We dive into the details around cotton and polycotton fabrics to help you make a more informed choice when it comes to clothing fabrics.
Cotton is a natural fiber known for its softness and breathability. Polycotton on the other hand, is a blend of cotton and polyester, so combines the best of both words – comfort and durability. Understanding the difference between the two can help you make more informed fabric choices, ensuring you get the right balance of comfort, longevity and practicality.
When it comes to organic cotton, it’s environmentally friendly as production avoids any potential pesticides or fertilizers. Organic cotton farmers work in safer conditions as they’re protected from exposure to any potential toxic chemicals and the fabric supports soil health and biodiversity through natural farming practices.
Organic cotton is usually a softer, more breathable fabric than conventional cotton.
For polycotton, benefits and features of this fabric include durability and longevity of fabrics – your polycotton clothing items are more likely to last longer than other materials. It also rarely wrinkles so removes the need for ironing. It dries faster than 100% cotton so is popular for active wear and quick laundry cycles. You can engineer polycotton so it has specific performance characteristics which retailers often do for active wear – for example, moisture-wicking properties. Overall, polycotton offers a balance of comfort and practicality as it combines the softness of cotton with the resilience of polyester.
A quick guide to fabric material features
Plant based materials:
Cotton: Soft, breathable, and versatile.
Linen: Strong, durable, and breathable.
Hemp: Durable, sustainable, and strong.
Bamboo: Soft, absorbent, and eco-friendly.
Jute: Strong, and often used for burlap, and other industrial applications.
Animal-based materials:
Wool: Warm, insulating, and durable.
Silk: Luxurious, smooth, and lustrous.
Cashmere: Soft, warm, and luxurious.
Synthetic Fibers:
Polyester: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and versatile.
Nylon: Strong, elastic, and durable.
Acrylic: Warm, soft, and wool-like.
Spandex (Lycra): Elastic, stretchy, and durable.
Rayon: A semi synthetic fabric, that is made from wood pulp.
Blended Fabrics:
Polycotton (Polyester/Cotton): Combines the benefits of both fibers.
Other blends: Various combinations of natural and synthetic fibers to achieve specific properties.
Specialty Fabrics:
Leather: Durable, strong, and natural.
Suede: Soft, napped leather.
Velvet: Plush, soft, and luxurious.
Denim: Durable, sturdy cotton twill.
Canvas: Heavy duty, plain woven fabric.
Neoprene: Synthetic rubber, that is often used in wet suits.
If you want to find out more about the fabrics and textiles our teams use for our branded clothing, get in touch now.
