Differences Between Cotton and Rayon – Key Features & Uses

We all know that rayon and cotton are two popular fabrics widely used in clothing, home textiles, and more. Understanding the difference between rayon and cotton can help you choose the right fabric for your lifestyle and needs.

Both fabrics differ significantly in terms of origin, texture, durability, uses, care requirements, and more. Continue reading this article, as we have covered the key differences between cotton and rayon to help you choose the appropriate fabric for your uses.

What is Rayon?

Rayon is a man-made fabric that’s often considered an alternative to silk. It is also sometimes called a semi-synthetic or regenerated fibre. It was first created in the late 1800s. Compared with silk, which comes from silkworms, rayon is made from natural plant materials, usually wood or bamboo. These materials undergo chemical processing to create a smooth, shiny fabric that looks and feels like silk.

Making of Rayon

Rayon is made from wood pulp, usually taken from bamboo, pine, or beech trees. This pulp is then mixed with sodium hydroxide to form a thick substance called alkali cellulose. In the next step, alkali cellulose is treated with carbon disulfide to create another compound called cellulose xanthate, which is pushed through fine holes called spinnerets to form tiny, soft and silky threads.

Rayon gets its feel and look based on its weaving styles:

• Knit rayon feels soft and stretchy, like a lightweight sweater.
• Satin weave makes it smooth and shiny.
• Chiffon weave gives it a light, slightly crinkled texture.

Irrespective of its weaving style, rayon stays soft, drapes neatly, and holds shapes like pleats or ruffles well. It also absorbs dye easily, thus offering clothes in bright and colourful shades.

What is Cotton?

Cotton is a soft, natural fibre that comes from the fluffy part of the cotton plant called the cotton boll. These white fibres, which are widely known for their smooth, strong, and breathable texture, have made it one of the most popular fabrics around the world.

As per history, the cotton industry grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution in Britain, when new machines made it easier to produce cloth in large quantities. But unfortunately, the growing demand for cotton also led to the use of enslaved labour in some regions, including the U.S. and British colonies.

Making of Cotton

It takes a lot of effort and water to grow cotton. Today, machines help pick cotton from the plants. The harvested cotton is fed to a machine called a gin, which helps remove the seeds from the fibre.

Next, the cotton is cleaned, pressed and sent to factories. There, the cotton fibres go through a step called carding, which lines them up neatly. Then, they are spun into yarn, which can be used to make all kinds of cotton fabric.

Top Differences Between Cotton and Rayon

Given below are some of the top differences between cotton and rayon:

Origin

• Cotton: We obtain cotton from the soft fibres found inside the seed pods of the cotton plant (called Gossypium). These cotton fibres are mostly made of a substance called cellulose, which is found in plants.

• Rayon: Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric, which means it’s partly natural and partly man-made. It’s usually made from cellulose taken from wood pulp, but bamboo or soy can also be used. Rayon has a smooth and soft texture like silk due to this mix of natural material and chemical processing.

Durability

• Cotton: Cotton is a strong and long-lasting fabric, especially when it’s dry. As cotton can handle everyday use without wearing out quickly, it’s commonly used for clothes, bedsheets, towels, and many other items. Its natural fibres give it the strength to stay in good shape over time.

• Rayon: Rayon isn’t as strong as some other fabrics, especially when it gets wet. Its fibres become weaker with moisture, making it easier to tear or get damaged in damp or humid conditions. Hence, rayon clothes may not last long for frequent use and may not be the best choice for rough or heavy use.

Elasticity

• Cotton: As cotton fabric doesn’t stretch much, the clothes made of cotton will usually hold their shape well over time. Even though this property is good for maintaining the structure of the garment, it can sometimes make the fabric feel a bit stiff or less flexible when you move.

• Rayon: Rayon has a slight natural stretch, which helps the fabric flow nicely and feel more comfortable. Because of this, rayon is often used for clothes that are meant to fit the body and move easily, like skirts, tops, and dresses.

Wrinkling

• Cotton: One of the disadvantages of cotton is that it wrinkles easily. So, cotton clothes often require ironing or steaming to keep them looking neat, especially if you are wearing them for formal occasions.

• Rayon: Rayon doesn’t wrinkle as easily as cotton, and so it usually stays smoother for longer. If you want your clothes to look tidy with less effort, rayon is a great choice. But, it can crease if not folded or stored properly.

Softness

• Cotton: Cotton is a soft and gentle fabric on the skin, which makes it a favourite fabric for everyday wear like t-shirts, pyjamas, and underwear. Its breathable texture can keep you cool and comfortable all day long.

• Rayon: Even though rayon may not be as soft as cotton, it’s made to feel smooth and silky. Rayon fabric is often chosen for clothes like dresses and blouses, where both softness and a nice flow or drape are important.

Absorbency

• Cotton: Cotton can absorb moisture better, so it is often used to manufacture towels, bedsheets, and everyday wear. Cotton clothes can keep dry and comfortable throughout the day.

• Rayon: The clothes made of rayon are an excellent choice for hot or humid weather, as rayon is more absorbent than cotton. It can pull moisture away from your skin faster, helping you to stay cool and fresh in warm conditions.

Sustainability

• Cotton: If the cotton is grown and processed in eco-friendly ways, then it may be considered a sustainable fabric. For example, organic cotton, which is grown without harmful chemicals and uses less water, is better for the environment. However, regular cotton is often cultivated using a lot of water and pesticides, which can harm nature.

Rayon: The sustainability of rayon depends on how it’s made. If rayon is made from wood that comes from responsibly-sourced forests and if the factory follows clean, safe methods, rayon can be eco-friendly. However, some rayons, which are manufactured using harsh chemicals and involve poor practices, can be harmful to our environment.

Care

• Cotton: In general, cotton is easy to take care of. In most cases, cotton clothes can be machine-washed and then dried in a dryer. Some types of cotton fabric may require special care, so it’s better to check the care label to prevent shrinking or to avoid too many wrinkles.

• Rayon: Many rayon clothes can’t undergo a regular wash and may require dry cleaning. Some might be safe to hand-wash in cold water. As rayon is more delicate than cotton, reading and following the care label is very important to keep the fabric in good shape.

Cost

• Cotton: Cotton fabrics are costly when compared with rayon, especially if they are of a high quality or hand-picked. Many people feel it’s worth the price because cotton is strong, comfortable, and lasts longer.

• Rayon: Rayon is often cheaper than cotton, which makes it an affordable fabric. However, since rayon isn’t as durable and needs more careful care, you will need to think about how long it will last before purchasing.

Uses

• Cotton: Cotton is a popular and widely used fabric with many uses. They are used for making everyday clothes such as t-shirts, jeans, and undergarments. At home, cotton is used in bedsheets, curtains, and towels. As cotton is soft, absorbent, and gentle on the skin, it is also used in medical supplies like bandages and swabs.

• Rayon: Rayon is mainly used in the fashion industry because it looks and feels smooth like natural fibres. It’s perfect for making soft, flowy clothes like dresses, tops, and skirts. Rayon is light and breathable, which makes it an ideal choice for warm-weather outfits. As rayon is not as strong as cotton, it’s not suitable for rough or long-lasting use.

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Wrapping Up

Choosing between cotton and rayon depends on your lifestyle, personal interests, and how you plan to use the clothing. If you are looking for something soft, flowy, and stylish for special occasions, rayon could be a better choice. On the other hand, cotton is ideal for daily use because it’s comfortable, easy to care for, and long-lasting.

As both fabrics have their pros and cons, understanding the key differences between cotton and rayon can help you pick the fabric that best suits your needs, comfort, and style.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cotton vs Rayon