Apparel fabrics should have their own universe. They are just too diverse now. There was a time when a t-shirt was just made of cotton. Today’s apparel landscape buzzes with tri-blends, poly-cotton mixes, and performance fabrics that practically need their own science degree to understand. A standout among these is the CVC; popular among comfort-seekers, fashionistas, resellers, and apparel decorators alike.
Understanding CVC
It’s essentially a cotton-polyester mashup, but a special one at that. CVC stands for “Chief Value Cotton” – which means the blend contains more cotton than polyester. CVC comes in typically a 60/40 or 55/45 ratio. But this isn’t any random formula. The fabric is engineered in such a way that it gets cotton’s natural softness from the higher amounts of cotton. At the same time, the polyester sneaks in its own properties like durability and shape retention.
Now you might be wondering if pure cotton isn’t the better option. When it comes to comfort, it is. But 100% cotton is also susceptible to shrinkage. So you won’t be enjoying that comfy, cozy feel for long wearing a pure cotton t-shirt. 100% polyester, on the other hand, is all about the smooth feel, the durability, and the capacity of the garment to retain its shape even after rough use. The comfort, however, isn’t on par with 100% cotton. CVC hits a balance. You get breathability, you get that exceptional softness, and better shape retention for the garment.
Tri-blends,a blend of three fabric materials, might feel slightly softer than CVC initially, but they typically come with a higher price tag. I believe they are a little more delicate too. CVC offers pretty much the same level of comfort at often much lesser cost.
I personally love the adaptability of CVC t-shirts. I am a big fan of Next Level t-shirts. The first time I got one of their CVC tees and wore them for a few weeks, I started noticing how the blend adapts to different situations. Because it isn’t pure cotton but does feel like one. It’s hard to explain. I could use the tee while working out and then go out with my buddies at the gym for a meal wearing the same tee. The tee remains soft and smooth wherever I go without changing them. Before you wonder about my hygiene practices, I wish to take your thoughts to a garment that sticks with you no matter what. Not literally though. Know what I mean?
I guess it’s the cotton’s softness combined with the polyester part’s sweat-wicking that keeps the garment breathable and comfy. A dual-action performance apparently. But the difference is clear once you wear one.
Speaking of wearing CVCs, these are the ones I recommend.
- Next Level 6211NL CVC Long Sleeve Tee: The absolute best CVC tee I’ve worn till date is the 6211NL. I don’t claim to have worn a lot of them. But this one is just too good. I got this from a friend who occasionally buys long sleeve shirts wholesale for his business. (I kinda took one). Next Level uses ring spun cotton for their CVC tees. Probably why the tee feels amazingly soft. I own the Heather Blue color. Really good.
- Next Level N6210 CVC Crewneck: Feels the same like the one I mentioned earlier. This is the short sleeve variant. Bought this one myself after falling for the long sleeve I got for free.
- Bella + Canvas 3001CVC: I believe this is undisputedly the most popular CVC in America. And for good reason. I found that Bella + Canvas offers this piece in over 80 colors. This tee is a blend of airlume combed ringspun cotton and polyester. No surprise why it’s the best in the market. Super soft. Super cozy. Decent resistance to shrinkage. I still love my Next Level CVC a little bit more.
- Gildan G670 Softstyle CVC T-Shirt: A CVC blend of combed ringspun cotton and polyester. But the real specialty is in the smooth surface. It takes prints really well. Feels really smooth considering the low price point. Really low price point.
Getting The Most Out of Your CVC Tees
CVC tees aren’t high maintenance. They last pretty long with just basic care.
- An occasional wash in cold water helps prevent shrinkage
- Always turn inside-out before washing to protect the fabric face
- I heard fabric softeners aren’t good for CVCs, as it can impede some of the polyester’s traits
- Tumble dry on low or just hang them
Final Thoughts
When you are forced to choose between comfort and practicality, CVC just lets you throw all the options out of the table. The softness and performance we need without straining the wallet. That’s what I think about CVC tees.
If you have more to add or a few recommendations for me to try, do let me know.
