What is Cotton?
Cotton is a natural fiber derived from the cotton plant. It is widely known for its softness, breathability, and versatility. Commonly used in clothing, bedding, and home textiles, cotton is also favored for its moisture-wicking properties. It’s available in various forms, such as Egyptian cotton, which is prized for its long fibers and superior durability. Cotton is easy to maintain and often blended with other materials like polyester to enhance its durability and wrinkle resistance.
What is Terry Cloth?
Terry cloth is a fabric known for its looped texture and excellent absorbency. It is made using a special weaving process that combines two warp threads: one for the base fabric and one for the looped pile, which gives the fabric its unique feel.
Construction of Terry Cloth
Terry cloth is woven with two warp threads: the ground warp forms the base, while the loop warp creates upright loops on the surface. This technique, involving one weft thread and two warp threads, gives the fabric its soft, fluffy texture and enhances its ability to absorb water.
Materials Used in Terry Cloth
Although cotton is the most popular material for terry cloth, it can also be made from fibers like silk, linen, or polyester. Cotton is preferred for its high absorbency and durability, especially when wet.
Key Properties of Terry Cloth
- High Absorbency: The looped design increases surface area, allowing the fabric to soak up over 20 times its weight in water.
- Strength and Durability: Terry cloth becomes stronger when wet, making it suitable for damp environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Softness: Despite its strength, the fabric feels soft and luxurious.
Types of Terry Cloth
- Towel Terry: This type has loops on both sides, making it perfect for towels and loungewear that prioritize absorbency.
- French Terry: Featuring one smooth side and one looped side, this variation is common in clothing and may include spandex for added stretch.
Care and Maintenance
Terry cloth is easy to care for. Wash it in cool water on a gentle cycle. To keep it soft and prevent fading, dry it on low heat.
Differences Between Cotton and Terry Cloth
Material Composition
- Cotton: Cotton bathrobes are made from the natural fibers of the cotton plant. The fiber length affects quality; longer fibers make the material stronger, more durable, and more absorbent.
- Terry Cloth: Though mostly cotton, terry cloth may include silk, linen, or polyester, adding variety in texture and function.
Texture and Appearance
- Cotton: Cotton bathrobes often have a smooth, flat surface and are not fluffy. Waffle designs are common, enhancing moisture-wicking and keeping a clean look.
- Terry Cloth: Terry cloth has a soft, plush feel with uncut loops that boost its absorbency and provide a luxurious texture.
Absorbency
- Cotton: Cotton bathrobes, especially those with waffle patterns, are somewhat absorbent but less so than terry cloth.
- Terry Cloth: The looped design increases surface area, making terry cloth highly absorbent—ideal for thorough drying.
Warmth and Weight
- Cotton: Cotton bathrobes are lightweight and breathable, making them great for warm weather or spa environments where a lighter option is preferred.
- Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is heavier and warmer, suitable for colder settings and post-shower use, offering quick drying and added insulation.
Care and Maintenance
- Cotton: Pure cotton bathrobes may shrink, but blends with polyester help them keep shape and resist wrinkles.
- Terry Cloth: Terry cloth is easy to care for, machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and durable when wet, which extends its lifespan.
Usage Scenarios
- Cotton: Best for spas and warm climates due to its light, breathable, and absorbent properties.
- Terry Cloth: Works well in colder conditions, after showers, and outdoors because of its warmth and high absorbency.
Types of Terry Cloth
- Towel Terry: Classic looped pile design for maximum absorbency.
- French Terry: Smooth on one side, looped on the other; suited for casual or lighter wear.
- Terry Velour: Combines a soft, velvet-like surface with the plushness of terry, creating a luxurious feel.
Types of Terry Cloth
Terry cloth comes in different varieties, each with unique qualities suited to specific uses. Knowing these types can help you pick the best fabric for your needs.
Looped Terry Cloth
This type has loops on both sides, giving it a smooth, even texture. It’s soft and highly absorbent, making it ideal for bath towels, robes, and household linens.
Cut Pile Terry Cloth
Cut pile terry cloth has cut fibers, creating a slightly rougher surface. This adds durability, making it popular for upholstery.
Brushed Terry Cloth
- 1 Side Brushed: Loops on one side, with a smooth brushed surface on the other. The brushed side feels soft, like fleece, and works well for cover cloth.
- 2 Sides Brushed: Known as Towel Terry, this fabric has longer loops on both sides. It’s softer and more absorbent, perfect for towels and bathrobes.
French Terry
French terry is a knit fabric with soft loops on the inside and a smooth outside. It’s commonly used for sweatpants and hoodies, and often includes fibers like cotton and spandex for stretch.
Specialty Terry Fabrics
- Terry Velour: This has a velvety surface on one side and terry loops on the other, offering both softness and absorbency. It’s often used for beach towels.
- Sponge Poly RiccioBlock®: Made from 100% polyester, this fabric is durable and stretchy, making it suitable for sportswear, swimwear, and bath linens.
- Sponge Honeycomb Marta: A 100% cotton fabric with high absorbency, ideal for premium bath linens.
- Cotton Sponge: This versatile cotton fabric comes in various colors and is perfect for beach towels and children’s clothing.
Conclusion
When deciding between cotton and terry cloth, consider the intended use and features of each fabric.
- Terry cloth is known for its high absorbency and soft texture, making it perfect for items like towels, bathrobes, and baby products. Its looped pile design allows it to absorb more than 20 times its weight in water, and its plush feel adds luxury. However, it may require extra care to prevent lint and maintain its fluffiness over time.
- Cotton, on the other hand, offers versatility with a range of textures and weaves, such as French terry and Egyptian cotton, which suit everything from clothing to home textiles. Though not as absorbent as terry cloth, some premium cotton varieties offer better absorbency and durability. Cotton also requires less maintenance and resists wrinkles, making it a practical choice for everyday items.
Both fabrics can be blended with other fibers, such as polyester or silk, to adjust their properties for specific needs. By understanding the differences in texture, absorbency, and use, you can make an informed decision based on your requirements.