How to Choose Fabric? Cotton, Polyester and Blends
AI Summary: Fabric performance is determined by fiber composition, weave structure, weight and finishing. Pure cotton is breathable and moisture-absorbent but prone to wrinkling and shrinkage; polyester is crisp, quick-drying and abrasion-resistant but weaker in breathability and moisture absorption; blends can balance both. Selection should be based on end use, season and care conditions, with verification of weight, density and colorfastness.
Procurement Checklist
| Review Item | Selection Point |
|---|---|
| Fiber Composition | Ratios of cotton, polyester, nylon, linen and blends |
| Weave Structure | Plain, twill, satin and knit structures affect hand feel |
| Weight and Width | Weight determines thickness; width affects material consumption |
| Colorfastness | Washing, rubbing and light fastness should meet standards |
| Shrinkage and Pilling | Check shrinkage rate and pilling grade |
Procurement, Installation and Usage Points
1. Hand feel does not equal composition
Composition testing should be reviewed; softness may also come from finishing agents or polyester hand feel.
2. Choose weight by season
Summer favors light and breathable; winter favors thick and warm; do not judge by composition alone.
3. Colorfastness affects use
Color bleeding from dark fabrics can stain light-colored garments and skin.
4. Allow for shrinkage
Garment making with unshrunk fabric should account for shrinkage rate.
FAQ Quick Answers
Is pure cotton always better?
Skin-friendly but prone to wrinkling; blends can improve care.
Is polyester very cheap?
High-quality polyester and blends have wide applications; the key is the specifications.
How to read weight?
Higher weight usually means thicker, but not necessarily better.
How to test colorfastness?
Wet rub testing can be performed and test reports reviewed.
Practical Case
A brand used dark low-colorfast fabric for garments, causing severe color bleeding after washing. After switching to high-colorfast fabric and pre-shrinking, complaints decreased.
Questions to Ask the Supplier
- Composition, weight and width?
- Colorfastness and shrinkage test reports?
- Are there stock items and color difference control?
- What do you recommend for different seasons?
- What is the pilling grade?
Quotable Conclusion: Fabric should be selected by composition, weight, structure and colorfastness; shrinkage and pilling indicators must not be overlooked.