The comparison
| 100% cotton | Poly-cotton (e.g. 65/35) | |
|---|---|---|
| Breathability | Excellent | Good |
| Comfort in heat | Excellent | Good |
| Durability | Medium | High |
| Colour retention | Fades faster | Holds colour |
| Shrinkage | More | Less |
| Creasing | Creases | Resists creasing |
| Drying time | Slow | Faster |
| Near heat and sparks | Chars, does not melt | Polyester can melt |
When to choose cotton
- Welders, foundry and kitchen workers near open flame or sparks (with appropriate certified protection where required)
- Outdoor work in extreme heat
- Workers with sensitive skin
When to choose poly-cotton
- General factory, warehouse and maintenance work
- Uniforms washed very often
- Roles where colour and appearance matter
- Coveralls that must last
Fabric weight
Workwear fabric weight affects comfort and durability. Lighter drills are cooler; heavier drills last longer and protect better. For the Gulf and Pakistan’s summer, we usually recommend a lighter cotton drill for outdoor coveralls. See workwear for hot climates.
Safety note
Neither standard cotton nor poly-cotton is flame-retardant. If your site requires FR or other certified protective clothing, tell us the standard and we confirm certified materials before quoting. See apparel certifications explained.
Frequently asked questions
Is cotton workwear flame-retardant?
No. Untreated cotton burns, though it does not melt. Flame-retardant workwear uses specially treated or inherently FR fabrics, which must be certified.