Combed, twice combed, mercerised

A short glossary for the cotton on your skin — why what the label says actually matters.

Cotton labels are full of words that sound like marketing and are actually specifications. Here is the short version.

Combed cotton has had its short fibres removed, so it pills less and feels smoother. Twice-combed goes through that process again — fewer stray fibres, a cleaner yarn, a longer life.

Mercerised cotton has been treated under tension so the fibre takes dye more deeply and holds colour far longer. It is why a good dress sock still looks sharp after a year of washing.