Walking through our fabric warehouse, three names come up most often with our brand clients. Let me break them down.
Long-staple cotton (长绒棉)
Fiber length 33-39mm. Stronger, smoother, more lustrous than regular cotton. Best for: premium everyday tees, dress shirts. Price: medium-high.
Modal (莫代尔)
Regenerated cellulose from beech trees. Extremely soft, drapes beautifully, absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton. Best for: underwear, premium tees, drape-focused designs. Price: high.
Mercerized cotton (丝光棉)
Cotton treated with sodium hydroxide for silk-like sheen. Bright colors, less shrinkage. Best for: business shirts, premium casualwear. Price: medium.
Our recommendation
For everyday basics: long-staple cotton. For premium feel: modal blend (95% cotton + 5% modal). For business: mercerized cotton.