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Material Library · Cotton

Cotton Fabrics

Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft, breathable and comfortable against the skin. Knitted as jersey or brushed on the inside, it is used for all-season balaclavas, lightweight beanies, linings and bandana-style pieces. Organic cotton versions are available on request, with documentation confirmed per order.

Updated

Folds of a soft pink knit fabric with a fine texture
  • 50 pcsMinimum order
  • 14 daysStandard lead time
  • OEKO-TEX®Fabrics from certified mills
  • ISO 9001Certified (Eco Jersey Limited)
  • SedexMember (Eco Jersey Limited)

Cotton fabrics

Cotton fabrics we work with

Open a fabric to see what is typical for it and what we confirm for your order.

At a glance

Cotton fabrics compared

Typical characteristics relative to the other fabrics in the library.

Typical characteristics, relative to the other fabrics in the library
FabricConstructionWeight classWarmthBreathabilityStretchMoisture managementTypical products
Lightweight Cotton JerseySingle jerseyLightweightLowVery highModerateLowBalaclavas, Beanies
Midweight Cotton JerseySingle jerseyMidweightModerateHighModerateLowBalaclavas, Beanies
Cotton InterlockInterlockMidweightModerateHighModerateLowBalaclavas, Beanies
Cotton-Rich Brushed FleeceBrushed-back fleeceMidweightHighHighModerateModerateBalaclavas, Beanies, Ski wear
Combed Cotton Sock Yarn (Cotton/Nylon/Elastane)Single jersey, Rib knitLightweightModerateVery highHighHighSocks
Mercerized Cotton Sock YarnSingle jersey, Rib knitLightweightLowVery highHighHighSocks
Bamboo Viscose Sock YarnSingle jersey, Rib knitLightweightModerateVery highHighHighSocks
Terry-Loop Sock KnitTerry loopMidweightHighModerateModerateHighSocks, Ski wear
Rib Sock Knit (1×1, 2×2)Rib knitLightweightModerateHighVery highHighSocks
Jacquard Sock KnitJacquard knitLightweightModerateHighHighModerateScarves, Socks
Brushed Interior Sock KnitSingle jerseyMidweightHighModerateHighModerateSocks
Cotton Twill (Cap Fabric)Woven, TwillMidweightLowHighLowLowCaps & hats
Brushed Cotton TwillWoven, TwillMidweightModerateHighLowLowCaps & hats
Cotton YarnKnitted from yarnLight to heavy (varies)ModerateVery highLowLowBalaclavas, Beanies, Scarves
Cotton CanvasWoven, CanvasHeavyweightLowModerateLowLowCaps & hats
Organic Cotton YarnKnitted from yarnLight to heavy (varies)ModerateVery highLowLowBalaclavas, Beanies, Scarves
Denim (Cap Fabric)Woven, DenimMidweightLowModerateLowLowCaps & hats
Corduroy (Cap Fabric)Woven, Corduroy (cut pile)MidweightModerateModerateLowLowCaps & hats
Poly-Cotton Twill (65/35)Woven, TwillMidweightLowHighLowModerateCaps & hats
Waxed Cotton CanvasWoven, CanvasHeavyweightLowLowLowLowCaps & hats
Linen & Cotton-LinenWovenLightweightLowVery highLowHighCaps & hats
Terry TowellingTerry loopMidweightModerateHighLowVery highCaps & hats
Cap Sweatband & Lining FabricsLightweightLowHighModerateVery highCaps & hats
Cotton VoileWoven, VoileLightweightLowVery highLowVery highScarves
Bandana Cotton (Poplin)Woven, Plain weave (pongee, taffeta)LightweightLowVery highLowVery highScarves

Choosing cotton

When cotton is the right choice, and when it is not

Cotton's strengths and limits both come from how it handles moisture.

  • Comfort on the skin

    Cotton is soft and rarely irritates, which suits everyday balaclavas, liners and products worn for long periods.

  • It holds moisture

    Cotton absorbs sweat and dries slowly. For sport or sub-zero use, a wicking polyester or merino fabric keeps the wearer drier.

  • Easy to brand

    Cotton jersey takes screen printing, heat transfer and embroidery well. It does not take sublimation, which needs polyester.

  • Stretch

    Plain cotton jersey stretches a little and can lose shape; a small share of elastane helps close-fitting styles recover.

Related fabrics

Other cotton fabrics in the library

These fabrics contain cotton and are described in full on their main family page.

  • Cotton-Rich Brushed Fleece: close-up of the soft brushed inside of heather-grey cotton-rich fleece

    Cotton-Rich Brushed Fleece

    A knitted cotton-rich fabric whose inner face is brushed into a soft pile. It is warmer than plain…

  • Combed Cotton Sock Yarn (Cotton/Nylon/Elastane): two unlabelled cones of white combed cotton sock yarn

    Combed Cotton Sock Yarn (Cotton/Nylon/Elastane)

    The everyday sock yarn: combed cotton for a smooth, soft feel, plated with nylon for strength at the…

  • Two unlabelled cones of navy mercerized cotton sock yarn

    Mercerized Cotton Sock Yarn

    Cotton yarn treated to add a soft sheen, strength and deeper colour. Knitted in fine gauge for dress…

  • Two unlabelled cones of soft sage-green bamboo viscose sock yarn

    Bamboo Viscose Sock Yarn

    A silky, breathable yarn made from bamboo-derived viscose, blended with cotton, nylon and elastane. Soft against the skin…

