What Is Combed Cotton? Meaning, Benefits & Is It Worth It

What is combed cotton? It is regular cotton that goes through an extra cleaning step: fine brushes comb out the short, weak fibers and leave the long ones lined up neatly. The result is a softer, smoother and stronger yarn. It is the fabric we use in our men’s undershirts. Here is how it is made, how it compares and whether it is worth it.

What Is Combed Cotton? The Simple Answer

It is 100% cotton that has been combed before spinning. Every cotton fiber starts out mixed: some long, some short, plus tiny bits of leaf and seed. Combing removes the short fibers and leftover debris, so only the longest, cleanest fibers are spun into yarn.

So what is combed cotton in everyday terms? Think of it like brushing tangled hair. After brushing, the strands lie straight and smooth. Combed yarn works the same way, which is why the fabric feels softer and looks cleaner.

How Is Combed Cotton Made?

1. Ginning: the raw cotton is separated from its seeds.
2. Carding: machines open and clean the fibers into a loose rope called a sliver. Most regular cotton goes straight to spinning from here.
3. Combing: fine-toothed combs pull out the short fibers and neps (tiny knots), and straighten the long fibers so they lie parallel.
4. Spinning: the clean, aligned fibers are twisted into a smooth, strong yarn.

Combing is not a light touch. Spinning machinery maker Rieter uses an 18% noil (waste) extraction as its standard example, and defines short fibers as those under 12.5 mm. Removing that much fiber is why combed fabric costs a little more.

Combed Cotton vs Regular (Carded) Cotton

Short fibers are the main cause of fuzz and pilling, because their loose ends work their way out of the yarn with washing. With fewer of them, combed yarn keeps a smooth surface for longer. For more on how fiber length changes the feel, read Egyptian cotton vs regular cotton.

Combed vs Egyptian, Pima and Mercerized Cotton

These terms are often mixed up, but they describe different things:

• Egyptian and Pima cotton are types of cotton, defined by the plant and fiber length. Both are long-staple. Learn more in what is Egyptian cotton.
• Combing is a spinning process that can be applied to any cotton. Premium long-staple cotton is usually combed.
• Mercerized cotton is a finishing treatment that makes cotton smoother, stronger and slightly glossy. See mercerized cotton vs regular cotton.

So a shirt can be all of these at once: combed Egyptian cotton that has also been mercerized. Each step adds softness and durability.

Benefits of Combed Cotton

• Softer on the skin: fewer loose fiber ends means less scratch.
• Stronger and longer lasting: long, aligned fibers hold together better.
• Less pilling: the fabric stays smooth after many washes.
• Cleaner look: an even surface that takes dye and prints well.
• Still breathable: it is 100% cotton, so air moves freely.

Any Downsides?

Only price. It costs a little more to make because more fiber is removed. For basics you wear every day, like undershirts and underwear, that small difference pays off in comfort and lifespan.

Is Combed Cotton Good for Your Skin?

Yes. It is a natural, breathable fiber, and its smooth surface is gentle on sensitive skin. That makes it a great choice for an undershirt you wear all day, even in summer heat. Our guide to the best underwear material for sensitive skin explains why cotton is the safe choice.

How to Tell If a Shirt Is Combed Cotton

• Check the label or product page for "combed cotton" or "100% combed cotton."
• Feel the surface: it should be smooth, with little fuzz.
• Hold it to the light: the weave looks even, without thick and thin spots.
• Watch it over time: it pills far less after washing.

Our Combed Cotton Undershirts

Our undershirts are made from 100% combed cotton, so they stay soft, breathable and smooth under a dress shirt, wash after wash. Not sure which neckline to pick? Read our guide to the best undershirt for a dress shirt.

Combed Cotton Crew Neck Undershirts

A classic crew neck that works under a T-shirt, polo or sweater, or on its own. The Combed Cotton Crew Neck Undershirts come in a 3-pack of crisp white.

100% Combed Cotton Combed Cotton Crew Neck Undershirts 3-Pack, White · Under a T-shirt or polo $24.00 $8.00 per shirt View product  →

Combed Cotton V-Neck Undershirts

The V-neck stays hidden under an open collar, which makes it the go-to for work shirts. The Combed Cotton V-Neck Undershirts use the same soft, combed yarn.

100% Combed Cotton Combed Cotton V-Neck Undershirts 3-Pack, White · Under an open collar $24.00 $8.00 per shirt View product  →

Comparing styles? See our picks for the best undershirts for men.

How to Care for Combed Fabrics

• Wash in cold or warm water with similar colors.
• Use a mild detergent and skip bleach on colors.
• Tumble dry low or line dry to limit shrinking.
• Iron on medium heat if needed.

Cotton can shrink a little in a hot dryer. Read does Egyptian cotton shrink for tips that apply to all quality cotton.

FAQs: What Is Combed Cotton and More

Is combed cotton 100% cotton?

Yes. Combing is a process, not a blend. A label that says 100% combed cotton means pure cotton that has been combed. Some products blend it with polyester, so always check the label.

Is combed cotton better than regular cotton?

Yes, for comfort and durability. Combed yarn is softer, stronger and pills less. Regular carded cotton is cheaper but wears faster.

Does combed cotton shrink?

It can shrink slightly, like all cotton, especially in a hot dryer. Washing cool and drying low keeps shrinkage minimal.

What is ring-spun combed cotton?

It is combed yarn spun on a ring frame, which twists the fibers tightly into an even finer, softer yarn. You will often see the two terms together on premium T-shirts.

Is combed cotton breathable?

Yes. It is still 100% natural cotton, so it breathes and absorbs sweat, which makes it comfortable year round.

Now you know what combed cotton is, feel it for yourself. Shop our men’s undershirts or explore our full men’s collection. Orders over $99 ship free in the US.