Polycotton, a fabric designed to replace cotton

The softness of cotton and the toughness of polyester are combined to create polycotton, the best of both worlds. This material has gained popularity as a substitute for pure cotton because it strikes a pleasing mix between comfort and usefulness.

In the fashion and home textile industries, polycotton has become a formidable competitor due to the growing demand for reasonably priced, easily maintained textiles. It is frequently used in garments, bedding, and other commonplace items where durability and comfort are essential.

When shopping for fabrics, knowing what makes polycotton special can help you make well-informed decisions, whether you’re looking for something that feels great against your skin or a material that will hold up well against repeated washings without fading.

History of fabric, manufacturing process, composition

An approximate estimate of the invention’s date is the 1950s and 60s in America. The primary goal is to replace cotton fabric while staying reasonably priced and maintaining the majority of the benefits of the prototype. Though not entirely resolved, the issue was resolved. You’ll see why after that.

The material’s name is telling; the first part, "poly," is derived from the English word "polyester," and the second part, "cotton," is also derived from English. "cotton." Everything about polycotton, including its type and composition (polyester and cotton), is already evident from it. When synthetic and natural fibers are combined, this happens:

  • At the stage of thread creation. The raw material is homogeneous, the finished fabric is the same in quality from the front and back.
  • At the weaving stage. Natural and synthetic threads are simultaneously fed into the loom. The characteristics of the fabric produced in this way will depend on the nature of the weave: the result will be a regular fabric or double-sided (face – cotton, back – PE).

The percentage of polyester and cotton in polycotton, or the fabric’s composition, can be varied: 65% x 35%, 50% x 50%, 35% x 65%, and 15% x 85%, respectively. This has an impact on the material’s technical properties, cost, and cotton-like qualities.

We came upon a helpful article concerning the once-trendy material known by its Italian name, "Bologna."

Description, characteristics and approximate cost

To summarize, polycotton is a soft, thin material. Without getting into specifics, that is all we have to say about it. They are also necessary because the proportion of polyester to cotton in a fabric determines its qualities, as the raw material’s properties are what always win out. When cotton makes up at least 50% of the polycotton, that is the best option. Here, we obtain outstanding consumer attributes:

  • Excellent appearance (this is clear even from the photo in the article), tactile sensations – like from a natural material.
  • Good hygroscopicity.
  • No problem with static electricity.
  • Polycotton shrinks, so it can be cut without pre-wetting.
  • Does not deform when washed.
  • Good strength of the fabric with a small thickness.
  • Little wrinkles, rarely requires ironing.

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All of the drawbacks of synthetic materials will "crawl out" as the proportion of cotton in the composition decreases: the material will become tactilely apparent before becoming "by eye" noticeable, its hygroscopicity will diminish, and it will start to "spark" and accumulate static. The consumer characteristics of the material will deteriorate as the percentage of natural raw materials decreases.

Prices for polycotton, which has 20% cotton in its composition, start at a reasonable 80 rubles per meter. Ready-made sets are also reasonably priced, with the "euro" size costing roughly 1000 rubles. A ready-made set of bed linens costs 2000 rubles, while fabric with at least 50% cotton content costs 200 rubles per meter. As you can see, quality and affordability are mutually exclusive.

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A small comparison with other fabrics

The first and most frequent query compares cotton and calico; which is superior? You may find it strange even to consider trying to place 100 percent cotton and blended fabric on the scales. But let’s examine cotton’s drawbacks in more detail:

  • Gives a lot of shrinkage.
  • Wrinkles a lot, so while you were putting the thing on, it was already wrinkled.
  • Ironing after washing is a must.
  • With a density of up to 125 g / m – this is the same "gauze" with a clearly distinguishable weave.

You can balance them all out, at least somewhat, by adding a tiny bit of polyester. Naturally, we’re not suggesting that you wear only synthetic clothing—we’re talking about compositions that contain 20–35% polyester. In this situation, polycotton and pure cotton start to compete. It is incorrect to compare with a different percentage because the differences in characteristics are too great.

Second comparison: which is better, teak or polycotton? We are limited to using the same example when discussing the drawbacks of pure cotton in this instance because teak is also derived from natural and hybrid raw materials. The only difference is in their percentage ratio. The best teak to use for mattress sewing is a blend of 70% cotton and 30% PE.

Third comparison: which is better, microfiber or polycotton? But making a comparison is challenging here. Microfiber is a fabric that is slightly spongy and fluffy. The majority of it, with all its features, is cheap synthetics that are sold in Russia. Consider cotton microfiber, which is a high-end fabric with excellent user qualities and a correspondingly high cost.

We recommend reading up on the intriguing and cozy flock fabric, by the way.

A more cost-effective, wrinkle-resistant, and resilient fabric than pure cotton, polycotton combines the best features of both cotton and polyester. This fabric is perfect for a variety of clothing applications because it is made to retain the breathability and comfort of cotton while adding strength and durability.

Where polycotton is used and how to care for it

We learned that polycotton is a type of fabric, with bedding being its primary application. It is also used to sew other textiles for the home and, less frequently, some clothing components. When a product is inexpensive, simple to maintain, and has a long lifespan without sacrificing its external attributes, it is particularly well-liked.

Polycotton requires very little maintenance. There aren’t many guidelines:

  • The higher the polyester content in the composition, the lower the water temperature during washing should be. Always acceptable – 40 °.
  • For ironing, it is better to choose the "synthetics" mode.
  • Ideally – washing separately from flax and hb.
  • You can not use bleach.

The following guidelines apply to caring for polycotton in the same way that they do for any other similar product: Prior to washing, secure all fasteners and buttons; flip pillowcases and duvet covers inside out; allow to air dry; and store in a room with good ventilation.

Stay interested in us! Soon, there will be more fascinating articles. If you save this page to your browser’s bookmarks, you won’t miss them. Visit the link to learn the tapestry fabric’s composition.

Characteristic Description
Material Composition Polycotton is a blend of polyester and cotton, combining the benefits of both fabrics.
Durability More durable than pure cotton, polycotton is resistant to tearing and shrinking.
Comfort Soft and breathable, providing a comfortable feel similar to cotton.
Maintenance Easy to care for, polycotton is wrinkle-resistant and dries quickly.
Affordability Typically more affordable than pure cotton, offering good value for everyday use.

A useful substitute for pure cotton, polycotton combines the advantages of natural and synthetic fibers. It is a versatile option for a range of clothing needs because it combines the durability and wrinkle resistance of polyester with the softness and breathability of cotton.

This fabric is also reasonably priced; it’s frequently less expensive than 100% cotton. Less time is spent maintaining and ironing thanks to its easy-care qualities, which is a big benefit for people with hectic schedules.

In the ever-changing world of fashion and textiles, polycotton remains a dependable, cozy, and long-lasting fabric. Polycotton offers a blend of quality and practicality, making it a popular choice in wardrobes worldwide, whether you’re looking for specialized or everyday wear.

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Sergey Litvinov

I have been working in the field of textile art for over 20 years. I am passionate about textile design and create unique things inspired by traditions and modern trends. In my articles, I talk about how you can use fabrics to create unique and stylish things with your own hands.

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