Our Complete Cotton Fabric Guide

Cotton stands as one of the most versatile fabrics in the textile world, transforming from a humble plant fibre into a staple item in luxury fashion and home décor. Understanding cotton fabric, including its origins, construction and countless variations, will help you learn what to buy and where to buy high quality cotton goods from. Whether you're seeking the perfect 100% cotton T-shirt or considering different cotton duvet sets, this comprehensive guide will illuminate the different types and uses, ultimately helping you to decide what’s best for you.

What Is Cotton?

Cotton begins its journey as fluffy white balls surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant (known as Gossypium). It is a flowering shrub that grows predominantly in the United States, India, China, Brazil and Egypt because it thrives in warm, humid climates.

The cultivation process requires patience and precision. Cotton plants typically mature over 5-6 months and careful farming practices are required during its harvest. In fact, modern approaches employ both traditional methods and innovative techniques, with sustainable practices increasingly prioritised to protect both the environment and the communities that depend on the vital crop. 

The composition of cotton fibre is primarily cellulose, with the remaining 10% consisting of water, proteins, pectins and natural waxes that contribute to the fabric's unique characteristics. However, the quality of cotton actually begins at the farming stage where soil health, water management and harvesting timing all influence the final textile's properties.

What Are The 4 Types of Cotton?

Traditional cotton classification is based on staple length. Four primary categories are used and they directly correlate with quality and the products the cotton best suits.

1. Short Staple Cotton (less than 1inches or 25.4mm) represents the most common variety, accounting for the majority of global cotton production. While suitable for many applications, short staple cotton typically produces coarser yarns with less strength and smoothness compared to longer staple varieties. The most common example of short staple cotton is Upland cotton.
2. Medium Staple Cotton (1 to 1.28 in or 24 - 32.5 mm) offers improved quality over short staple varieties, providing better strength and a smoother feel. This cotton material fabric serves well for mid-range textiles and represents a significant portion of commercial cotton production. This is where you’ll see American Upland and lower-grade Egyptian varieties. 
3. Long Staple Cotton (1.14 to 1.38 in or  mm) enters premium territory, producing finer, stronger yarns with enhanced luster and softness. These cotton fabrics demonstrate superior durability and comfort, making them ideal for quality clothing and luxury applications. Here you can expect pima cotton.
4. Extra-Long Staple Cotton (over 1.38 in or mm) represents the pinnacle of cotton quality. This rare cotton, comprising less than 3% of global production, and creates the softest, strongest and most lustrous fabrics. Extra-long staple cotton forms the foundation of true luxury textiles, prized for its exceptional hand feel and longevity. It is this standard which is exclusively used across Rise & Fall’s cotton products, whether for apparel or homeware.
   
   

How Is Cotton Made?

After harvesting, raw cotton undergoes a process called ginning. This separates the cotton fibres from the cotton seeds and involves the removal of any impurities or remaining plant matter.

Carding represents the next crucial phase where the fibres are aligned and formed into continuous strands called slivers. These slivers undergo multiple processes to further align the fibres, ready for spinning which transforms them into yarn. Here, different tensions and twists can be used to create different material characteristics.

Weaving or knitting these yarns create the interlaced fabric structure while the specific pattern (whether plain, twill or more complex constructions) significantly influences the cloth's drape, durability and appearance. Finishing processes including washing, dyeing and fabric treatments are used to enhance the material's performance and aesthetic qualities. And that’s how fabric from cotton fibres are made.

What Are The Different Types of Cotton Fabric?

There are many different types of cotton fabric, each with its own distinct characteristics. For example, you may prefer to buy lightweight, looser fit trousers over more tailored yet heavier cotton trousers. If this is your preferred choice then you’ll typically opt for a finer, organic cotton instead of a cotton twill which is more structured and rigid.

The table below breakdowns the different types of cotton so you can decide which option is best for your needs.

What Are The Different Types of Cotton Fabric?

There are many different types of cotton fabric, each with its own distinct characteristics. For example, you may prefer to buy lightweight, looser fit trousers over more tailored yet heavier cotton trousers. If this is your preferred choice then you’ll typically opt for a finer, organic cotton instead of a cotton twill which is more structured and rigid.

The table below breakdowns the different types of cotton so you can decide which option is best for your needs.

Cotton Bedding Types

While we like to focus on percale and sateen cotton for our luxury bedding, organic cotton is also a favourite of ours. This is ideal for those needing sensitive skin friendly bed linens.

Conventional vs. Organic Cotton

The distinction between conventional and organic cotton extends far beyond growing methods to encompass environmental impact, fibre purity and fabric characteristics. Conventional cotton relies on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides for consistent yields, while organic cotton uses natural farming methods that support soil health and biodiversity. Organic cotton can often develop superior fibre characteristics through slower, more natural growth cycles, though both types can achieve excellent quality when properly cultivated and processed.

What Is Made With Cotton?

The versatility of cotton fabric extends far beyond simple clothing, encompassing a range of applications that touch nearly every aspect of daily life. Cotton's natural properties make it well suited for garments worn close to the skin. T-shirts, underwear and sleepwear all benefit from cotton's breathability and moisture absorption. Simultaneously, structured pieces like blazers and trousers utilise cotton's ability to hold shape while providing comfort throughout extended wear.

In home textiles, cotton material fabric creates everything from pillowcases, bed sheets and duvet covers to terry cloth towels, tableware accessories and decorative cushions. 

The 100% cotton fabric used in bed linens, like in our Crisp & Cool and Soft & Smooth ranges offer unparalleled comfort for sleep: percale cotton feels crisp and cool while cotton sateen gives a luxurious, silky smooth finish. In comparison, cotton blends used in upholstery provides durability alongside easy maintenance.

Why Is Cotton A Staple In Quality Luxury Clothing

Cotton has rightly earned its position as a cornerstone of luxury fashion through a combination of natural properties that align perfectly with quality clothing requirements. The versatility of cotton material allows designers to create everything from structured tailoring to flowing drapes, while maintaining comfort and durability that synthetic alternatives struggle to match. Rise & Falls’ mens and womens cotton collections are a testament to this, with the assortment of styles and clothing available. 

Quality cotton also provides the foundation for complex textile constructions, from fine gauge knits to precisely woven cloths. The strength of long and extra-long staple cotton enables the creation of delicate fabrics without sacrificing durability, while the natural lustre of premium cotton creates visual appeal that improves rather than degrades over time.