The fabric is going to be washed when you get it home, so any distortions come out in the wash. I prefer ripped due to the straight of grain. One reason, I heard years ago was ripping caused a lot of dust and that was not good for those that worked in the cutting area. I have also seen fabrics (very few athat were 3,4 or more off center. Alot of places allowed up to an extra inch if they were tearing, but it cuts into there costs at the end of the year - it does add up.