apparel and workwear, where durability matters more than softness or finesse.

Carded cotton goes through a mechanical carding process that untangles and roughly aligns the fibers, removing some impurities. The result is a more uniform yarn than open-end, but it still contains shorter fibers and has a slightly fuzzy texture. It’s softer than open-end and is often used in everyday garments where comfort and affordability both matter.

Combed cotton takes it a step further. After carding, it’s passed through fine combs that remove the shortest fibers and align the remaining ones more precisely. This creates a smoother, stronger, and more luxurious yarn. Combed cotton is less likely to pill, has a softer hand feel, and is the go-to choice for premium products where quality and finish are top priorities.