- By Iram Hussain
- Sat, 05 Apr 2025 03:11 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Cotton is undoubtedly the most preferred fabric among Indians, especially during the sweltering summer months. Its exceptional softness, breathability and adaptability make it a staple in every Indian's wardrobe. Whether you're seeking a comfortable cotton kurta or versatile everyday wear, ensuring the fabric is made entirely of cotton can significantly enhance comfort and durability. With numerous blends and imitations flooding the market, it's crucial to know how to distinguish pure cotton from mixed or synthetic fabrics.
By doing so, you can make informed purchasing decisions and indulge in the unmatched comfort and quality that pure cotton has to offer. Here are some easy ways that will help you distinguish pure cotton from fake one.
Ways To Check Pure Cotton Fabric
Crumple Test
To verify the authenticity of cotton fabric, try the crumple test. Simply crumple a small piece in your palm and release it. If it wrinkles significantly, it's likely pure cotton. Synthetics and blends tend to reorganise and resist creases, making this test especially useful when buying cotton kurtas.
Check The Label
When shopping for materials or clothing, always check the fabric label. Reputable brands clearly state the fabric composition. Opt for labels that say '100% Cotton' and avoid phrases like 'Cotton Blend' or 'Poly-Cotton' which indicate synthetic fibres.
Visual Test
Inspect the fabric's weave pattern closely. Cotton typically has a plain or twill weave with visible horizontal and vertical threads. Look for a consistent pattern without synthetic fibres. A uniform weave indicates pure cotton while unevenness or mixed fibers may suggest a blend or synthetic material.
Simple ways to distinguish pure cotton fabric from synthetic fabric (Image Credits: Canva)
Water Test
Perform the water absorption test by dropping a small amount of water onto the fabric. Pure cotton will absorb the water quickly, causing it to spread and be absorbed into the fibres. This simple test helps identify authentic cotton fabric as synthetics tend to repel water.
Burn Test
Conduct the burn test by carefully igniting a fabric sample. Pure cotton burns steadily, producing soft grey ash with a distinct paper-like smell. This test helps verify authenticity as synthetic fibres tend to melt, shrink or produce a chemical odour when burned.