Key Difference – Cotton vs Cotton Blend
Cotton and cotton blends (cotton blended with some other fiber) are used to make different types of clothes such as shirts, t-shirts, dresses, and pants. Although many people believe that clothing made from pure cotton is better than cotton blends, they are unclear about the advantages and disadvantages of pure cotton and cotton blends. The key difference between cotton and cotton blend is that cotton tends to wrinkle easily and needs special attention for maintenance whereas most cotton blends are wrinkle free.
What is Cotton?
Cotton is made from the soft, fluffy substance that is around the seeds of the cotton plant (Gossypium). This fibrous substance is made into thread and fabric. The use of cotton dates back to the ancient history.
Cotton is mainly used in the textile industry. It is used in the production of various garments such as shirts, t-shirts, dresses, towels, robes, underwear, etc. Cotton is a light, soft and breathable fabric that is ideal for warm climates. However, garments made of cotton fabric tend to shrink and wrinkle over time, especially if they are not maintained properly. Thus, cotton garments need a lot of attention to keep them looking their best. Cotton is also blended with other materials to get the maximum benefits out of both cotton and the other material. Although many people assume that pure cotton is better than cotton blends, most cotton blends are stronger and more easy to maintain than cotton.
What is Cotton Blend?
Cotton is sometimes blended with other fibers to produce stronger and more attractive material. Rayon, polyester, linen are some other fibers that are blended with cotton. However, blended cotton fabrics usually contain about 80% cotton in order obtain a cotton feel and texture.
When cotton is blended with linen, the resultant fabric is lightweight, breathable and wrinkle resistance and keeps the heat more effectively than pure linen. Although this blend is thin and light, it is stronger than pure cotton. When synthetic fibers such as polyester and rayon are blended with cotton, the fabric has a shine and a unique texture that cannot be found in pure cotton fabrics.
The main advantage of cotton blend fabrics is their ease of wear and maintenance. Cotton blends are typically stronger and wrinkle free when compared to pure cotton fabrics.
Silk Cotton
What is the difference between Cotton and Cotton Blend?
Content:
Cotton: Cotton fabric contains only cotton fiber.
Cotton blend: Cotton fabric contains about 80% cotton and 20 % of other fibers such as linen, polyester, and rayon.
Natural vs Synthetic:
Cotton: Cotton is made of natural fiber.
Cotton blend: Cotton blends may contain synthetic fibers such as polyester.
Wrinkles:
Cotton: Cotton tends to form wrinkles very easily; thus, it needs special attention.
Cotton blend: Many cotton blends are wrinkle free and do not need special care.
Properties:
Cotton: Cotton is soft and light.
Cotton blend: Clothes made from cotton blends may be lighter and softer than pure cotton clothes.
Image Courtesy:
“Pink Woven Cotton Silk Fabric Texture Free Creative Commons (6962346249)” By “D Sharon Pruitt – Pink Sherbet Photography from Utah, USA (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“1838210” (Public Domain) via Pixabay