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Types of Cotton for T-Shirts: Which Grade Is Worth It
A plain guide to cotton t-shirt types: upland, Pima, Supima, Egyptian, combed and ring-spun, plus how knit and weight matter and when paying more makes sense.
Fabrics & textiles
Know your fabric, choose with confidence.
Plain-English guides to fabrics and fibers: how they behave, how to choose them and how to care for them.
86 in-depth guides 14 topics Oct 2026 latest guide
Featured guides
Guides to start with
Each one links on to more specific articles in its topic.
Which Is Better Wool or Cotton
Wool or cotton? Compare warmth, breathability, odor, durability, care, and cost, plus the downsides of each, to pick the right fabric for your needs.
Is Nylon Fabric Good or Bad
Nylon is tough, stretchy and quick-drying, but it breathes poorly and sheds microplastics. See where it works well, where it doesn't, and how to care for it.
Is Viscose a Breathable Fabric
Viscose is generally breathable and comfortable in warm weather, but it absorbs moisture and dries slowly. Here is how it performs, where it falls short, and how to wear it.
Fabric for Men's Clothes
A practical guide to choosing fabric for men's clothes: what suits, shirts, trousers, coats and knitwear are usually made from, and how to match fabric to climate.
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Fibers
Cotton, wool, rayon and synthetic fibers compared.
Cotton Varieties Types of cotton and how they differ. 9 guides Wool vs Cotton How wool, merino, cashmere and cotton compare. 4 guides Synthetic Fibers Polyester, nylon, acrylic and other man-made fibers. 5 guides Rayon, Viscose & Modal How semi-synthetic fibers behave and how to care for them. 8 guides
Choosing Fabric
Fabrics for clothing, bedding, curtains and upholstery.
Clothing Fabric Guide Choosing fabrics for the clothes you wear. 8 guides Summer & Breathable Fabrics Cool, breathable fabrics for hot weather. 4 guides Bed Sheet Fabrics Sheet fabrics, weaves and thread counts. 8 guides Curtains & Home Textiles Fabrics for curtains and other soft furnishings. 5 guides Upholstery & Durable Fabrics Hard-wearing fabrics for furniture and heavy use. 5 guides Specialty Fabrics Silk, velvet, lace and other special-purpose fabrics. 5 guides
Care & Use
Washing, shrinkage, stretch and fabric crafts.