83 Amazing Types of Cotton Fabrics : A complte guide for Beginers

by Shariful Alam | Mar 28, 2024

Cotton and types of cotton fabrics have been a part of human civilization for several thousand years. Globally, 25-28 million tons of cotton is produced approximately. With that amount of cotton, textile mills are making more than 100 types of cotton fabrics regularly. Each type differs from the other. Today, Team Muslin Dhaka is doing something that very few even dared to think about. We are explaining all authentic types of cotton fabrics together in this article. Like a dictionary helps to understand unknown words, this single article will guide you about all 100% cotton fabrics. Not just define the fabrics, we will also share our real-life experiences with each fabric individually. And the bonus part is you get to see some clear images of those fabrics with the review. So, take a bottle of water and stay till the end. Because the article’s going to be too long.

Table of Contents

What is 100% Cotton Fabric?

Fabrics that only contain cotton fiber yarns are known as 100% or pure cotton fabrics. For example, batiste, muslin, poplin, denim, etc. All these fabrics only have cotton yarns in the construction. Although the type of cotton fiber might vary in each pure fabric. However, some fabrics can have both cotton and some other fibers (either organic or inorganic). We don’t call them pure cotton fabrics. They are known as cotton blend fabrics. For example, poly cotton, cotton hemp, cotton viscose, etc. So, we can say that cotton fabrics have two primary types: 100% cotton and cotton blend fabrics. In textile industries, cotton fabric refers to pure cotton fabrics most of the time. That’s why we are talking about only 100% pure cotton fabrics today.

Why Are There So Many Cotton Fabric Types?

There are different types of cotton fabrics for some key reasons. They are:

Varieties of cotton fibers
Different types of cotton fabric weaves
Different types of finishes
Various treatments like bleaching, calendering, etc.

All those factors create tons of unique cotton fabrics.

But Why So Many?

Now, you can ask us why should there be so many types of cotton fabric. Well, the answer’s simple. Each type of cotton fabric serves some unique purposes. Can you make a stylish shirt using the textile for making a heavyweight tent? Or, can you block air and moisture using a thin fabric for a cozy shirt or undergarment? All the answers are obviously No! For protection from harsh weather, you need durable fabric like cotton canvas. For comfort, you need to wear cotton gauze or muslin fabric. For every purpose, you need a different cotton fabric to fill the demands.

Why Only Cotton? Why Not Something Else?

Couldn’t factories produce fabrics using different materials? Of course, they could. But they don’t. Then, what’s the reason? 4 out of 5 times, cotton is proven to be the best organic material for versatile use. You can make almost any type of fabric using cotton. It is safe, sustainable, and easy to produce. Other organic materials like silk, linen, bamboo, etc. are as efficient as cotton. They are costly, time-consuming productions, and less versatile. Even synthetic materials that are cheap won’t be as precise and safe as cotton yarns. Thus, cotton or cotton fabric is the best choice.

83 Types of Cotton Fabrics Names & Details

If you ask us how many types of cotton fabric are there in the market, we’d say more than a hundred! Believe it or not, there are at least 150 types of cotton fabric for clothing and other purposes across the world. Among them, only 80-90 types are globally recognized and produced. Now, we will be naming all types of cotton fabrics you can get from the market.

Aertex

Construction: Combining cross weave and other weaves
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: Decent soft
Durability: Moderate
Use: Underwear, sportswear, fashion clothing, home decor, etc.

Description

Aertex was mainly the company’s name that created this mesh fabric. Cotton Aertex fabric is known for its fast moisture-wicking ability. Besides, the holes created from the weaving make the material highly breathable and comfortable. You can find this fabric on items that have the chance of being used or washed regularly.

How Does It Feel

Not the finest feel but okay

Baft

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Basically coarse or semi-smooth
Softness: Less soft
Durability: Moderate
Use: Clothing mainly

Description

Bafta is a very similar fabric to the famous calico fabric. It also originated in Gujrat, India. While aristocratic Hindustani people wore fabrics like muslin, mulmul, and silk, the lower middle class or lower class wore bafta and calico. Still, now, the coarse and durable fabric is found in several places in India. You can use the fabric for designed garments and bedding items.

How Does It Feel

Outlook feels very ordinary

Bengaline

Construction: Either twill or plain weave
Texture or Finish: Semi-smooth to smooth
Softness: Decent
Durability: Standard
Use: Fashion clothing, Interior designing, bedding, etc.

Description

Usually, a bengaline fabric consists of two materials combined. During the British colonial rule in India, some French artisans found a fabric resembling pure silk, but not made of silk. Later on, it was known as bengaline fabric. The key feature of this fabric is the shine or glace of the fibers. The fabric can create comfy wear and luxury-like interior items. But remember, cotton bengaline is prone to wrinkling and shrinking.

How Does It Feel

Not resistant to rough use

Bark

Construction: Any primary weave for the bark texture
Texture or Finish: uneven bumps or raised fibers with a matt finish
Softness: slightly rough to soft
Durability: Durable
Use: Home decor mainly

Description

The actual bark or barkcloth was made of “barks” of some trees in Asia, Africa, etc. But now, you can find a barkcloth made of heavy cotton fibers similar to the strong fibers of bark. The textured feel and strong weaving make the fabric suitable for covering windows, furniture, etc. The drapery of cotton barkcloth fabric is good enough to give your interior a nicer look.

How Does It Feel

Doesn’t feel like other cotton fibers

Batik

Construction: Mainly plain weave, but other lightweight weaving is seen
Texture or Finish: Textured or matt
Softness: Low crisp to soft
Durability: Depends on the construction
Use: Lightweight clothing and home decor

Description

The origin of Batik was in Java, Indonesia. Batik is actually the name of a special dyeing process using wax and different colors on lightweight cotton fabrics. Poplin, gauze, voile, etc. fabrics can feature batik fabrics. The color retention of batik fabric is more than other printed cotton fabrics. Despite having various dyes and designs, the fabric remains soft, breathable, and versatile.

How Does It Feel

The strong print doesn’t bother at all, eye soothing

Batiste

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Crisp and smooth
Softness: Mid to high
Durability: Moderate
Use: Lining, lingerie, summer dresses, and bedding

Description

Batiste is a European fabric for lingerie and fashion lining. However, you can find factories using this fabric to make breathable bedding and dress items. From the outside, the batiste fabric looks crisp and smooth due to the densely plain woven construction. But the use of finer cotton fibers makes the fabric breathable. The fabric dries up easily.

How Does It Feel

Bikini skin feels great

Batting

Construction: Non-woven and bonded using several unique methods
Texture or Finish: Mostly uneven
Softness: Soft with a small amount of fluff
Durability: Moderate to high durable
Use: Layering or thickening fabric items

Description

Cotton batting fabric is a primary item for making large quilts. Batting fabrics have soft and insulative cotton fibers. It can make any 2-layer quilt hold your body temperature throughout the whole winter season. Besides, you can use batting fabrics for crafting and DIY projects.

