Cotton and Combed Cotton Fabric: Differences, Advantages, and Uses in Fashion

What is Cotton and Combed Cotton Fabric?

Cotton fabric is a type of textile made from the natural fibers of the cotton plant. It is well known for its softness, high absorbency, and comfort when worn. Cotton is widely used in various textile products, from clothing to household items such as bed sheets and towels.

On the other hand, combed cotton fabric is a type of cotton that has undergone a fiber combing process. This process removes short fibers, making the fabric smoother, stronger, and more comfortable to wear. Combed cotton is often used for high-quality clothing such as premium t-shirts and baby apparel.

Differences Between Regular Cotton and Combed Cotton

Although both come from cotton fibers, regular cotton and combed cotton have several key differences:

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1. Production Process
   1. Regular cotton does not go through the combing process, leaving short fibers that may make its surface slightly rough.
   1. Combed cotton undergoes combing, making it softer and more comfortable to wear.
2. Texture and Comfort
   1. Regular cotton tends to be rougher compared to combed cotton as it still contains short fibers.
   1. Combed cotton has a smoother texture as it only uses high-quality long fibers.
3. Quality and Durability
   1. Regular cotton is more prone to shrinking, and its fibers can easily loosen.
   1. Combed cotton is stronger and more durable as it only uses the best cotton fibers.
4. Price
   1. Regular cotton is cheaper than combed cotton due to its simpler production process.
   1. Combed cotton is more expensive because the combing process enhances its quality.

Advantages of Combed Cotton Over Regular Cotton

Combed cotton offers several advantages over regular cotton, including:

1. Softer and More Comfortable Combed cotton does not contain short rough fibers, making it softer and more comfortable on the skin.
2. More Durable and Less Prone to Damage Since it only uses high-quality long fibers, combed cotton is more durable and less likely to pill or wear out after multiple washes.
3. Better Sweat Absorption The tighter structure of combed cotton absorbs sweat better than regular cotton, making it ideal for daily wear, especially in tropical climates.
4. Better for Printing and Embroidery The smooth surface of combed cotton results in higher-quality prints and embroidery compared to regular cotton.

Types of Combed Cotton Fabric Based on GSM

GSM (grams per square meter) measures fabric thickness. Below are the common types of combed cotton fabric based on GSM used in the textile industry:

1. Combed 20s (180-220 gsm)
   1. Thicker and stronger fabric, commonly used for distro t-shirts and hoodies.
   1. Suitable for oversized or streetwear designs.
2. Combed 24s (160-170 gsm)
   1. Medium thickness, suitable for casual t-shirts and work uniforms.
   1. Balanced between thickness and comfort.
3. Combed 30s (140-150 gsm)
   1. Thinner and lighter, very comfortable to wear in hot weather.
   1. Commonly used for premium t-shirts and everyday clothing.
4. Combed 40s (110-120 gsm)
   1. Thinnest and lightest, extremely smooth and soft on the skin.
   1. Used for underwear or super premium t-shirts.

Uses of Cotton and Combed Cotton Fabric in the Fashion Industry

Both regular cotton and combed cotton play an important role in the fashion industry. Here are some of their common applications:

1. Casual and Distro T-Shirts
   1. Combed cotton is frequently used for casual t-shirts due to its softness and excellent absorbency.
   1. High-quality distro t-shirts typically use combed 20s or 30s.
2. Baby and Children’s Clothing
   1. Due to its soft and comfortable nature, combed cotton is the top choice for baby clothing.
3. Shirts and Formal Wear
   1. Regular cotton is often used for formal shirts as it provides a neat and professional look.
4. Hijabs and Muslim Wear
   1. Lightweight and sweat-absorbing combed cotton is perfect for hijabs and daily Muslim wear.
5. Pajamas and Sleepwear
   1. Comfort is the main factor in choosing sleepwear, making thin combed cotton fabric a popular choice for pajamas.

Conclusion

Both cotton and combed cotton originate from the same cotton plant but differ significantly in quality, softness, and durability. Combed cotton is superior in terms of comfort, strength, and sweat absorption, making it a preferred choice in premium fashion. Various types of combed cotton based on GSM offer suitable options for different clothing needs, from casual t-shirts to baby garments.

By understanding the characteristics and advantages of both regular cotton and combed cotton, you can choose the right fabric for your fashion needs or clothing business.