Tex is a direct yarn count system: the weight in grams of 1,000 meters of yarn. Higher tex = thicker yarn.
Direct vs Indirect Systems
Yarn count systems come in two families, and they work in opposite directions:
- Direct systems (tex, denier) - weight per fixed length. Higher number = thicker, heavier yarn. 100 tex is thicker than 50 tex.
- Indirect systems (Ne cotton count, Nm metric count) - length per fixed weight. Higher number = finer yarn. Ne 60 is finer than Ne 30.
The two families cause endless confusion - always check which system a number belongs to before comparing.
Common Conversions
Tex relates neatly to denier: tex = denier / 9, because denier is grams per 9,000 meters while tex is grams per 1,000 meters. Common apparel yarns range from about 10 tex (fine shirting) to 100+ tex (heavy denim and canvas).
When Tex Is Used
Tex is the ISO standard yarn count system, dominant in technical textiles, sewing thread specifications, and international trade. If you're buying thread or specifying yarns for global production, tex is the language.
FAQs
- What's the difference between tex and denier?
- Both are direct systems. Tex = grams per 1000m; denier = grams per 9000m. Tex = denier / 9.
- What tex is sewing thread?
- Typical apparel sewing thread is around 25-40 tex, depending on the application.
- Is tex metric?
- Yes - it's the ISO standard yarn count system, used worldwide in technical specifications.
Glossary: see the full fashion glossary for more apparel industry terms.