How Does It Feel

A compressed cloud

Bedford

Construction: Stiffer yarns with plain weave base
Texture or Finish: Striped or raised texture
Softness: Basically stiff
Durability: Very durable
Use: Upholstery, heavy outerwear, etc.

Description

Bedford resembles the famous Corduroy fabric. This American textile was used to make drape-free products. But now, fashion houses use this fabric to make thicker pants, jackets, and other protective gear. This cotton fabric soaks moisture slowly. The fibers remain strong for a long time in this construction.

How Does It Feel

Hard to fold or bend properly

Bird’s eye

Construction: Dobby weave
Texture or Finish: Even textured finish
Softness: Average to high
Durability: As same as other dobby loom fabrics
Use: Summer fashion, sleepwear, lightweight upholstery, etc.

Description

The origin of bird’s eye fabric was the British Empire. Back then, it was used for men’s clothes. But now, you can see bird’s eye fabric as the best material to make unisex shirts such as polo, button down, tee, etc. The main benefit of using this textile is it doesn’t wrinkle or fray.

How Does It Feel

Feels sustainable after several washes

Broadcloth

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth and semi-gloss
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Mid to semi-high
Use: Clothing

Description

At the beginning, broadcloths had woolen construction with extra large width. Now, manufacturers use cotton and cotton blends to create broadcloth fabric. This is a heavy type of cotton fabric. The weaving is tighter than breathable fabrics. Garment factories use this variant for both formal and casual attires.

How Does It Feel

Gives some weight to the body; but soft

Brocade

Construction: Plain weave for base structure
Texture or Finish: Textured and raised yarns
Softness: Low or Moderate
Durability: Durable than average cotton construction
Use: Casual and luxury party wear

Description

Brocade was mainly a silk fabric. But companies now make cotton brocade fabric for comfort and versatility. The texture and design of cotton brocade look elegant under light. You can wear brocade dresses instead of luxury muslin in special events. But remember, the fabric breathability is low. You can feel a bit suffocated.

How Does It Feel

Hard to differentiate from silk from a distance

Broderie Anglaise

Construction: Loose basic weave
Texture or Finish: Plain surface with patterned gaps throughout the sheet
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Low to mid
Use: Women’s fashion, lightweight covers, etc.

Description

Broderie Anglaise is a pretty old cotton fabric. It looks almost like other lace fabrics. But the construction here is a bit different. However, you can use this fabric to create exotic and bold dresses for women. For example, blouses, skirts, gowns, maxi, etc. Besides, using decorative Broderie anglaise over tables and sofas increase the beauty of your furniture.

How Does It Feel

A bit heavier than foam

Brushed Cotton

Construction: Any of the basic weave patterns
Texture or Finish: Fuzzy
Softness: More than average
Durability: Decent
Use: Apparel, crafting, quilting, etc.

Description

Brushed cotton is like other plain woven cotton fabrics. But after weaving, the fabric gets some treatment to raise fibers from one side. The floating fibers can trap heat and keep a person warm in cold weather. However, the finishing makes this fabric a bit prone to shrinkage. You can also have a hard time printing this fabric.

How Does It Feel

Feels nice like the skin of a British shorthair cat

Buckram

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Coarse
Softness: Stiff
Durability: Semi-high
Use: Making the base of structures, binding, etc.

Description

Cotton buckram fabric is one of the most-used items in the 21st century. From shirt collars to book covers, you can see stiff buckram fabrics making strong shapes. Usually, buckram fabrics have loose plain weaves like muslin or gauze. But some post-weave treatments make the fabric remain stiff.

How Does It Feel

Hard like a thin cardboard

Cable Knit

Construction: Double-knitted
Texture or Finish: Braid-like textured and designed using threads
Softness: High
Durability: Average
Use: Spring and winter wear

Description

Cable knit fabric is vastly used in sweater factories. The yarns are gentle towards the skin. So, wearing cable knit sweaters without any shirt or blouse feels good too. Most importantly, cotton or cotton blend cable knit fabrics are stretchable and easy to care for.

How Does It Feel

Feels like the fabric is slipping through the skin

Calico

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: A little coarse or uneven
Softness: Low to medium
Durability: Highly durable
Use: Crafting, clothing, upholstery, lining, etc.

Description

This fabric is a sign of protest for the Indian subcontinent against British colonial rule. Calico is a loomstate fabric that doesn’t undergo any post-weaving treatment. Because of this, the fibers remain raw and sturdy. Also, the price of this fabric is pretty low. You can easily use and clean it in your own way.

How Does It Feel

Feels raw and cheap

Cambric

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth; slightly textured
Softness: Decent
Durability: Medium
Use: Clothing, shams, covers, bedsheets, etc.

Description

Cambric and batiste have lots of things in common. One thing that makes cotton cambric different is the thickness. Cambric fabric might feel a bit thicker than other lightweight dress fabrics. The dense weaving also keeps this fabric resistant to easy wear and tear.

How Does It Feel

Feels a bit rough. But soft enough for the skin.

Canvas

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Textured with a slightly rough finish
Softness: Below average
Durability: Very durable and sustainable
Use: Heavy clothing, painting medium, bags, accessories, etc.

Description

Cotton canvas was the main material for canvas art in Venice. But at this age, the heavy and durable fabric has become a great choice for making bags and accessories. The thicker yarns of canvas fabric can withstand wear and tear for a long time. You can also print any color you want on this fabric.

How Does It Feel

Feels like several cotton fabrics are compressed into a thick one

Challis

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth and a little sheen
Softness: Decent
Durability: Moderate
Use: Summer fashion

Description

The original challis fabric consists of thin silk yarns. But currently, you can find cotton and rayon challis fabric in an affordable price range. The fabric is known for the optimal breathability. You can stay dry and cool wearing challis clothing in summer. But remember, the fabric isn’t completely resistant to wear.

How Does It Feel

Feels like cold air is trapped in the pockets of the smooth textile

Chambray

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: A little uneven
Softness: Pretty softer than other densely woven cotton textile
Durability: Quite durable
Use: Clothing, upholstery, home decor, etc.

Description

Chambray fabric is as good as denim fabric. The construction of this fabric absorbs moisture slowly. However, they don’t even catch dirt or stains so easily. The outlook matches with cotton cambric fabrics. Because the origin of these fabrics is Cambria, France.

