How does cotton become a T-shirt?

A cotton T-shirt begins with fibers that grow around cotton seeds. After harvesting, ginning separates much of the seed and other material from the fibers. The useful fiber then needs several more transformations before it can become a garment.

Spinning organizes fibers into yarn. Knitting interlocks loops of yarn to make a flexible fabric, unlike weaving, which crosses sets of threads. Many T-shirts use knitted fabric because its looped structure can stretch and bend comfortably.

Factories prepare and color materials, cut fabric into shaped pieces and join those pieces with stitches. Dyeing can happen at different stages, depending on the product. Finishing and inspection help establish the intended feel, appearance and condition.

The steps can involve different workplaces and journeys between them. Each depends on suitable inputs arriving and on information about what is needed next. A shirt therefore carries a connection between agriculture, machines, materials, people, energy and transport—not just a single factory operation.