What Makes A Shirt Great? Yarn & Ply (Part 1)

Greetings everyone,

Have you ever wondered what separates a good quality shirt from a great one? Every shirt connoisseur will tell you to look at the “yarn number” and “ply” of the shirt. But what exactly is “yarn number” and “ply”? In this article (Part 1), we will tell you all you need to know about “yarn number” and continue with “ply” in our next article.

Many shirt brands do not reveal a shirt’s yarn number to consumers. This is puzzling because the yarn number is directly linked to the quality of a shirt and affects consumers in making an informed decision on choosing a shirt that fits their needs and lifestyle.

What is Yarn Number Anyway? 

Yarn number is a unit of measurement to determine the fineness of the yarn thread on a shirt. It is calculated based on the length of yarn needed to make up a specified weight. This means the higher the yarn number, the finer the yarn will be – providing for a softer and more comfortable shirt. 

Difference Between High and Low Yarn Numbers 

Shirts with a higher yarn number are typically softer and way more comfortable to wear when compared to shirts with low yarn count. Its finer properties produce a smooth touch while the sheer number of threads woven together makes for a more durable wear. 

What Yarn Number Suits Me Best? 

At Wayne Lowe, we recommend a yarn number of between 80 and 140 for daily wear. This is because shirts with too high a yarn number are so fine that they tend to wear off faster. They also tend to easily wrinkle in an unpleasant fashion. Shirts like these are more suited for formal or special occasions; and not everyday wear. 

The Relation Between Yarn and Ply

In the clothing industry, “ply” refers to the layers of yarn that make up a shirt. Shirts with yarn numbers of above 80 are usually two-ply because the threads are so fine that they are intertwined and paired to form a single, strong thread. However single-ply shirts with a yarn number of 70 are not a problem for Egyptian cotton fabrics which tend to be stronger than the average cotton – something we will elaborate further in our future articles. 

Now that you’re aware of a shirt’s Yarn Number, be sure to learn more about “Ply” in our upcoming article on “What Makes a Shirt Great? (Part 2)”. Remember to share this information with your family and friends. Do also check out our Facebook Page and Watch this space. Stay tuned! 

If you are interested in our shirts do visit www.waynelowe.com