What Is Bio-Washed Cotton? Why It Feels Softer

You'll see "bio-washed" and "silicone-washed" on many cotton t-shirts, including ours. They aren't marketing words: they're finishing treatments that change how the fabric feels. Here's what they mean.

What is bio-washing?

Cotton yarn has tiny loose fibres sticking out of it. On a new tee they make the surface feel slightly rough, and with wear they tangle into little balls — pilling.

Bio-washing treats the knitted fabric with natural enzymes (cellulase) that gently remove those loose surface fibres. The result:

• Smoother, softer surface that feels good against the skin from the first wear.
• Less pilling and fuzz, so the tee looks newer for longer.
• Cleaner-looking colours, because there's less fuzz scattering the light.
• Less shrinkage later, since the fabric has already been through a wet process.

What is silicone washing?

A silicone softener finish is applied to the fabric. It gives cotton a silky, smooth hand-feel and a softer drape — that slightly "buttery" feel of a good tee. Many tees, including most of ours, are both bio-washed and silicone-washed.

Why 100% cotton for Indian weather?

Cotton is breathable and absorbs sweat, which matters in Indian summers. It's also gentle on sensitive skin. Synthetic fabrics like polyester dry faster and suit sportswear — which is why our active-wear tees are a different fabric. Each product page tells you exactly what the tee is made of.

What does "GSM" mean?

You'll sometimes see GSM (grams per square metre) on t-shirts. It's the weight of the fabric: a higher GSM is thicker and more structured, a lower GSM lighter and airier. Oversized tees usually use a heavier knit so they hang well; summer basics are often lighter.

How to keep bio-washed cotton soft

• Wash cold and turn the tee inside out.
• Use a mild detergent; you don't need fabric softener — the finish is already there.
• Dry in the shade on a hanger, and avoid hot tumble drying.

Full routine in our care guide.

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