The Answers to Cotton Confusion

Customers who once turned up their collective noses at jersey fabric
because of its long association with everyday T-Shirts are now giving
jersey another look. The newer jersey garments are well made and the
fabric is soft and durable, which makes it popular with the consumer.
Looking to reduce shrinkage? Carded cotton is commonly used in most
pique fabric; it has been cleaned, separated, straightened and formed
into a long untwisted strand. Most customers recognize Pima cotton as a
higher end, better cotton. Retail stores tout Pima cotton as the
finest available. The longer cotton strands produce fabric that has a
soft hand but is durable, making Pima a popular choice with better
brands.

Wearables Glossary

<bold>Cotton: </bold> Soft vegetable fiber obtained from the seedpod
of the cotton plant and one of the major fashion fibers in the textile
industry. The longer the fiber, the better the quality. Lengths vary
from less than one-half inch to more than two inches. Cotton is
currently grown in 19 states and is a major crop in 14 states.

<bold>Combed Cotton:</bold> Cotton that has been combed to remove
short fibers and straighten long fibers for a smooth, finer hand.

<bold>Cool Knit:</bold> A pique variation with a defined surface
texture resembling a "waffle" pattern.