NEWS & CSR

Don’t Get It Wrong! How to Identify 100% Cotton Fabric

28 Okt 2025 | News Category: -

If you’ve ever purchased a T-shirt labeled as “100% cotton” but found it quickly becoming stiff, stretching out, or feeling hot after just a couple of washes — you’re not alone. Many products in the market actually use polyester or synthetic blends but are still marketed as pure cotton. That’s why it’s important to understand how to correctly identify genuine, high-quality 100% cotton.

We’re here to help you recognize real cotton fabric with accuracy — ideal for fashion brands, corporate uniforms, or large-scale textile production.

Why Choosing 100% Cotton Matters

Comfort & Breathability

100% cotton features naturally breathable fibers with high moisture absorbency (up to ±8% of its weight), and does not trap heat — as reported by Sino Silk. Perfect for tropical climates like Indonesia.

Safe for Sensitive Skin

Pure cotton is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for babywear, modest fashion, innerwear, and household textiles.

Durability & Product Value

Although slightly more expensive, genuine cotton fabrics offer long-term durability — resistant to pilling, odor, and shape deformation after multiple washes.

Physical Characteristics of Genuine 100% Cotton

Texture & Handfeel

Feels soft, cool, and non-slippery (unlike polyester)
Does not have a shiny or reflective surface
When scrunched, it wrinkles easily and does not bounce back

Water Absorption Test

Dip a small part of the fabric in water for 3–5 seconds.

100% cotton: absorbs water quickly, penetrates into the fibers
Polyester blends: water tends to pool on the surface

Burn Test — A Reliable Confirmation Method

A simple yet accurate method widely used by textile manufacturers (By Hand London):

Cotton: burns quickly, leaves fine grey ash, smells like burnt paper
Polyester/synthetics: melts, smells like burnt plastic, leaves hard residue

Image source: byhandlondon.com

Note: In industrial settings, confirmation is usually done via lab physical testing or fiber composition analysis (e.g., FTIR), recognized under SNI & ISO Textile standards.

Practical Ways to Verify Authenticity During Buying or Production

Check the Label or GSM Specification

Genuine cotton is usually labeled with detailed GSM data (e.g., 24s 170gsm combed cotton). Avoid suppliers that do not specify fiber composition clearly.

Request Fabric Swatches or Samples

Professional suppliers are willing to provide samples. Manual tests such as touch and water absorption remain valid for pre-evaluation.

Check Supplier Reputation & Certifications

Trusted suppliers are typically certified under standards like OEKO-TEX, especially for organic or export-grade materials.

Understanding how to identify 100% cotton is not just about comfort — it directly affects your product reputation. Through tactile checking, water absorption, and burn testing, you can avoid costly mistakes in material selection early on.

For the best textile solutions tailored to your specifications, feel free to contact us.

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