Most commercial yarn is not a single fibre — it is a blend engineered to combine the best properties of two or more fibres. The letters on a composition label (T/R, T/C, T/W...) tell you exactly what is inside. This guide explains the major blended yarn types, what each one is good for, and how to choose.
How blended yarn names work
In textile shorthand, each letter stands for a fibre, and the ratio follows the name:
- T = Terylene (polyester)
- R = Rayon (viscose)
- C = Cotton
- W = Wool
- A = Acrylic
So T/R 65/35 means 65% polyester and 35% viscose; T/C 65/35 means 65% polyester and 35% cotton.
The major blended yarn types
| Type | Composition | Character | Typical Use | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T/R | Polyester + Viscose | Soft drape, wrinkle-resistant, colour-fast | Suiting, workwear, knitwear | Low-moderate |
| T/C | Polyester + Cotton | Natural hand, durable, easy care | Uniforms, shirts, bedding | Moderate |
| CVC | Cotton + Polyester (cotton majority) | Cotton feel with polyester strength | Premium tees, polo shirts | Higher |
| T/W | Polyester + Wool | Premium handle, warm, crease recovery | Fine suiting, jackets | High |
| T/A | Polyester + Acrylic | Soft, bulky, wool-like warmth | Sweaters, knitwear, blankets | Low-moderate |
T/R — polyester-viscose: the value workhorse
Our speciality. T/R blends polyester's strength and easy care with viscose's softness and drape, at a price that suits volume programs. It is the standard choice for suiting, workwear, trousers and knitwear across mid-market apparel. Available in T/R 65/35, 80/20 and custom ratios, from Ne 10s to Ne 40s, raw white or package-dyed.
T/C and CVC — the cotton family
T/C 65/35 is the classic uniform and shirting blend: cotton's natural comfort with polyester's durability and easy care. CVC (chief value cotton, cotton majority, e.g. 60/40 cotton-polyester) keeps the cotton feel and breathability while polyester adds strength — the go-to for premium tees and polos.
T/W and T/A — premium and warmth
T/W (polyester-wool) brings a premium handle and natural warmth to fine suiting, with polyester improving crease recovery and durability. T/A (polyester-acrylic) delivers soft, wool-like bulk at lower cost — popular for sweaters and knitwear.
How to choose the right blend
- Define the end use: suiting and workwear → T/R; uniforms and shirts → T/C; premium casual → CVC; fine suiting → T/W; knitwear → T/A
- Set the price target: blends with more polyester cost less; more natural fibre costs more
- Check performance needs: wrinkle resistance, colour fastness, drape, absorbency
- Verify the ratio: the blend ratio is part of your specification — confirm it in writing with every order
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common blended yarn?
Globally, T/C (polyester-cotton) is the largest volume blend, with T/R close behind in suiting and workwear categories.
Is T/R the same as T/C?
No — the second fibre differs: viscose for T/R, cotton for T/C. T/R drapes better and costs less; T/C feels more natural. See our detailed comparison T/R vs T/C.
Can I get custom blends?
Yes — we develop custom blend ratios and counts for programs. Send your specification for a quotation.
Which blend is best for workwear?
T/R 65/35 or 80/20 twill is the industry standard for workwear — durable, wrinkle-resistant and cost-efficient.
Need T/R yarn or polyester viscose fabric? Send your specification — blend, count, weight and quantity — and get a quotation within one working day. Request a Quote