Why thin yarn is not the same as thin fabric
Short answer: The thickness of a fabric depends on both the yarn and how tightly it is knitted. A fine yarn knitted tightly gives a heavier fabric than a coarse yarn knitted loosely. So a thin thread can still end up as a solid fabric, and a thick yarn as an airy one.
Two dials, not one
The thickness of the yarn decides how much material is in each stitch. The tightness of the knit decides how many stitches there are per centimetre. Fabric weight is the result of both. You cannot read a fabric's thickness from the yarn alone, and many people make that mistake when judging clothes in a shop.
What yarn thickness does
A thin yarn holds little material per length, and a thick yarn holds a lot. With a thin yarn the stitches can be small and even, and the surface becomes smooth. A thick yarn gives larger stitches and a stronger texture. The yarn only says something about single stitches, not how many lie in one area.
What knit tightness does
When the stitches are knitted tightly, many of them lie per centimetre, and the fabric becomes compact and heavy. When they are knitted loosely, there is air between them, and the fabric becomes light and open. The tightness is set on the machine, independent of the yarn. So the same yarn can make both a thin and a thick fabric.
What that means in practice
A tightly knitted fabric of fine yarn is soft, takes up little room and still holds its shape. A loosely knitted fabric of coarse yarn is airy but goes slack sooner. The combination decides both comfort and lifespan. Look at Egtved for an example, where you can read the material on each item.
How to judge it yourself
Hold the fabric up to the light. If you see a lot of light between the stitches, it is loosely knitted, however thick the yarn feels between your fingers. If you see little light, it is tightly knitted. Also pull gently and see whether it returns to shape. A simple test that needs no tools.
What suits summer
For warm days many people choose a fine yarn knitted openly. It gives air without making the fabric coarse. A tightly knitted fabric can feel warmer, because there is less room for air between the stitches. Have a look at bamboo T-shirts for men, where you can compare weight and fit across the models.
Why the yarn is not on the product page
Yarn thickness is rarely on a product page, because fabric weight says more about how the garment behaves in practice. The weight is the result of yarn and knit together, so it is the better measure. If you need more, ask us and we will find the details. See also bamboo inner shorts, where the fabric sits close.
When two garments feel different
Two garments can have the same weight and still feel different. One may be knitted from a fine yarn and tight, the other from a coarser yarn and looser. The weight is the same, but the distribution is not. So it is wise to feel the fabric and not only read the number on the label.
Caring for tight and open knits
A tightly knitted fabric usually washes well but should not be stressed too much when drying. An open knit can stretch if it is hung up wet. Wash cool, use a mild detergent and let the garments dry flat or on a hanger, so the stitches keep their shape.
Frequently asked questions
Can two garments with the same weight feel different
Yes. The balance between yarn thickness and knit tightness changes everything, so a tight knit of fine yarn can weigh the same as a loose knit of coarse yarn and feel quite different.
What is best for summer
A fine yarn knitted openly. It gives air without making the fabric coarse, while a tightly knitted fabric can feel warmer because there is less room for air between the stitches.
Why is yarn thickness not on the product page
Because fabric weight says more about how the garment behaves in practice. It is the result of yarn and knit together, so it is a better measure than yarn thickness alone.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
