Ring Spun Cotton Vs. Regular Cotton Hooded Sweatshirt

Have you ever wondered why two cotton sweatshirts in the same style often have a huge price difference?

The answer lies in cotton quality, and no, we are not talking about blends. Pure cotton comes in various qualities depending upon its construction method. While both regular cotton and ring-spun cotton come from the same plant, the latter is considered superior due to its certain characteristics that add a luxurious touch to any finished product.

For instance, if you ever go on the hunt for a comfy, long-lasting sweatshirt or T-shirt, you'll likely encounter the terms "ring-spun cotton" and "regular cotton" as deciding factors for product quality and cost.

However, does it matter when buying a sweatshirt just as an athleisure? Well, buckle up because we are about to change your wardrobe game.

What is Ring Spun Cotton?

To keep it simple, ring-spun cotton is regular cotton but a lot fancier. The cotton fibers are spun and twisted together, making the yarn smoother and softer than your basic, everyday cotton. This process also strengthens the fabric, which means your ring-spun cotton shirts, sweatshirts, and cotton hoodies will hold up better over time.

Ring-spun cotton is also highly absorbent due to its higher thread count. Its dense construction also makes it less prone to pilling and fraying, thus making it a popular choice for high-end athleisure clothing. Another reason for its use in luxury clothing is its flatter, more even surface that allows uniform printing, dyeing, and embellishments.

In contrast, regular cotton doesn’t get the spa treatment of extra spinning and twisting. Therefore due to varying length of fiber, regular cotton is not as soft, and over time, it will show its age with more wear and tear i-e pilling and volume loss.

In a gist, comparing ring-spun cotton to regular cotton helps you differentiate between athleisure that is designer-approved in terms of quality and sweatshirts that are genuinely made only for lounging.

Does Ring Spun Cotton Shrink?

The most common nightmare about cotton clothes is their property to shrink. No one wants to invest in a killer sweatshirt only for it to turn into a crop top after one wash, right?

The truth is that ring-spun cotton, like most cotton fabrics, can shrink. But here’s the catch: because it’s spun tighter, it tends to shrink less than regular cotton.

However, cold washing and flat drying can further reduce this risk for your ring-spun cotton shirts or sweatshirts and keep them looking brand new. Another safe bet is to buy it slightly oversized. Then, you might not care too much about a little shrinkage, but it's always good to know what you're dealing with.

Ring Spun Cotton Vs. Cotton Sweatshirts

If you’re someone who appreciates the finer things in life (without the fancy price tag), ring-spun cotton sweatshirts are the way to go. They’re softer, comfier, and last longer than their regular cotton counterparts. Whether you’re layering up for your morning run or just vibing on a casual weekend, ring-spun cotton sweatshirts feel and look more premium.

Regular cotton sweatshirt might save you a few bucks, but you’ll likely feel the difference over time—especially after repeated washes when the fabric starts to lose its original softness and fit.

If comfort, durability, and style are top priorities for you, ring-spun cotton is a game-changer. Whether you're choosing a simple tee or a cozy ring-spun cotton sweatshirt, the fabric upgrade is worth every penny. While regular cotton gets the job done, ring-spun takes your activewear and athleisure wardrobe to a whole new level.