How Does It Feel

A soft and light version of denim

Cheesecloth

Construction: Commonly plain weave
Texture or Finish: Very smooth
Softness: Softer than several loose weaves
Durability: Delicate fabric
Use: Kitchen uses and crafting

Description

Cheesecloth is a very delicate fabric like gauze. Though it might have strong yarn binding. But the fabric can be cut or torn easily. This fabric was created for processing quality cheese. Later on, it became a good choice to use in the straining process. You can also use this breathable fabric to cover up dishes.

How Does It Feel

Very light and smooth

Chenille

Construction: Primarily leno weave and twisted fuzzy yarns
Texture or Finish: Textured and fuzzy like the caterpillar
Softness: Moderate soft
Durability: Highly durable
Use: Home decor, upholstery, bedding, winter dress, etc.

Description

Chenille is a heavy-duty fabric mainly for interior and upholstery purposes. There, warp yarns are twisted to break the fibers and make a fuzzy look. The core of this fabric is pretty strong. You can use chenille fabric to make sofa or cushion covers. Also, chenille bed sheets are on trend these days. However, the maintenance of this fabric is a tough job.

How Does It Feel

A heavy yet soft sheet

Chino

Construction: Twill weave
Texture or Finish: Plain and smooth
Softness: Moderate to high
Durability: Past average
Use: Pants and trousers

Description

Despite being a twill weave textile, chino fabric feels pretty light and plain. The diagonal lines in the fabric remain invisible from a distance. At first, the fabric was for military dress and uniform. Later on, the strong fabric became a fashion item. Pants made of chino fabric are called chinos. You can find chinos in high demand in every part of the world.

How Does It Feel

Soft and dense

Chintz

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Glossy smooth
Softness: Not more than dressmaking fabrics
Durability: Mid to high
Use: Women’s fashion, home decor, etc.

Description

The main attraction of chintz fabrics is the designs and prints over the smooth surface. During its early period, Indian chintz fabric competed with European textiles to win the global market. Nowadays, you can find European chintz fabric comfortable enough for making good skirts and blouses. Heavier chintz fabric also makes good interior items like cushion covers, bedsheets, curtains, etc.

How Does It Feel

Provides enough drape along with softness

Corduroy

Construction: Plain or twill weave with added filling yarn lines (wales)
Texture or Finish: Stripe textured
Softness: Soft but strong base
Durability: Mid to semi-high
Use: Upholstery and heavy clothing

Description

Cotton corduroy is a sustainable fabric used for sofa or chair covers. The textured softness feels soft on any skin. The weaving is dense. So, the fabric won’t get scratched easily. The wales don’t fray too often. So, you can use this fabric to make coats, pants, and cushion covers.

How Does It Feel

Silky soft

Cotton Lisle

Construction: Knitted
Texture or Finish: Very smooth
Softness: Extremely soft
Durability: Mid to high
Use: Undergarments mainly

Description

Lisle is actually the process of making the knitted fabric polished and smooth. A common example of this fabric is socks. You can see socks have a very strong and soft fabric. The fabric also sustains its shape properly. Also, it remains breathable for quite some time.

How Does It Feel

As soft as raw cotton

Crepe

Construction: Basic weave with special treatment for crinkling
Texture or Finish: Crinkled or textured
Softness: Can be both soft and crisp
Durability: Low
Use: Fancy dresses

Description

The crinkled texture or pattern of the crepe fabric is the main attraction. Although cotton crepe is more delicate than synthetic crepe. People still prefer natural fiber crepe for a premium feel. This fabric can also feature a lustrous look that can hook attention toward you.

How Does It Feel

A bit thicker than sheer textiles

Crinkle

Construction: Single open weave
Texture or Finish: Wrinkled
Softness: Mid to high
Durability: Low to medium
Use: Lightweight clothing

Description

Crinkled fabric looks almost the same as crepe fabric. But the texture or crinkle in the crepe is almost patterned. Whereas crinkled fabrics have random wrinkles intentionally. The wrinkled outlook with the flowy vibe make good summer outfits. Cotton crinkle fabric is very breathable. It can absorb moisture quickly.

How Does It Feel

Soft as a tissue paper

Crinoline

Construction: Open weave
Texture or Finish: Patterned regular holes
Softness: Stiff
Durability: Average
Use: Lining and giving structure to clothing

Description

Cotton crinoline fabric has some similar natures to buckram fabric. The primary use of crinoline fabric is to provide structures for petticoats. The post-weave treatments help the fabric to remain stiff and hard to bend.

How Does It Feel

Feels like a stiff net fabric

Cupro

Construction: No specific weave
Texture or Finish: lustrous smooth
Softness: Mid to high range of softness
Durability: Low to Medium
Use: Clothing, lining, bedding, etc.

Description

Cupro is actually not a type of cotton fabric. Cupro is created by using cotton waste. Factories collect small silky fibers from the waste bundle. The fiber is named linter. Those who prefer silky smooth finish but avoid silk ( fibers collected from animals), should try the cupro fabric.

How Does It Feel

Feels like the A-grade organic replica of silk fabric.

Damask

Construction: Combination of twill, plain, and satin weave using jacquard loom
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: Less soft
Durability: Very durable
Use: Home decor and heavy apparel

Description

Till now, you’ll see many designer jackets and overcoats made of cotton damask fabric. The price of damask fabric is a bit higher than your everyday textiles. The quality and outlook of this fabric are capable of showing your richness in taste. But remember, this thick fabric requires some extra care after use.

How Does It Feel

Feels gorgeous and soft

Denim

Construction: Twill weave traditionally
Texture or Finish: Smooth with fine diagonal lines
Softness: Varies depending on the fiber quality
Durability: Mid-high to very high
Use: Work gear, upholstery, bedding, unisex fashion, accessories, etc.

Description

One of the biggest blessings of the cotton industry is the cotton denim fabric. It’s hard to find a place where you can’t use denim fabric. From quality apparel to heavy-duty curtains, anything is possible using denim fabric. There are several types of denim fabric like cotton denim, stretch denim, knitted denim, etc. You can purchase your desired type of denim from any corner of the world.

How Does It Feel

Feel comfortable yet thick enough to sustain

Domette

Construction: Plain or open weave
Texture or Finish: A bit coarse (can also be slightly fuzzy)
Softness: Nearly average
Durability: Very durable
Use: Interlining or producing structures

Description

Cotton Domette is an interlining fabric. It is a cheap yet durable fabric that stays firm under any fabric layer. It is a very thick textile. So, any other uses except interlining is pretty rare.

How Does It Feel

Feels like multiple dense fabric stuck together

Dotted Swiss

Construction: Plain weave primarily
Texture or Finish: Smooth with raised dots
Softness: Low to medium
Durability: Nearly average
Use: Lightweight decor and clothing

Description

Dotted Swiss is another sheer fabric made of cotton fibers. The fabric became famous for its optimal breathability. The raised dots are another unique feature of this fabric. However, the fabric weaving is less dense. So, you can’t expect it to be durable like khadi or poplin.

