SHOP
Here's something that surprises people: a soft summer tee and a plush winter hoodie can be made from the exact same fiber — organic cotton — and feel worlds apart. The difference isn't the material, it's the knit. Understanding a few knit types makes you a much better judge of what you're buying. Here's the plain-English version.
First: Knit vs. Fiber
The fiber is what the yarn is made of — in our case, 100% organic cotton, every time. The knit is how that yarn is looped together into fabric. Change the knit and you change the weight, texture, stretch, warmth, and drape — without ever changing the fiber. That's why "cotton" alone tells you almost nothing about how a garment will feel.
Jersey: The Everyday Classic
Jersey is the standard t-shirt knit — smooth on the front, slightly looped on the back, with a little natural stretch and a clean drape. It's what most tees are made of because it's comfortable, breathable, and versatile. A mid-weight jersey (around 5–6oz) is the sweet spot: substantial enough to hold its shape, light enough to wear all day. Our Muscle Half Crop is a great example of structured jersey doing its job.
Slub: Jersey with Character
Slub is jersey's more textured cousin. During spinning, the yarn is deliberately made slightly uneven — thicker and thinner in spots — which gives the finished fabric a subtle, irregular texture and a lightweight, lived-in feel. It photographs with more depth than flat jersey and it breathes exceptionally well, which is why slub shines in summer. The Brando Slub is built entirely around this knit (full story here). If you like a tee that looks relaxed and characterful rather than crisp and plain, slub is your knit.
Fleece: Warmth Without Synthetics
Fleece is a heavier knit with a soft, brushed interior that traps warmth — the classic hoodie and sweatpant fabric. The key thing to know: most fleece on the market is polyester. Cotton fleece is different. It breathes instead of trapping heat and sweat, it doesn't hold odor the way synthetics do, and it gets softer with every wash. Our Signature Crop Hoodie and Signature Sweatpant use organic cotton fleece for exactly those reasons.
Quick Comparison
| Knit | Feel | Best for | Find it in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jersey | Smooth, structured | Everyday tees, year-round | Muscle Half Crop |
| Slub | Textured, airy, lived-in | Hot weather, relaxed looks | Brando Slub |
| Fleece | Plush, warm, brushed inside | Cool days, loungewear | Signature Crop Hoodie |
Why Single-Fiber Matters
Every knit above is 100% organic cotton — one natural fiber, no synthetic blend. That's a deliberate choice: single-fiber cotton breathes better, softens with age instead of pilling, washes more predictably, and at end of life is far easier to recycle or compost than a blended fabric. It's the same thinking behind why we use organic cotton for everything, and it's why the same fiber can give you a breezy summer tee and a cozy winter hoodie without compromise.
FAQ: Cotton Knits
What is slub cotton?
Cotton knit from intentionally uneven ("slubbed") yarn, giving a subtle irregular texture and a light, lived-in feel. It's breathable and great for warm weather.
Is cotton fleece better than polyester fleece?
For breathability, odor resistance, and longevity — yes. Cotton fleece lets heat and moisture escape and softens over time, while polyester traps both and can hold smell.
Which cotton knit is warmest?
Fleece, by a distance — its brushed interior traps warmth. Jersey and slub are lighter, made for breathability rather than insulation.
Know your knit, then get the fit right and care for it properly — that's the whole formula for clothes that last.
