Fabric Guide
The fabric in the 3001 is the reason it has the reputation it does. Understanding what it is and how it differs by colorway helps you know what to expect from the shirt you ordered.
Standard Solid Colors — 100% Airlume Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton, 4.2 oz.
Airlume is Bella+Canvas's proprietary name for their cotton preparation process. Before the yarn is spun, the raw cotton fibers go through a combing process that removes short fibers, debris, and impurities. What remains is a longer, cleaner fiber that gets ring-spun — a spinning method that twists the fibers into a tighter, more uniform yarn. The result is a 4.2 oz. fabric that is lighter than most standard jersey tees, has a noticeably smoother hand feel, and resists pilling better than coarser alternatives. It is not a thick, heavy shirt. It is a fine jersey knit that wears well and takes print detail cleanly.
The 32 singles specification refers to the yarn count — a higher number means a finer yarn. Most basic cotton tees run in the 20s or low 30s. The 3001 at 32 singles is on the finer end of the jersey spectrum, which contributes directly to the softness and the smooth print surface.
Ash — 99% Airlume Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton / 1% Polyester
The Ash colorway introduces a small polyester component that gives the fabric its heathered appearance. Construction and care requirements are the same as the standard solid.
Athletic Heather and Black Heather — 90% Airlume Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton / 10% Polyester
These colorways carry more polyester than the Ash variant, which gives them a slightly different texture and affects color behavior under heat and washing. Follow the same care approach as the standard colors but be more cautious with heat during drying.
Heather and Blend Colors — 52% Airlume Combed and Ring-Spun Cotton / 48% Polyester
The CVC heather colorways are roughly half cotton, half polyester. They feel softer than straight cotton to many people but behave differently under washing and drying heat. These colorways are more prone to fading with high heat and harsh detergents. The care section below covers what to do and what to avoid.
Fabric summary at a glance:
- Solid colors: 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 4.2 oz., 32 singles
- Ash: 99% Airlume cotton / 1% polyester
- Athletic Heather / Black Heather: 90% Airlume cotton / 10% polyester
- Heather / CVC Blend colors: 52% Airlume cotton / 48% polyester
- Pre-shrunk
- Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)
View our Brand Guide.