Poly-cotton (PC) yarn

Poly-cotton is the most widely specified blended yarn in institutional and shirting applications, combining the wash durability of polyester with the comfort and absorbency of cotton. Ashelby International supplies PC yarn at the standard 65 per cent polyester / 35 per cent cotton ratio across counts from 10s to 45s Ne.

Our PC yarn carries tenacity of 20 to 25 g/tex with elongation of 5 to 7 per cent. Strength exceeds that of 100 per cent cotton ring spun yarn at equivalent count, which is the direct contribution of the polyester component. The 65/35 ratio is the industry standard because it sits at the point where polyester dominates enough to deliver wrinkle resistance and dimensional stability while cotton remains sufficient for acceptable moisture handling and hand feel.

This is why PC is the default for uniforms, institutional bedlinen and hospital textiles: these articles face industrial laundering at high temperature, repeated over years, and must return to shape without pressing. A 100 per cent cotton equivalent would shrink further, crease more and wear out sooner under the same regime.

Other ratios are available where the balance needs shifting -- higher cotton for comfort-led programmes, higher polyester for maximum durability. Typical applications include shirtings, bedsheets, uniforms and blended fabrics. Specify your required ratio and count with the enquiry.