Mercerized Cotton T-Shirts & Polos
100% Supima cotton t-shirts and polos with a mercerized finish: smoother, stronger and with a subtle sheen. Made in Tirupur.
Mercerized cotton t-shirts and polos
Mercerization is a finishing process that treats cotton yarn or fabric so the fibres swell and become rounder and smoother. The result is cotton with a subtle sheen, a smoother hand, deeper colour and extra strength. Offnorth mercerizes 100% Supima cotton, so you get the softness of the world's finest cotton with a polished, premium finish.
Mercerized vs regular cotton
| Mercerized cotton | Regular cotton | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Subtle lustre, rich colour | Matte |
| Feel | Smooth, cool, silky | Softer but fuzzier |
| Strength | Stronger, less pilling | Pills more over time |
| Colour | Holds dye better, fades less | Fades faster |
What does "double mercerized" mean? Some fabrics are mercerized at both the yarn and fabric stage for extra lustre. Whatever the label, look for 100% long-staple cotton underneath: mercerizing improves good cotton but cannot fix poor cotton.
Shop the range below, or compare with our Supima crew neck t-shirts and Supima polos.
Frequently asked questions
Is mercerized cotton good for summer?
Yes. It is breathable natural cotton with a cool, smooth feel, which makes it comfortable in hot weather.
Does mercerized cotton shrink?
Mercerized cotton is more stable than untreated cotton but can still shrink slightly in hot water. Wash cold and avoid high dryer heat.
Is mercerized cotton the same as Supima?
No. Supima is a type of cotton; mercerizing is a finish. Offnorth's mercerized t-shirts and polos are 100% Supima cotton with a mercerized finish.