How Does It Feel

Sheer fabric with raised dots pinching

Drill

Construction: Twill weave
Texture or Finish: Regular diagonal lines
Softness: Average to moderate
Durability: Extremely durable
Use: Uniforms, work vests, jacketing, bags, tents, etc.

Description

Cotton drills might look the same as cotton denim fabric. But the key difference is drill fabric doesn’t use white (fade) colored weft yarns to change the fabric color. One-color yarn construction is the main characteristic of this twill fabric. Although the best use of this strong fabric is making uniforms. You can also make bags and tents for adventures.

How Does It Feel

Almost like a denim sheet

Duck cloth

Construction: Mainly plain weave
Texture or Finish: Somewhere between smooth and rough
Softness: Very low
Durability: Extremely durable
Use: Outdoor gears, vests, upholstery items, etc.

Description

Duck cloth is a stronger version of traditional canvas fabric. Sometimes, people call it duck canvas fabric. Because of the optimal resistance to wear and tear, outdoor gear companies use this fabric to make tents, bags, pouches, etc. You can also buy duck cloth by the yard to make custom upholstery items.

How Does It Feel

Feels capable of blocking even an arrow (Not possible in reality)

Flannel

Construction: Plain or twill weave
Texture or Finish: fuzzy fibers
Softness: Moderate to high
Durability: Average
Use: Mainly fashion wear

Description

There are different types of flannel fabrics in the market. Among them, cotton flannel has become more popular due to its safe and sustainable features. The fuzzy texture is the key to softness in the thick fabric. Flannel apparel is in demand during autumn, spring, and winter.

How Does It Feel

The soft skin of a cat

Fleece

Construction: Knit or Basic weaves
Texture or Finish: Fuzzy
Softness: More than decent
Durability: Average
Use: Winter clothing and accessories

Description

Cotton fleece fabric is another textile with a napping process. It looks almost the same as a flannel sheet. But it has some specific characteristics like the high amount of yarn piles and heat insulation capability. The yarns can hold the body temperature for quite some time. That’s why you see fleece jackets and overcoats in high demand during winter.

How Does It Feel

A light version of wool with small fuzz

French terry

Construction: Knit
Texture or Finish: Small textures
Softness: Mid to high
Durability: Durable
Use: Casual wear

Description

French terry is one of the safest fabrics for sensitive skin. The knitted fabric can have different kinds of prints on the surface. You can wear French terry for casual or semi-formal events. Most of the athletes use Terry fabric clothes for workouts and exercises.

How Does It Feel

A thick and stretchy version of muslin fabric

Fustian

Construction: Weft-based weaving
Texture or Finish: Slightly uneven
Softness: Average
Durability: Decent
Use: Clothing and accessories

Description

Fustian fabric was one of the strongest fabrics a few centuries ago! But after the creation of stronger fabrics like denim and canvas, the popularity of this fabric dimmed a lot. Still, people use it to get a classic vibe. Back then, fustian featured the fusion of cotton and linen. But now, you get only 100% cotton fustian fabric in stores.

How Does It Feel

A budget-friendly version of corduroy fabric

Gabardine

Construction: Twill weave
Texture or Finish: diagonal lines
Softness: Medium to high
Durability: Very durable
Use: Fashion wear, uniforms, Rain protection, etc.

Description

Just like denim, gabardine is also a famous textile for durable clothing. Gabardine and denim are alternatives to each other. But the specialty of gabardine fabric is it’s highly moisture absorbing. Even more than your average denim fabric.

How Does It Feel

A soft and smooth variant of denim fabric

Gauze

Construction: Open weaves like plain or leno
Texture or Finish: crinkled or waffled
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Low to moderate
Use: Medical bandages, bedding, clothing, etc.

Description

Gauze, double gauze, gauze cotton, muslin gauze, etc. are the different names or variants of gauze fabric. It is an open-weave fabric. In Gaza, a type of breathable and soft fabric was used to cover up wounds and cuts. Historians say that fabric is now called gauze fabric. However, gauze or double gauze fabric has become a great summer clothing material. Also, tightly woven gauze fabrics are good for making blankets and shams.

How Does It Feel

As soft as raw cotton

Gingham

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Almost smooth
Softness: Medium to high
Durability: Average to semi-high
Use: Lightweight interior items, clothing, crafting, etc.

Description

Cotton gingham fabric is the “ yarn-dyed check-pattern” cotton fabric we all know. Most summer check shirts consist of cotton or cotton-blend gingham fabric. The yarns of gingham fabrics are a little thick. Warp and weft colors remain different in a gingham fabric to create a solid checkered pattern.

How Does It Feel

Feels a bit rough. But soft enough for the skin.

Herringbone

Construction: Alternative twill weave
Texture or Finish: small diagonal lines
Softness: Low
Durability: High
Use: Clothing and upholstery

Description

Like other twill weave constructions, cotton herringbone fabric is also known for durability and resistance to wrinkling. The tight weaving features less breathability and moisture absorbance. The broken diagonal lines are a unique part of this fabric

How Does It Feel

Textured stiff sheet

Houndstooth

Construction: Twill weave
Texture or Finish: Textured with small lines
Softness: Low to medium
Durability: Moderate
Use: Clothing, accessories, etc.

Description

The term houndstooth is a print or design type on the fabric. The design is created by weaving yarns of two different colors. The small blocks resemble the teeth of local hounds or dogs.

How Does It Feel

A bit softer than other twill weave fabric

Jacquard

Construction: Primary weaves using jacquard loom
Texture or Finish: Has multiple variations
Softness: Moderate
Durability: medium to high
Use: Bedding, home decor, accessories, clothing, etc.

Description

Jacquard fabric has a unique type of construction. At first, the fabric was used to make premium clothes. But now, you can find this fabric mainly for home decor. The patterns over this fabric can enhance even the simplest interior.

How Does It Feel

Almost similar to brocade fabrics

Jersey Knit

Construction: Knit
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Low to average
Use: Underwear, fashion wear, workout dresses, etc.

Description

This is one of the most popular types of knitted fabric in the market. Jersey fabric has a good amount of stretch and breathability. It helps users to move their bodies freely without worrying about tearing. However, this fabric is not labeled as a durable option. It is somewhere between comfort and durability.

How Does It Feel

As soft as a cushion

Khadi

Construction: Plain or other weaving techniques using handloom
Texture or Finish: Less smooth
Softness: Low to moderate
Durability: Average to semi-high
Use: Clothing and home accessories

Description

Khadi is a part of the culture of South Asian countries. During British rule, khadi had become a symbol of rebellion against colonial rule. After the invention of automated looms, the popularity of khadi dimmed a bit. But now, different areas of Bangladesh and India are producing khadi for premium clothing. Khadi fabrics are good to wear in any season.

