The string of numbers and words on the yarn composition label is not printed randomly - it is the "key code" to determine whether the yarn can meet the requirements of the finished product.
Especially for purchasers, understanding this line of text can help avoid the pitfalls of "the selected yarn is soft but not skin-friendly" and "looks good but is not durable".
Today, let's start with how to read labels and the characteristics of cotton fibers, and teach you how to easily pick out good yarns suitable for close-fitting scenarios.
⒈First, understand: The "sorting rules" of ingredient labels
The global textile industry has a unified requirement for the labeling of yarn composition:
it must be arranged in descending order of fiber content, and the specific percentage and fiber name must also be clearly stated.
For instance, when you see "78% cotton, 22% acrylic", you can easily understand two meanings without guessing:
First, cotton is the main force, accounting for over 70%, so the hand feel and breathability of the yarn will be more inclined towards the natural properties of cotton.
Secondly, acrylic (also known as acrylic fiber) is an "auxiliary player", with a 22% proportion used to fine-tune the performance of the yarn, such as making it less prone to pilling.
There is a small detail to note:
If the label contains "Other fibers", as long as the proportion is within 5%, there is no need to write the specific name.
But if you are buying yarn for close-fitting wear, it is best to ask one more question - there may be a small amount of elastic fibers like spandex hidden in these "other fibers".
Although the proportion is low and does not affect the main performance, it can quietly change the stretchability of the yarn, such as making the woven underwear more elastic.
⒉Cotton Fiber: Why Is It the "First Choice for Close-fitting Scenarios"?
Cotton is a natural cellulose fiber. The middle of the fiber is hollow, which determines that its "natural advantage" is particularly suitable for close-fitting needs:
First of all, it feels soft and is close to the skin without causing irritation.
The surface of cotton fibers is smooth without any hard edges or corners.
It feels like a crumpled marshmallow and doesn't cause any discomfort even when rubbed against the skin.
Therefore, yarns with a high cotton content (generally over 80%) always make underwear and long Johns more comfortable to wear than those made of other materials.
Secondly, it can absorb sweat and is breathable. Cotton fibers have many tiny pores, with a moisture absorption rate of approximately 8.5%. They can quickly absorb sweat from the skin and also disperse moisture through air circulation. Wearing T-shirts with a high cotton content in summer won't make you feel stuffy even if you sweat.
Another plus point is environmental protection.
Natural cotton is biodegradable.
Currently, the European and American markets particularly value "sustainable materials", and yarns with a high cotton content are more likely to meet such requirements.
However, cotton also has a "minor drawback" : the binding force between fiber molecules is not strong, so the clothes woven from it tend to wrinkle easily and may deform after being washed too frequently. Moreover, the strength of cotton will drop by about 10% when it gets wet. For undergarments that are frequently washed, pure cotton yarn may not be as durable.
⒊How to Choose the Proportion of Cotton? Look at these three intimate scenes
Adult underwear/thermal underwear: 70%-95% cotton + 5%-30% elastic fiber
This type of clothing should be both soft and fit snugly without being loose, so cotton is the main choice.
70% to 95% cotton can ensure basic softness and sweat absorption.
Adding 5% to 30% spandex enables the yarn to quickly rebound after stretching.
For instance, the necklines and cuffs of underwear that have been worn for a long time are less likely to become loose or deformed, and they can still maintain their original shape after several washes.
Baby clothes: More than 90% cotton, avoid fluorescent brighteners
Babies' skin is tender and highly sensitive to stimuli, so the proportion of cotton must be high, preferably over 90%, and it should be as close as possible to the texture of "pure cotton".
When making a purchase, one more question should be asked: Has fluorescent brightener been added? After all, for a baby's clothes, safety is more important than anything else.
Thin close-fitting knitwear (such as summer knitwear) : 80% cotton + a small amount of 20% polyester
Close-fitting knitted garments for summer should be both breathable and slightly durable.
80% cotton can ensure breathability and no stuffiness. Adding 20% polyester can reduce pilling - after all, clothes are washed more frequently in summer, and pure cotton yarn is prone to small pilling.
Adding a little polyester can improve this problem without affecting the overall softness.
