Ring-Spun vs Open-End Denim
How the yarn was spun, and why it explains two fabrics of identical weight feeling nothing alike.
Short answer
Ring-spun yarn is softer, stronger and more irregular, and fades with character. Open-end is faster and cheaper to produce and gives a flatter, more uniform fabric.
Side by side
| Ring-spun | Open-end | |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn | Twisted from a continuous sliver | Spun from an open rotor |
| Hand | Softer, more depth | Flatter, stiffer |
| Surface | Irregular, slubby | Uniform |
| Fades | Character, high contrast | Even, less character |
| Strength | Higher | Adequate |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Choose Ring-spun when…
Premium and heritage product where the fabric itself is part of the sell, and where fading matters.
Choose Open-end when…
Volume programmes where price per yard leads and a uniform surface is acceptable or even wanted.
See Both in Stock
Each of these reads live from our warehouse sheets.
Still Deciding?
Tell us what you are making and we will tell you which of the two suits it, and what we have in both.