How to tell if a shirt is 100% cotton??
When it comes to choosing clothing, especially shirts, materials play a significant role in determining both the quality and comfort. Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics used worldwide due to its comfort, durability, and breathability. However, with the rise of synthetic materials, it has become challenging to differentiate between pure cotton and blended fabrics. This article provides ten tips to help you tell if a shirt is 100% cotton.
Price
One way to tell if a shirt is 100% cotton is by looking at the price tag. High-quality cotton is expensive to produce, and as such, pure cotton shirts tend to be more expensive than blended fabrics. If a shirt price seems too good to be true, then it might be a sign that the shirt is not made entirely of cotton.
Label
Read the label carefully before buying a shirt to determine whether it is 100% cotton or blended with other materials. In most cases, the label will specify whether the shirt is cotton, cotton-blend or completely synthetic. The label may also include information on how to care for the shirt.
Texture
Cotton has a unique texture that is different from synthetic fabrics. To test whether a shirt is 100% cotton, run your hand over the fabric. Cotton should feel soft and slightly textured to touch. However, if the texture feels artificial or slippery, the shirt likely contains synthetic fabrics.
Transparency
Hold the shirt up to the light. If you can see through the shirt, then it likely contains polyester or other synthetic materials. Cotton is naturally opaque, so if the shirt does not allow light to pass through, this might indicate that it is 100% cotton.
Water Test
The water test involves soaking a small piece of the shirt in water for a few minutes. If it is 100% cotton, the fabric will absorb the water and darken. On the other hand, if the fabric is a blend, it will repel water, or the water will only sit on the surface of the fabric without being absorbed.
Burn Test
The burn test involves setting a small piece of fabric on fire. Cotton burns slowly, and the ash produced is soft and easily crumbles into powder. If the shirt contains polyester, the fabric will burn quickly, the ash will be hard and black, and the fabric will produce a chemical smell.
Thread Count
An excellent way to tell if a shirt is 100% cotton is to look at its thread count. Cotton shirts have a high thread count, meaning they have more threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable the shirt is likely to be.
Stretch
Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, spandex, and rayon, are elastic and tend to stretch without returning to their former shape. On the other hand, pure cotton doesn't stretch as well, so if a shirt has an excellent stretch or feels elastic, it may contain synthetic fibers.
Easily Wrinkled
Due to its natural fibers, 100% cotton is prone to wrinkles. When looking for a cotton shirt, keep in mind that it is likely to crease easily. If a shirt remains wrinkle-free, chances are it is blended with synthetic fabrics.
Brand
Some brands specialize in using pure cotton for their clothing, while others prefer blended fabrics. Before purchasing a shirt, research the brand to determine their fabric selection. This way, you can quickly tell whether a shirt is 100% cotton based on the brand.