How Does It Feel

Unfinished woven fabric with a classic look

Khaki

Construction: Twill weave
Texture or Finish: Small and fine weave lines
Softness: Moderate to semi-high
Durability: Very durable
Use: Uniform

Description

This is a uniform fabric. The use of khaki fabric is older than many other twill weaves. Actually, khaki is referred to light brown color (the color of dried soil). Because of it’s durability, military personnel used this fabric. Still now, some forces of different countries use this fabric.

How Does It Feel

A smoother version of denim but less smooth than gabardine

Lace

Construction: Different lacing techniques
Texture or Finish: Textured or patterned depending on the design
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Very sensitive
Use: Decorations, clothing, lightweight covers, etc.

Description

Lace was considered a luxury item back in the ancient era. Because the making of lace fabric took a lot of time. After industrialization, this fabric became cheaper. There are lace fabrics with different designs and textures. You can use them for making curtains, exotic dresses, or lingerie.

How Does It Feel

Thin as a tissue paper

Lawn

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Very smooth
Softness: Moderate to high
Durability: Average
Use: Exotic dress, summer outfits, curtains, etc.

Description

Lawn fabric is a replica of fine silk fabric. The combed cotton yarns in cotton lawn fabric make this semi-sheer and breathable. Some luxury fashion brands use lawn fabrics to make exotic and bold dresses with exclusive designs. But you can also find cotton lawn textiles at a reasonable price to use as curtains, handkerchiefs, etc.

How Does It Feel

Almost like a rich silk fabric

Madras

Construction: Hand woven
Texture or Finish: Semi-smooth
Softness: Moderate to semi-high
Durability: Average
Use: Budget-friendly clothing, religious attires, etc.

Description

This fabric was also found in India. Nowadays madras fabric is used for making causal dresses. The lightweight fabric can absorb moisture quickly. So, you can see checkered Madras fabric being used as a substitute for towels. People call it Gamcha.

How Does It Feel

Soft but built ordinarily

Marquisette

Construction: Leno weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth and crisp
Softness: more than average
Durability: Average
Use: Cloth layering, decoration, curtains, etc.

Description

Marquisette is one of the best fabrics made of the leno weave method. The fabric creates fancy curtains to block direct sunlight, not air. Besides, you can find skirts and blouses having this fabric over the main construction to make the outlook more stylish.

How Does It Feel

A denser version of mosquito net.

Matelassé

Construction: Complex weave on jacquard loom
Texture or Finish: Quilted or padded finish
Softness: Average
Durability: Average to semi-high
Use: Bedding purposes mainly

Description

Cotton matelasse is known for it’s unique texture and feel. At first glance, you might think the fabric is quilted using several other fabrics. But with the help of complex weaving using jacquard looms, you can make this kind of fluffy fabric from scratch.

How Does It Feel

Feels like a homemade cotton quilt for summer

Mesh

Construction: Knit, plain weave, or leno weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth with intentional holes
Softness: Average to semi-high
Durability: Average
Use: Clothing, pocketing, window treatment, etc.

Description

Cotton mesh fabric is known for comfort and breathability. Because of the intentional gaps between the weave, the fabric remains open and lightweight. The primary use of mesh fabric was in sportswear. However, this textile also became a part of modern fashion. Now, you can also see mesh used to make pockets in bags and luggage.

How Does It Feel

Like other usual cotton fabrics

Moire

Construction: Primary weaves
Texture or Finish: Moire finish (calendered with thin and smooth watermarks)
Softness: Decent
Durability: Average
Use: Upholstery, packaging, home decor, party dressing, etc.

Description

Moire is a method once used on silk fabrics. But now, factories use thinner cotton fiber fabrics to make moire fabric. By calendering, the fabric becomes thin and achieves multiple watermarks. The semi-sheen fabric can enhance the style of your furniture. Also, you can wrap expensive gift items using the fabric. Some use the fabric to make wedding dresses also.

How Does It Feel

Thin like an expansive silk fabric

Moleskin

Construction: Satin weave
Texture or Finish: Suede finish resembling the skin of a mole
Softness: Average to semi-high
Durability: More than average
Use: Sportswear, uniform, windproof activities, etc.

Description

Moleskin is a heavy-duty fabric with a high range of thickness and weight. The yarns in this fabric are woven densely. That’s why it can work as a windproof layer sometimes. Surprisingly, the softness of this fabric lasts for a long time. You can wash it any way you want.

How Does It Feel

Feels like a live animal skin

Monk’s cloth fabric

Construction: Basket weave
Texture or Finish: Textured
Softness: Medium or semi-high
Durability: Semi-high
Use: Needlecrafts, rug hooking, Embroidery, crafting, etc.

Description

Monk’s cloth fabric was actually an item to wear for preachers or priests. Later on, it became a good option for crafting, and needling because of the loose basket weave. The fabric usually features more than 2-yarn ply on both warp threads and weft threads. That’s why the textile can last long and hold its shape properly.

How Does It Feel

A very soft basket surface

Mull

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: More than average
Durability: Moderate
Use: Exclusive fashion items, exotic lingerie, etc.

Description

Well, modern mull fabric was inspired by Mulmul, a rich type of muslin fabric of Bangladesh. Commercial mull fabrics are a bit costlier than regular sheer fabrics. However, the use of mull fabrics is quite popular in luxury items. The see-through feature also makes some great appealing clothes.

How Does It Feel

A thinner version of modern-day muslin fabric

Muslin

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Very smooth
Softness: Extremely soft
Durability: Decent to high
Use: Baby items, clothing, bedding, home decor, etc.

Description

Muslin is the safest and most versatile cotton fabric in the market. Dhakai muslin, the original muslin, was the most expensive fabric before and during the British colonial rule in Bengal. Nowadays, the fabrics we know as muslin fabrics are actually the imitations of luxury muslin. Modern muslin fabric stands top in the matter of softness, breathability, versatility, and many more.

How Does It Feel

So light and smooth fabric; feels there’s almost nothing after wearing

Nainsook

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth and mercerized
Softness: Average
Durability: Decent
Use: Clothing, embroidery, etc.

Description

This is another textile of the Indian sub-continent era. Nainsook means the pleasure of eyes (nayan sukh). The fabric is a good choice for printing and embroidery. The outlook is the key feature of this fabric. You can also stone embroidery this product.

How Does It Feel

Feels nothing special

Nankeen fabric

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Mostly smooth
Softness: Moderate
Durability: Decent
Use: Clothing and lightweight bedding

Description

A fun fact is nankeen is actually a Chinese fabric. It was invented when silk was the main textile of that region. The name refers to strong cotton fabrics. Those fabrics feature pale or yellowish color most of the time. This textile creates good regular wear.

