A crisp, dry hand comes from combed or compact yarns, dense structures (pique, interlock), calendering, a resin or starch finish and minimal softener. Mercerising and compacting help. It is sought after in polos, structured tees and heavyweight tees, where shape rather than drape is wanted. Too much softener would produce the opposite. If you want a crisp hand, specify no silicone softener or minimal softener, and ask for a swatch from the lot.
crispdry handstructure