  • Close-up of charcoal terry-loop sock knit

    Terry-Loop Sock Knit

    A knit with thousands of small loops on the inside of the sock. The loops cushion the foot,…

  • Rib Sock Knit (1×1, 2×2): close-up of black 2x2 rib sock knit

    Rib Sock Knit (1×1, 2×2)

    A knit of alternating raised and lowered columns that stretches sideways and springs back. Used at the cuff,…

  • Close-up of a navy, red and white jacquard sock knit

    Jacquard Sock Knit

    A knit where needles are selected one by one to build a design of two or more colours…

  • Brushed Interior Sock Knit: close-up of the brushed inside of a grey thermal sock

    Brushed Interior Sock Knit

    A sock knit whose inside is brushed to raise a soft pile. It traps warm air much like…

  • Cotton Twill (Cap Fabric): close-up of navy cotton twill with a fine diagonal rib

    Cotton Twill (Cap Fabric)

    The standard cap fabric: a cotton woven in a diagonal twill that is firm, smooth and takes embroidery…

  • Close-up of khaki brushed cotton twill with a soft surface

    Brushed Cotton Twill

    Cotton twill with a lightly brushed surface that feels soft and slightly peach-like. It gives dad caps and…

  • Cotton Yarn: off-white combed cotton knitting yarn on a plain grey surface

    Cotton Yarn

    A soft, breathable natural yarn that is usually not itchy. It is cooler and less elastic than wool…

  • Close-up of ecru cotton canvas with a dense plain weave

    Cotton Canvas

    A heavy, tightly woven plain-weave cotton that is stiff, hard-wearing and takes on a natural texture with use.…

  • Organic Cotton Yarn: natural undyed ecru organic cotton knitting yarn on a plain grey surface

    Organic Cotton Yarn

    Cotton yarn spun from cotton grown under organic farming rules, without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. It knits and…

  • Denim (Cap Fabric): close-up of indigo denim twill with blue and white yarns

    Denim (Cap Fabric)

    A cotton twill dyed with indigo or other colours, in washed or raw finishes. It gives caps, bucket…

  • Corduroy (Cap Fabric): close-up of rust corduroy with soft parallel ridges

    Corduroy (Cap Fabric)

    A cotton fabric with cut-pile ridges that give a soft, warm, textured surface. Popular for autumn and winter…

  • Poly-Cotton Twill (65/35): close-up of bottle-green poly-cotton twill

    Poly-Cotton Twill (65/35)

    A twill woven from a polyester-cotton blend, most often 65% polyester and 35% cotton. It keeps the clean…

  • Close-up of olive waxed cotton canvas with a waxy surface

    Waxed Cotton Canvas

    Cotton canvas treated with wax so that it helps shed light rain and wind and slowly takes on…

  • Linen & Cotton-Linen: close-up of oatmeal linen with a slubby plain weave

    Linen & Cotton-Linen

    Linen woven from flax fibre, on its own or blended with cotton. Light, cool and breathable, with a…

  • Close-up of mint cotton terry towelling with soft loops

    Terry Towelling

    A cotton fabric covered in soft, uncut loops, like a towel. It absorbs sweat and water and gives…

  • Cap Sweatband & Lining Fabrics: close-up of a black cap sweatband with a stitched edge

    Cap Sweatband & Lining Fabrics

    What touches the head: a cotton, moisture-wicking polyester or terry sweatband, and satin, cotton or quilted linings in…

  • Close-up of lavender cotton voile with a fine, slightly sheer weave

    Cotton Voile

    A light, slightly sheer cotton plain weave made from fine, tightly twisted yarns. It is crisp, breathable and…

  • Bandana Cotton (Poplin): close-up of plain red cotton bandana fabric with a fine poplin weave

    Bandana Cotton (Poplin)

    The classic fabric of the printed bandana: a firm, light cotton plain weave such as poplin or lawn.…

Products

Where cotton is used

Cotton is the everyday choice for comfort-led products and mild weather.

  • Custom balaclavasPrivate-label balaclava and ski mask manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. Knitted, fleece, mesh and sublimated styles from 50 pcs,…
  • Custom beaniesCustom beanies under your label: cuffed and logo, streetwear, pom-pom and winter, sports and jacquard beanies. From 50…
  • Custom socksCustom socks under your label: ankle, crew, dress, sport, thermal, grip and team socks with jacquard logos. From…
  • Custom caps & hatsCustom caps and hats under your label: baseball, dad, trucker, snapback, bucket, boonie, safari and camo caps. From…
  • Custom ski wearCustom ski jackets, pants, suits, fleece and base layers under your label, waterproof 5K–20K with taped seams. From…
  • Custom scarvesCustom scarves under your label: knitted, football, silk and printed scarves, bandanas, neckerchiefs and hijabs. From 50 pcs…

Portfolio

Cotton in our projects

See all projects

Journal

Guides on cap and headwear fabrics

FAQ

Cotton fabrics: frequently asked questions

Is cotton warm enough for a winter balaclava?

For mild cold, yes, especially brushed cotton fleece. In sub-zero or wet conditions cotton holds moisture and cools the skin, so fleece, merino or a wicking polyester layer works better.

Is organic cotton available?

Organic cotton can be requested. Whether it is available for your fabric, and which documentation comes with it, is confirmed with your quote. An organic fabric alone does not make the finished product GOTS certified; see the certifications guide.

Can cotton be sublimation printed?

No. Sublimation dyes bond with polyester, not cotton. Cotton is branded with screen printing, heat transfer, embroidery, labels or patches.

Material Library

More fabric families and guides

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