Combed vs. Carded Organic Cotton: What’s the Difference?
When you’re choosing organic cotton, you might come across the terms combed and carded—but what do they actually mean? The difference comes down to how the fibres are processed, and it has a huge impact on how the fabric feels, how long it lasts, and how well it prints.
What is GOTS Organic Combed Cotton?
Combed cotton goes through an extra refining process where the fibres are carefully combed to remove impurities and shorter strands. This gives you:
✔️ A softer, smoother feel – Fewer short fibres mean less pilling and a silkier texture. ✔️ Stronger fabric – Longer, aligned fibres make for a more durable, long-lasting material. ✔️ Better print quality – The refined surface absorbs ink more evenly, making it ideal for screen printing.
What is Organic Carded Cotton?
Carded cotton skips the extra combing process, so it contains more short, unaligned fibres. That means:
✔️ A more textured, natural feel – Perfect if you like a slightly rustic look. ✔️ A slightly bulkier fabric – The shorter fibres create a thicker, less uniform texture. ✔️ More prone to pilling – Over time, the shorter fibres can break free, leading to a fuzzier surface.
Why We Use GOTS Organic Combed Cotton
From day one, premium quality and ethical, sustainable production have been non-negotiable for us—we never, ever compromise. At Mindful Merch, we want our fabric to feel incredible, last longer, and print beautifully. That’s why we use GOTS-certified organic combed cotton—it gives you:
✅ The softest, most premium feel – Perfect for everyday wear and comfort. ✅ A clean, smooth surface – Ideal for branding, printing, and achieving a polished look. ✅ Durability and sustainability – Longer-lasting garments reduce waste and support slow fashion.
Our Commitment to Quality & Transparency
We only buy raw yarns from fully traceable suppliers, ensuring complete transparency in our supply chain. Then, we knit our own fabrics, keeping full control over quality so that every piece aligns with our sustainability values.
By choosing combed over carded cotton and producing our own premium fabrics, we make sure every garment meets the high standards you expect from us.
Why GOTS Certification Matters
Not all organic cotton is created equal. Plenty of brands claim to use organic cotton, but the quality, environmental impact, and ethical standards can vary a lot. That’s why we only use GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified cotton.
What Makes Organic Cotton Different?
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified seeds, making it a more sustainable choice. But just because something is labelled "organic" doesn’t mean it meets the highest ethical or environmental standards.
Why GOTS-Certified Cotton?
GOTS is the world’s leading organic textile standard, ensuring strict environmental and ethical guidelines at every stage—from raw fibre to finished garment.
✅ 100% Organic Guarantee – GOTS-certified cotton meets strict farming and processing requirements. ✅ No Harmful Chemicals – GOTS prohibits toxic dyes, bleaches, and finishes, making garments safer for you and the planet. ✅ Ethical Production – GOTS ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and bans child or forced labour. ✅ Better Quality Fabric – GOTS-certified cotton is processed with care, giving you softer, more durable fabrics that hold up over time.
At Mindful Merch, we only use GOTS-certified organic combed cotton, guaranteeing high quality, sustainability, and ethical production in every piece we make. Because we knit our own fabrics and source from traceable suppliers, we have full control over quality—so you can wear our garments with confidence, knowing they’re made the right way.
Sustainable. Ethical. Premium. That’s the Mindful Merch difference.