How Does It Feel

Feels like the Chinese variant of smooth calico fabric

Organdy

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: Very low
Durability: Moderate
Use: Home decor, clothing, lining, etc.

Description

Organdy is the most trending cotton sheer fabric in the market. The Swiss fabric is densely woven. Yet, features a high amount of transparency. Unlike common sheer textiles, the fabric is deliberately stiff. Any color with fabric goes well. So, you can make some fancy dress or decoration items with it.

How Does It Feel

Crisp like thick paper and sheer like a mosquito net

Ottoman

Construction: Knit or basic weaves
Texture or Finish: Textured with raised cords
Softness: Average to decent
Durability: Highly durable
Use: Upholstery. Heavy clothing, etc.

Description

Ottoman fabric’s origin is Turkey. During the Caliphate rule, woven ottoman fabric was the biggest member of their textile industry. Depending on the fabric’s thickness, one can use the fabric for either upholstery or dressmaking. Most importantly, it’s hard to put cuts and stains over the surface of an ottoman fabric.

How Does It Feel

Feels the outside is slightly plushy, but the wales are very strong

Oxford

Construction: Basket weave
Texture or Finish: slightly textured
Softness: Decent to semi-high
Durability: Very durable
Use: Clothing, upholstery, tent, accessories, etc.

Description

This is the strongest shirting fabric till now. Oxford fabric is densely woven for sustainability. Yet, the fabric is thin because of calendering. The fabric also retains color well. So, it’s easy to make any type of formal or casual shirt or top using cotton oxford. However, The fabric isn’t breathable like other primary clothing fabrics.

How Does It Feel

Twice stronger and denser than a cotton poplin fabric

Percale

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: Low to decent
Durability: Decent to high
Use: Bedding

Description

From the beginning, Indian percale fabric is a great option for making bed covers and shams. People also consider it a type of printed chintz. The dense weaving with higher thread counts is what makes the fabric different. Depending on the cotton fiber quality, the fabric can be either heat-insulating or regulating.

How Does It Feel

Very smooth and dense

Pique

Construction: Knit or weave
Texture or Finish: Small waffle or honeycomb
Softness: Decent
Durability: Average to high
Use: Clothing

Description

Pique is one of the available textiles for making comfy dresses. The small texture of the fabric feels great. This is an all-season fabric that lasts longer than normal breathable fabrics. Knitted pique fabric is also known as polo fabric. Most of the polo shirts we wear use pique fabric.

How Does It Feel

Comfortable textures

Plaid

Construction: Mostly primary weaves
Texture or Finish: Generally smooth
Softness: Low to high
Durability: Semi-high
Use: Clothing, bedding, upholstery, etc.

Description

Plaid fabric is the father of all patterned or checked fabrics. The fabric inspired and created gingham, madras, etc. Plaid is not the name of a unique construction. Instead, it is an old print or check used for clothing textiles. Nowadays, you can find heavy plaid fabric to use for making pillowcases, furniture covers, etc.

How Does It Feel

Feels pretty average

Plisse

Construction: Any primary weaves (loose)
Texture or Finish: Patterned or uneven pleats
Softness: Semi-high to high
Durability: Average
Use: Covers, fashion, etc.

Description

Plisse and crepe fabric resemble each other a lot. Despite this, plisse is pricier than crepe fabrics. Even during the Victorian era, plisse fabric was a luxury item. But after the invention of the automated pleating machine, the price of the fabric came under common people’s range. At this time, there are still some people who consider wearing pleated or plisse fabric showcasing true elegance.

How Does It Feel

Each plisse feels different depending on the crinkle or pleat formation

Pointelle

Construction: Knit
Texture or Finish: Smooth with blended holes
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Moderate
Use: Sportswear, casual wear, winter wear, etc.

Description

Pointelle is like any other cotton jersey fabric. The big difference is that pointelle fabric creates some holes in the construction deliberately. The holes stay in various patterns. You can find pointelle pajamas or long sleeves. They are pretty stretchy. However, the fabric is delicate with hard detergent.

How Does It Feel

Feels like any other knitted cotton

Poplin

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: Average to decent
Durability: Semi-high
Use: Clothing, upholstery, home decor, DIY, etc.

Description

Poplin fabric offers a simple plain weave construction. It is a very breathable fabric. That’s why summer shirts are mostly made of cotton poplin. But heavy and dense poplin fabrics are used in making shams, furniture covers, etc.

How Does It Feel

A flawless plain fabric

Quilting

Construction: Basic weaves (tighter)
Texture or Finish: Depends on the weaving
Softness: Moderate to high
Durability: Very durable
Use: Quilting and bedding

Description

Quilting cotton fabrics are a bit different from other clothing fabrics. Any cotton fabric that’s densely woven and eligible for precise sewing is a quilting fabric. Usually quilting fabrics can be placed over each other without slipping through. Also, the chance of fraying or being worn out is very low. Quilting fabrics remain breathable and easy to care for.

How Does It Feel

Soft yet durable than shirting fabrics

Rib knit

Construction: Knit
Texture or Finish: Raised vertical lines
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Durable
Use: Snug-fit clothing, socks, gloves, etc.

Description

Rib knit fabric offers the highest amount of stretch. But surprisingly, the fabric has no spandex or elasten insulated. Rib-knit makes good-fitting dresses. For example, yoga pants. Some sweater neck bands or collars bands can also have a rib knit layer to stabilize the clothing over the body.

How Does It Feel

Duplicate chenille which is softer and stretchier

Seersucker

Construction: Mostly plain or twill weave with enforced tension
Texture or Finish: Small raised pebbles
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Average to decent
Use: Summer fashion

Description

Seer sucker means gritty sugar floating on a milk layer. The Persian textile is so lightweight that the wearer sweats less during summer. Also, the fabric dries up quickly. The raised or crinkled dots over the soft surface of the seersucker are the main attraction. The fabric doesn’t need ironing. You can wear seersucker trousers or a shirt any way you wish.

How Does It Feel

Recently washed cotton without ironing

Sheeting fabric

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Slightly rough
Softness: Moderate to Decent
Durability: Decent to high
Use: Bedding, quilting, mockup garments, covering, etc.

Description

Sheeting fabrics come with a loose plain weave construction. It allows the fabric to be more comfortable with proper draping. This fabric makes quality bed sheets. Loose weave construction leaves several large air pockets that can keep up the airflow. It helps the sleeper to stay dry on the bed.

How Does It Feel

Soft and compatible with skin

Toweling

Construction: Terry weaving or loop weaving
Texture or Finish: raised plush fibers
Softness: Decent to semi-high
Durability: Decent
Use: Towel, bathrobes, etc.

Description

Toweling fabric is a type of terry cotton fabric. The construction features higher moisture absorbance. The materials also soak water quickly. The fabrics with this construction remain sustainable for quite some time. Rubbing sensitive skin using toweling fabric is safe.

