When it comes to organic clothing, 100 cotton fabric is king. Soft and comfortable, it offers many benefits like insulation, moisture control, and hypoallergenic qualities. About half of all materials have a small percentage of cotton. But with sensitive skin, you want the purest form. You are here because you want to know if your clothing is made of pure cotton. Here are three steps you can use to test the material.
Ignite the Material
It is probably the easiest method to test 100% cotton clothing. Cut a small piece of the cloth and put it in a fireproof container. Ignite one corner and observe the smoke and the odor. If it’s pure cotton, then the fibers should ignite as the flames come closer, unlike synthetic materials that curl away and melt. Organic cotton produces a smell like that or a paper when burned. Then it has an afterglow as the burning comes to an end. If you notice odors similar to a burning feather or hair, then your clothing might have some silk or wool fibers. In case of dark smoke smelling like combusted plastic or chemicals, the fabric is probably a blend of cotton and polyester. Pay close attention to the end product as 100% cotton ashes turn into a soft and fine dust when touched. Black and brittle remains are an indication of wool, while hard lumps could mean synthetic fibers.
Feel the Touch
A second way to test whether you are holding pure cotton is by touch. Rub the clothing across your skin to feel the texture. It should be softer than most materials with more texture compared to polyester. Though less slick than polyester, it doesn’t produce friction when rubbing two sides. Unlike silk, cotton does not cling to the skin. It has a fixed shape and doesn’t extend. Stretching doesn’t rip cotton off; rather, it feels substantive because it’s not so delicate.
The Water Test
Get cotton wet alongside other fabrics, and you’ll notice that it will be the last one to dry. Some materials do not absorb moisture, so they dry very quickly. However, cotton dries slowly because it is more porous. Moreover, 100% cotton shrinks when dipped in hot water. But the good news is that its ability to absorb water prevents damage when you run a hot water cycle.
After buying some brand new clothes, you will notice a label to let you know what material you will be wearing. But some second-hand sheets from a reseller don’t have this label. Use one of the above three steps to determine if they are 100 cotton fabric.
