bicomponent staple have a linear density less than about 2 5 dtex per fiber in the spun yarn the bicomponent staple fiber is present at a level of at least about 20 wt preferably at least about 35 wt and no more than about 65 wt preferably less than 50 wt based on the total weight of the spun yarn when the yarn of the invention comprises less than about 20 wt polyester bicomponent the yarn can exhibit inadequate stretch and recovery properties as indicated by low total boil off shrinkage when the yarn comprises more than about 65 wt bicomponent staple fiber the blended fibers can be difficult to card in the spun yarn of the invention the cotton is present at a level of at least about 35 wt and no higher than about 80 wt based on total weight of the spun yarn optionally up to about 30 wt based on total weight of the spun yarn can be other staple fibers for example poly ethylene terephthalate staple when the ci of the bicomponent staple fiber is lower in the range of acceptable values higher proportions of polyester bicomponent staple fibers can be used without compromising cardability and yarn uniformity when cd is higher in the range of acceptable values lower proportions of bicomponent staple can be used without compromising total boil off shrinkage in particular since the fiber blend level ci and cardability are inter related satisfactory cardability can be retained even with high ci values for example as high as about 45 if the amount of bicomponent fiber in the blend is.