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Fibre guide

Cotton

Cotton is a natural plant-based fibre obtained from the cotton plant. The fibre is used worldwide as a raw material for a wide variety of woven and knitted fabrics. Cotton is known for its soft feel, good absorbency and versatility. The final properties of a cotton fabric are also strongly influenced by the yarn, fabric construction, weight and finish.

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Fibre typeNatural plant-based fibre

OriginCottonplant

PropertiesSoft, absorbent and breathable

ConstructionWoven and knitted fabrics

ApplicationsClothing, baby items, interiors and more

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The fibre

What is cotton?

Cotton is a natural cellulose fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. After harvesting, the fibres are separated from the seeds, cleaned and processed into yarn. These yarns can then be woven or knitted into a wide variety of fabrics.

The term cotton therefore refers to the fibre used, but does not automatically describe the finished fabric. Cotton jersey, canvas, poplin, towelling or double gauze can all be made from cotton, while their structure, weight, stretch, drape and applications can differ considerably.

Why is cotton so versatile?

Cottonvezels kunnen op verschillende manieren worden gesponnen, geweven, gebreid en afgewerkt. This means cotton can be used for both lightweight, fluid fabrics and firmer, more substantial qualities. Blends with other fibres are also common to modify or enhance specific properties.

Differences by quality

Possible variations

Fibre lengthFrom shorter to extra-long fibres

YarnCarded, combed or otherwise processed

Composition100% cotton or blended with other fibres

FinishCan vary considerably between cotton fabrics

Important: cotton is the fibre, not the finished fabric construction. Two fabrics that are both made from 100% cotton can therefore differ considerably in weight, structure, stretch, drape, appearance and application.

Use and selection

What is cotton used for?

Clothing For T-shirts, blouses, dresses, trousers, shirts and loungewear, among other uses, depending on the fabric construction.

Baby & children Many cotton fabrics are used for baby clothing, blankets, cloths and accessories, where softness and comfort are often important selection criteria.

Interiors Suitable for curtains, cushions, table linen and decorative applications, depending on weight, structure and finish.

Bath & household textiles Cotton is widely used in absorbent textile products such as towels, bath textiles, kitchen textiles and household textiles when the fabric construction is suitable.

Selection advice: do not look only at the fibre percentage when choosing a cotton fabric. Also consider the fabric construction, weight, density, stretch, drape and finish. Together, these properties determine what a particular quality is best suited to.

Care

Care instructions

Pre-washing Recommended before sewing for many washable cotton fabrics

Washing Always follow the care instructions for the individual product

Drying Dry according to the product care instructions to help limit shrinkage and distortion

Bleaching Only when permitted by the specific product care instructions

Good to know

Sewing and selecting

Shrinkage Cotton fabrics can shrink during the first wash. The amount of shrinkage depends on the construction, treatment and finish of the individual product.

Pre-washing If the finished item will be washed later, pre-washing can be advisable so that any initial shrinkage occurs before cutting.

Sewing Choose the needle, thread and stitch length according to the actual fabric construction. A lightweight cotton poplin requires different settings from a heavy cotton canvas.

Ironing Many cotton fabrics can be ironed, but the temperature and use of steam should always be adapted to the individual product and any finish.

Absorbency Cotton can absorb moisture well. However, the absorbency of the finished fabric is also influenced by its construction and finish.

Product selection Always compare composition, construction, weight, width, stretch, drape, colour and care instructions for each individual cotton quality.

Alternatives

Comparable fibres

Linen, viscose and polyester are often used as alternatives to cotton or blended with it. Each has different properties in terms of feel, absorbency, creasing, care, strength and appearance.

Linen →

Natural plant-based fibre with a characteristic appearance and an often cooler, drier feel than cotton.

Viscose →

Cellulose fibre often chosen for soft, fluid fabrics with an attractive drape.

Polyester →

Synthetic fibre often used for its strength, shape retention and easy-care properties, both on its own and in blends.

Frequently asked questions

Cotton in brief

What is cotton?

Cotton is a natural plant-based cellulose fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant and is processed into yarns and then fabrics.

Is cotton a fabric?

Strictly speaking, cotton is a fibre rather than a specific type of fabric. Many different woven and knitted fabrics can be made from cotton.

Does cotton shrink?

Cotton fabrics can shrink, especially during the first wash. The amount of shrinkage depends on the construction, finish and treatment of the individual product.

What is cotton used for?

Cotton is used for a very wide range of fabrics for clothing, baby items, household textiles, bath textiles and interior applications.

Is 100% cotton always the same?

No. Two 100% cotton fabrics can differ considerably because of the yarn, woven or knitted construction, weight, density and finish.

Is cotton breathable?

Cotton is often considered breathable, but the actual air permeability depends greatly on how densely or openly the fabric is woven or knitted.

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