Cotton Fabric: Properties, Uses & Care
Comprehensive cotton fabric guide. Learn about cotton fiber properties, breathability, durability, sewing uses, and garment care instructions.
Cotton is the world's most popular natural fabric. It comes from the fluffy white seed pods of the cotton plant, which are harvested, spun into soft yarn, and woven or knitted into clothing.
Key Properties
- Category: natural
- Breathability: Very High/10
- Durability: High/10
- Texture: Soft, smooth, and natural hand-feel.
Recommended Uses & Care
Common Uses: T-shirts, Casual shirts, Jeans, Bedsheets, Underwear, Summer dresses
Care Guidelines: Machine wash with warm or cold water. Tumble dry on medium heat or hang dry in the shade. Iron with steam while slightly damp for a crisp look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 100% cotton shrink when washed?
During spinning and weaving, cotton fibers are pulled and stretched under tension. When exposed to hot water and tumbling in the dryer, the fibers relax back to their natural length, causing the garment to shrink slightly.
What is combed cotton?
Combed cotton is treated with fine brushes to remove short, rough fibers and leave only long, smooth fibers. This makes the finished fabric softer, stronger, and more durable than regular carded cotton.