Types of Cotton and Processing: How to Recognise High-Quality Textiles

Cotton: Different Qualities

Cotton is indispensable in the world of textiles – it is soft, breathable, skin-friendly and versatile. Especially in terry products such as towels, bathrobes or face cloths, the quality of the cotton used plays a crucial role. After all, not all cotton is the same: different types and processing methods have a direct impact on the appearance, feel and durability of the textiles. In this article, you will learn what to look out for when identifying and selecting high-quality cotton products.

Why is the quality of cotton important?

Cotton is obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant. The quality of the cotton used influences numerous properties of the textiles made from it, whether towels, bath mats or clothing:

• Processing: High-quality cotton has longer fibres and can be spun more finely, resulting in even, dense fabrics.
• Structure: The fibre length determines whether a towel will feel fluffy or more compact.
• Handle: Longer and finer fibres feel softer and smoother.
• Durability: The better the raw material, the more resistant the end product is to wear and repeated washing.
• Colour: Cotton can vary in shades from white and cream to beige and dark brown. White cotton is often associated with purity and therefore higher quality.
• Lustre: Certain high-quality types of cotton have a natural sheen. This effect can also be achieved through finishing processes (e.g. mercerisation).

Quality pays off, especially in terry products: a good towel not only feels pleasant on the skin, but also retains its shape and absorbency after many washes.

You can find further interesting information about the raw material cotton at the Bremen Cotton Exchange.

What does “fibre length” mean and how does it affect quality?

Fibre length is a key quality factor of cotton, also referred to as staple length. To measure it, a sample of cotton is taken and formed into a bundle of fibres for analysis. Longer cotton fibres can be spun more effectively and produce smoother, stronger and more durable fabrics. At the same time, pilling (the formation of small fibre balls on the surface) is reduced. Short fibres are more economical, but less robust and often less pleasant on the skin.

In cotton, the following fibre lengths are typically distinguished:

• Short staple: starting at around 1/2" (approx. 13 mm)
• Medium staple: from about 1" (approx. 25 mm)
• Long staple: from approx. 1 7/32" (around 31 mm)
• Extra-long staple: more than 1 3/8" (approx. 35 mm)

Very short fibres are known as “linters”. They are typically used as a raw material, primarily in the paper industry.

What types of cotton are there?

Cotton is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions and is available in various quality grades. Typical countries of origin include China, India, Brazil, Australia and the USA. The key distinguishing features are origin, fibre length and processing.

You may have heard of these types of cotton:

• Upland cotton: Also known as highland cotton. The most widely grown type, usually from the USA, China or India. Solid quality, but often with shorter fibres.
• Pima cotton: Originally from Peru and the USA, with particularly long fibres. It is softer, smoother and more durable. Textiles made from high-quality Supima cotton (as used in our MÖVE Noblesse collection) consist of certified Pima cotton; “Supima” is a protected brand name.
• Egyptian cotton: Considered especially luxurious. It is characterised by very long fibres, enabling particularly fine, dense yet durable fabrics. A beautiful example is our MÖVE Pure Luxury collection.

Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton are regarded as particularly high quality. Egyptian cotton has extra-long fibres (“ELS” = extra long staple) and is known for its softness, subtle sheen and exceptional durability.

It is especially popular for luxurious terry products. Supima cotton is likewise very soft, colourfast and long-lasting.

Both variants are characterised by a finer texture, high absorbency and a smooth feel. For these properties to fully come into their own, the processing of the fibres is equally important.

Processing of cotton

How does terry differ from piqué?

Terry is a textile fabric with loops on one or both sides. These loops provide the characteristic softness and high absorbency. Terry is available in various densities and pile heights.

Piqué is a textured fabric with a waffle-like surface, often lighter than terry and particularly quick-drying. Ideal for summer products or for those who prefer a lighter feel on the skin.

For both fabrics, the quality of the cotton and the yarns spun from it is crucial for the feel, sheen and durability of the products. Whether you choose our lightweight homewear kimono or the cosy, soft Superwuschel towels ultimately depends on your personal preference.

What properties do different yarns have?

The yarns into which cotton is processed can also have different characteristics.

For example, we offer:

• Airspin yarn: A yarn with many air pockets, providing high volume while remaining lightweight. The result is an especially airy and soft textile with high absorbency. Found in our MÖVE Loft and MÖVE Wellness ranges.
• Zerotwist yarn: This uses untwisted, long-staple cotton fibres. This type of yarn produces extremely soft, voluminous towels that are nevertheless robust and easy to care for. A prerequisite is high-quality raw cotton with long fibres. This is what makes our MÖVE Homewear range so soft.

Recognising good cotton

High-quality cotton textiles are characterised by carefully selected raw materials and meticulous processing. Whether Egyptian cotton, Airspin yarn or classic terry – every premium towel is the result of skilled textile craftsmanship that pays off in everyday use. When shopping online, look for detailed product descriptions and quality seals to ensure you are purchasing textiles made from high-quality, soft cotton that you will enjoy for a long time.