How Does It Feel

Obviously the usual towels in our home

Ticking

Construction: Alternative twill weave
Texture or Finish: Small diagonal lines
Softness: Average to decent
Durability: Semi-high to high
Use: Mattress cover, bedding, shams, etc.

Description

Among durable fabrics, ticking fabric is a common one. This fabric was invented even before denim. An interesting fact about this fabric is the construction matches with herringbone fabric but the performance is similar to canvas fabric! Ticking fabric piles or tears less than other bedding fabrics, That’s why you can make large pillowcases or mattress covers using striped ticking fabric.

How Does It Feel

A thinner version of canvas fabric.

Tulle

Construction: Netting
Texture or Finish: textured due to gaps
Softness: Decent
Durability: Semi-high
Use: Dressmaking, layering, curtains, performance tutus, etc.

Description

Tulle fabric is a net fabric made of cotton, rayon, silk, etc. Cotton tulle fabric makes good window treatment items. History also says that nobles used to make wedding dresses using tulle fabric. Organic cotton tulle fabric costs more than local sheer fabrics. Yet, tulle is a durable option.

How Does It Feel

A dense netted fruit bag

Velour

Construction: Weave or knit
Texture or Finish: Raised plush
Softness: Very soft
Durability: Average to High
Use: Upholstery, premium dressing, bedding, sportswear, etc.

Description

Velour was created to replicate Velveteen. The fabric originates in France. Although velour and velvet might look the same. Cotton velour offers short pile construction. Nowadays, many brands are using velour to make comfy wear. Besides, you can use velour upholstery to give your home a luxurious look. Anyone unaware of fabric wouldn’t know whether it’s velvet or not.

How Does It Feel

Almost like velvet

Velvet

Construction: Pile weave
Texture or Finish: Raised plush
Softness: Decent to very soft
Durability: Decent to very durable
Use: Upholstery, luxury fashion, bedding, home decor, etc.

Description

In modern-day luxury, very few beat velvet fabric. But cotton velvet costs a lot less than silk velvet. Cotton velveteen fabric is more durable than other premium fabrics. It can also resist stains and scratches better. You can use velvet fabric to wear on special occasions.

How Does It Feel

Feels very smooth and silky

Voile

Construction: Plain weave
Texture or Finish: Smooth
Softness: Low to decent
Durability: Low to average
Use: Casual wear, lingerie, etc.

Description

Voile is a very common sheer fabric for dressmaking. This semi-transparent fabric can get different types of dyes and prints. You can make bold tops using this fabric. But the most popular use of this fabric is summer shirts and ladies’ undergarments.

How Does It Feel

A transparent version of poplin fabric

Whipcord fabric

Construction: Twill weave
Texture or Finish: Braided cord or line
Softness: Low to average
Durability: Decent to High
Use: Work wear, outdoor clothing, covers, etc.

Description

Whipcord is a durable fabric that lasts for decades. The hard-twisted yarns of whipcord fabric can retain the actual shape at any condition. However, cleaning whipcord fabric is tough. The textile takes lots of time to dry. Even so, you can use whipcord sheets as a work vest to stay clean and protected. Whipcord overcoats are also in fashion these days.

How Does It Feel

A lightweight rug or mat

Some Other Honorable Mentions

Apart from those 83 types, there are a few more cotton fabrics. But they are very similar to the fabrics mentioned above. Also, they are mostly local products that very few are aware of. So, insteading of discussing them broadly, let’s just tell their names to complete our discussion:

Twill fabric
Windowpane
Waffle/Honeycomb
Satin fabric
Cottagora
Thermal knit
Point d’esprit
Shirting fabric
Chamois
Double cloth
Lint

How Does Muslin Dhaka Give the Most Authentic Information?

Our primary work is on the luxurious cotton fabric, Dhaka Muslin. We have researched luxury muslin in a way that no one in the country had ever done in the past. After muslin, we started our journey of discovering cotton fabrics one by one. In our journey, we collected more than 10,000 fabric samples. Still now, we are looking for more. Our team tests and compares each fabric sample to find out how they impact our lives without being noticed.

In the story of fashion & fabric, we used various cotton apparel and items. We gathered our knowledge together. Then, we went to different exporters and production houses and showed our knowledge. After their approval, we also appointed some textile graduates in our team to make every single info precise. As most of us reside in Dhaka, living in one of the best textile hubs of the world facilitated us a lot in this matter. Talking about famous and luxury fabrics is our passion. We dedicate our time to deliver the most authentic and proven information to our audience. We only share what we found from our real life experience. Our experts. We want to be the best knowledge resource for luxury & cotton fabrics. Yet, we have few flaws and gaps. We highly appreciate any suggestion or improvement from your side as well.

How to know the Type of Cotton Fabric?

Now, to specify the type of cotton fabric you have, follow this guideline:

Some fabrics come with the construction details written on the packaging paper or sticker. You can follow the details and compare with our directory to know accurately.
But when you don’t have the details, check the weaving first.
Then, try to understand the texture and softness slowly.
You can check the breathability by putting it in front of a fan.
After collecting all the data on the fabric, pick the fabric types familiar with your sample’s traits. Any of those might be the textile you’re holding.

You can’t precisely determine the exact cotton fabric always. Fabric enthusiasts like us also find it hard sometimes. But a near guess can also help you.

Choosing the Right Cotton Fabric

People can get confused about which cotton fabric to buy. For them, here’s a small guide on that matter:

For Clothing:

Fabrics like baft, batik, chambray, muslin, poplin, denim, calico, voile, oxford, cambric, swiss dot, gabardine, and some other soft knitted fabrics are the types of cotton fabric for shirts, pants, tops, and other clothing items. Clothing or shirting cotton fabrics feature better touch and feel than sustainability. The key features of fashion fabrics are breathability, comfort, color retention, heat regulation, etc. The weaving here can be dense. But it doesn’t make the fabric stiff or hard to sew. Air pockets or holes between the weaves help the cotton clothing fabric to remain breathable. The weight should be around 90-320 GSM with a decent thread count.

For Home Decor:

Bark, chambray, chenille, mesh, damask, jacquard, muslin, organdy, and velvet are the common types to decorate any interior. Home decor textiles don’t feature optimal softness or breathability like clothing items. Instead, you can find those fabrics to be durable and sustainable. The main aspects of decorative cotton fabrics are drapery, sheen, finish, sheerness, density, etc. Fabrics for home decor might feel stiff. It’s because the weaving remains a bit tighter and denser for longevity. Surprisingly, you can also use clothing fabrics like poplin or denim to do this job.

