Understanding Cotton: A Guide to Fabrics and Uses
Cotton isn’t just cotton—it’s brushed, twill, denim, calico, and canvas. Its versatility means it’s found everywhere, from clothes and accessories to bedding and promotional products. In the world of branded merchandise, cotton takes many forms, including bags, apparel, hats, and even face masks.
But what do terms like herringbone, chambray, fleece, and jersey really mean? And how do calico and canvas differ? Read on for a breakdown of the key types of cotton fabrics and their uses.
Calico vs. Canvas: What’s the Difference?
The confusion between calico and canvas lies in their finish. Both are often left undyed, giving them a natural, eco-friendly appeal popular for totes and shopping bags.
Calico
- Lightweight and loosely woven.
- Often used in fashion for test garments or as carry bags and homewares.
- Known for its raw, natural look.
Canvas
- Heavier with a tighter weave, making it more durable and structured.
- Commonly used for backpacks, tote bags, sneakers, aprons, and upholstery.
- Waterproofed versions are used in tents, sails, and tarpaulins.
Looking for more about cotton bags? Check out our cotton bags article.
Brushed Cotton vs. Twill
Brushed Cotton
- Cotton that is brushed on one or both sides during finishing.
- Soft, fluffy texture acts as an insulator.
- Perfect for bedding, pyjamas, and soft tees.
- Example: Flannel, which is medium-weight brushed cotton.
Twill
- Refers to the weave, not the finish.
- Recognisable by its sturdy diagonal ribbing.
- Used in chinos, denim, and durable workwear.
Chambray vs. Denim
These fabrics are often paired in fashion because they’re both typically blue, but their construction differs.
Chambray
- Plain woven with thin blue and white yarns.
- Light and crisp.
- Perfect for summer shirts and lightweight clothing.
Denim
- Woven with a twill pattern using medium to heavy yarn.
- Commonly mixed with elastane for stretch, though this can reduce durability.
- Best for jeans, jackets, and rugged apparel.
Herringbone and Poplin
Commonly used in dress shirts and uniform apparel, these fabrics each have unique characteristics.
Poplin
- Plain weave fabric with ultrafine horizontal ribbing.
- Lightweight with a subtle sheen.
- Ideal for dress shirts and suit trousers.
Herringbone
- A twill weave pattern where the direction alternates, creating a zig-zag look.
- Found in a range of weights:
- Lightweight: Dress shirts.
- Medium to heavy: Jackets, coats, and upholstery.
Jersey Cotton
Unlike woven cotton, jersey cotton is knitted, giving it a softer feel and added stretch.
Key Features
- Common in hoodies, tracksuits, and casual wear.
- Often features brushed fleece on the inside for extra warmth.
Rib Knit Cotton
Rib knit is a knitted fabric with alternating loops on the front and back, creating a ribbed texture.
Key Features
- Naturally stretchy, often without elastane or Lycra.
- Used for:
- Cuffs and waistbands in hoodies.
- Fitted tops and dresses made entirely of rib knit fabric.
The Versatility of Cotton
Cotton is a functional, versatile, and improving resource. Its uses span fashion, furniture, homewares, camping gear, and even paper.
Australian cotton growers are evolving techniques to reduce water use and carbon emissions, creating the same high-quality cotton with a smaller environmental footprint.
Fun Fact
One 227kg bale of cotton can produce:
- 1,200 T-shirts
- 4,300 pairs of socks
With so much made from cotton, understanding its various forms helps you find the perfect fabric for your needs—whether for promotional products or your next DIY project.
Explore our cotton-based products today and find the ideal fabric for your next promotion! 🌱