What type of cotton is used for pants?
Selecting a pair of trousers can be quite difficult. This is especially true because of all the options that exist. Pants are made from literally all fabrics possible, but one of the most popular fabrics that pants are woven in is cotton. Trousers go through rough use in fact, they might be the most heavily used clothing articles. So, it’s imperative to choose the correct fabric for your trousers that ensures they not only look great but also stand the test of time. In this article, we will walk you through the essential characteristics that make a fabric suitable for trousers and which type of cotton is widely used in creating pants.
What Makes a Fabric Good for Trousers?
Before you dive into your next trouser sewing project, it’s crucial to consider the characteristics that will guarantee a durable and fashionable result. Here are the key traits to look for in good trouser fabrics:
1. Strength and Durability
Trousers endure more wear and tear compared to most other clothing items. They need to withstand walking, sitting, and constant movement, which can take a toll on the fabric. Opt for fabrics that are densely woven and heavier in weight, as these tend to be stronger and more resilient, especially for casual trousers that see frequent use.
2. Shape Retention
To prevent your trousers from losing their shape or developing unsightly wrinkles, select a fabric with natural stretch and excellent elastic recovery. This ensures your pants can accommodate movement without sagging or bagging out in the knees or seat area.
3. Wrinkle Resistance
Trousers are prone to creases due to constant bending and sitting. Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics, as they will maintain a polished appearance even after a long day of wear. Thicker fabrics or those with synthetic fibers often excel in this regard.
Fabric Weights for Sewing Trousers
When shopping for trouser fabrics, it is very important to pay attention to their weight. The weight of the fabric is typically measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or ounces per square yard (oz). Here’s a quick guide to help you determine the correct fabric weight for you to work with:
Very Light (<136 gsm or <4 oz:
Suitable for specialty pants like ultra-light pajamas.
Light (136-237 gsm or 4-7 oz):
Ideal for lightweight summer trousers and loose, flowy pants.
Medium (237-305 gsm or 7-9 oz):
Perfect for lightweight suit pants, light jeans, and corduroys.
Heavy (>305 gsm or >9 oz):
The go-to choice for standard suit trousers, jeans, corduroys, and more.
The choice of cotton fabric for pants depends on many factors like comfort, style, and the intended use of the trousers. Various types of cotton fabrics have unique traits like textures, weights, and appearances. This means that what is comfortable and feels right for one person may not be the same way for another. There is a preference component that is involved in picking the right fabric for you.
Here are some of the types of cotton that are commonly used along with their inherent properties and traits.
Cotton Twill: Cotton twill fabrics are known for their diagonal weave pattern. This adds both durability and style to trousers. These lines can be quite pronounced. This makes it distinct from other cotton weaves such as denims.
Denim: Denim is a type of cotton fabric that is widely used for jeans and casual pants. It is recognized for its sturdy and rugged texture.
Cotton Poplin: Poplin, also known as cotton broadcloth, is a medium-weight, tightly woven cotton fabric, making it an excellent choice for trousers. Its smooth surface makes it easy to work with when sewing.
Gabardine: Gabardine fabric is often used for coats, trousers, and other garments. When woven, it creates a smooth, wrinkle-resistant finish, which makes it suitable for dressier pants. The final product is durable and has an elegant appearance.
Canvas: Canvas is a sturdy and durable cotton fabric. It is mainly used for work pants and utility wear as it is quite tough in nature which gives them the ability to withstand wear with ease.
Chambray: Chambray is a lightweight cotton fabric that resembles denim but is more softer. It can be used for comfortable and casual pants that leave a cozy impression when worn.
Cotton Drill: Cotton drill fabric is characterized by its diagonal weave pattern. It’s durable and often used for workwear pants due to its abrasion resistance.
Cotton Lawn: Known for its lightweight and breathable nature, Cotton Lawn is perfect for warm-weather pants, offering comfort and ease of movement.
Cotton Seersucker: Seersucker fabric has a unique puckered texture that promotes airflow, making it an excellent choice for summer pants due to its breathability and distinctive appearance.
Cotton Corduroy: Corduroy offers a ribbed texture, providing warmth and a touch of sophistication to pants. It’s a great choice for cooler seasons.
Cotton Flannel: Flannel is known for its softness and warmth, making it suitable for winter trousers, ensuring both comfort and insulation.
These various types of cotton fabrics cater to diverse needs, allowing you to choose the perfect material for your trousers based on the season, style, and purpose. Whether you seek durability, breathability, or a fashionable look, cotton has a fabric type that suits your pants perfectly.
Wrap Up
Making the right choice in terms of fabric is very important as it would dictate the longevity of the trousers as well as the style. Whether you prefer the rugged charm of denim, breathability, or the luxurious feel of cotton satin, there’s always a fabric that matches your expectations. It becomes necessary to be aware of all the options that are out there in this regard to make an optimal choice. We hope that our curated list of fabrics and all the relevant information pertaining to fabric traits will help you be a better judge of trousers. The next time you go looking for cotton pants, you have all the information to watch out for to buy ideal cotton pants.