For Upholstery:

You can make promising upholstery items using chambray, chenille, corduroy, denim, herringbone, Ottoman, velour, and velvet fabrics. Plain, twill and a few other strong weaving methods are the constructions of cotton upholstery fabrics. The weaving is very tight and dense. These fabrics are wear and tear resistant. You can rely on them for regular use. The finishing of these fabrics remains comfortable. You can use upholstery fabric easily. Although, these textiles don’t require frequent cleaning.

For Bedding:

Some consider bedding items as a part of home decor. But most of the time, bedding fabrics are discussed separately. The most famous cotton bedding fabrics are baft, bengaline, batiste, cupro, gauze, matelasse, muslin, percale, sheeting, velour, etc. Among them, gauze, muslin, sheeting, and matelasse, are trending choices for bedding items like duvet covers, comforters, bedsheets, etc. Bedding textiles have similarities with both clothing and upholstery materials. They are comfortable, durable, breathable, and resistant to wear or tear.

For Outdoor Gear:

Outdoor gear is mostly made of synthetic or synthetic-infused items. For example, nylon or cotton-nylon fabrics. Yet, some cotton fabrics work fine in tough conditions. They are drill, duck cloth, whipcord, denim, gabardine, and heavy-duty oxford. You can make tents, backpacks, vests, hats, etc. with durable cotton fabrics. Fun fact, some fabrics for outdoor equipment can be heavier than you can imagine (tenting fabrics; >500 GSM).

For Accessories:

There can be different cotton fabric accessories. It can either be fashion items like socks, gloves, and hats. Or essentials like a purse or bag. To match your fashion clothing, you can use knitted cotton fabrics to make gloves and socks. Sheer and stiff cotton fabrics can also help to coat or line the cloth you’re wearing. But you must consider heavy fabrics like canvas, denim, and gabardine to make quality handbags.

For Crafting:

Batting, gingham, monk’s cloth, poplin, quilting, sheeting, etc. are the right choices for crafting and DIY projects. When you look for fabrics for handicraft projects, you need to make sure the textile is budget-friendly, easy to sew, and capable of absorbing prints and boutiques.

For Batting or Lining:

Fabrics that don’t stretch, shrink, or lose firmness are good for lining. Such fabrics are marquisette, moleskin, tulle, batiste, calico, crinoline, cupro, domette, organdy, etc. You can make mock dresses using these fabrics.

For Versatile Use:

Almost every type of cotton fabric has at least 3-4 variants depending on weight, weave, and finish. At least one from each variant group is good for versatile use. The most popular versatile fabrics we prefer are oxford, denim, canvas, muslin, poplin, and flannel. They come in different weight ranges. You can pick the right one from nearby marketplace.

For Luxury:

Luxury fabrics aren’t for everyone. Lace, lawn, premium muslin, and velvet are the most popular fabrics to make luxury fashion items. Most of the luxury cotton fabrics are made from the best Egyptian, pima or Supima cotton fiber. Luxurious cotton fabrics cost at least 10 to 15 times more than other regular fabrics. So, if you intend to buy one, you better think well.

Cotton Fabric Care Guide

We can discuss for a whole day about how to wash cotton fabrics. But we have already gone on your nerves. So, let’s keep the broad discussion for some other day. For now, here’s a brief:

Always use a mild detergent to clean cotton fabrics. No matter how strong the cotton fibers are, they are vulnerable to hard detergents.
Forget using bleach to remove stains. It will wear off the strength and color of the yarns. You can use baking soda to rub on stains. Baking soda doesn’t harm cotton fabrics
Best if you don’t use very hot water. Lukewarm water is the right choice for washing cotton fabrics.
Keep your washing machine in gentle to semi-performance mode. Excessive tension can change the texture of the fabric.
Instead of machine drying, let the clothes dry naturally. Hang the cotton fabrics under a shade where the sunlight affects, but not directly. Direct sunlight can also fade the color or print.
Thin and transparent fabrics shouldn’t be ironed directly. You can place another fabric over the sheer fabric. Then, iron with moderate pressure.
A personal opinion, don’t wash plain fabrics with printed fabrics. The color of printed fabrics can make stains on the plain ones.
You can use salt water to soften cotton fabrics. Avoid chemical softeners.

( Pro Tip : Never forget to see the labels of the cotton items. The label will guide you in the best possible way to care. )

Where to Find the Best Cotton Fabric?

We’ve already discussed our analysis of popular fabrics like muslin, calico, chambray, gauze, poplin, etc. previously. Each fabric is properly explained in separate articles. There, you can find the best sources to buy those fabrics. However, If you want to know a common platform where you can get almost every cotton fabric in a great deal, we suggest Amazon, Joann, and FabricLand as the first choices. These marketplaces can offer you all the common types of cotton fabrics at a reasonable price. But if you eye on luxury, Fabrics-Fabrics, Joel & Sons, and Etsy can help you out. These will surely provide authentic luxury textiles to stand out.

FAQ

What are the three types of luxury cotton?

Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, and Sea Island cotton are the three types of luxury cotton globally recognized. These cotton varieties are used in luxury brands to make exclusive items. You can see the labels of exclusive brands to know which cotton fiber they’re using.

What is the thinnest cotton fabric?

In the last 500-600 years, Dhakai muslin fabric has been marked as the thinnest cotton fabric. But unluckily, the original muslin is no longer commercially available. Fabrics like voile, gauze, cotton lawn, mull, organdy, etc. are the thinnest cotton fabrics in the market.

Why is 100% cotton so expensive?

100% cotton fabrics only use cotton fibers. The yarns are refined properly. Also, the dyeing or printing remains safe and organic in many cases. That’s why the production cost of any pure cotton fabric is higher than mixed cotton textiles.

Where can you get the finest printed cotton fabric online?

Etsy and Mode fabrics are the two names for the highest-quality printed cotton. Apart from that, you can also visit Amazon for some great deals and offers.

What is recycled cotton fabric?

Sometimes, industries convert used or wasted cotton fabrics or residues into new cotton fibers. The newly reformed fibers create recycled cotton fabrics. They are as good as original cotton fabrics, and eco-friendly.

Summary: Types of Cotton Fabric

Have you made it to the conclusion already? Well, we must say, you have some nerves. But thank you for reading till the end. It makes our effort worth enough. Keeping sweet talks aside, you can bookmark this page as the textbook for the types of cotton fabrics. Because we know it’s impossible to memorize everything we say in one read. Do you know that we also talked about the types of cotton fibers in a separate article on our website? Be sure to check that out too! Till then, happy fabric hunting.

Shariful Alam

Shariful Alam Pavel, A fashion lover, passionate marketer. Love to share wisdom based on real life experience to enrich knowledge.
Founder of Muslin Dhaka, a brand, speaks the truth about royal muslin and fashion. Explore the digital fashion universe with organic cotton muslin and much more!