Overview

Cotton is a cellulosic fiber collected from the fuzzy fibers surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant. The fiber can be spun into thread and used to make the soft, breathable and most widely used natural-fiber textile with which we're all familiar.

Abrasion Resistance

Good

Absorbency

Excellent (very comfortable to wear)

Colorfastness

Poor to Excellent (depending on the dye and dyeing process)

Elasticity

Poor

Shrinkage Resistance

Fabrics are often preshrunk; if not, they tend to shrink in the first few washes

Wrinkle Resistance

Poor

Other

Mildews readily if left damp; won't be attacked by moths; vulnerable to strong acids (i.e., perspiration) and sunlight (causes yellowing)