Different Types of Cotton Fabric & Their History: The Origin of Cotton Fabric in Indian Textiles
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Cotton is one of those rare fabrics that everyone knows, everyone wears, and everyone trusts—especially in India. Whether it’s a soft mulmul kurta, a structured poplin shirt, or a handloom cotton saree, cotton is woven into our everyday life.
But cotton is much more than just a “comfortable fabric.”
It has a long, fascinating history, especially in India, where cotton was not only grown but woven, traded, and celebrated thousands of years ago.
This blog takes you through:
- What cotton fabric truly is
- Where cotton originated
- Why India is central to cotton’s story
- The most popular types of cotton fabrics used today
-How to choose the right cotton fabric for your needs
Let’s begin.
What Is Cotton Fabric? A Simple Explanation for Modern Buyers
Cotton fabric is made from the soft fibers around the seeds of the cotton plant. These fibers are spun into yarn and then woven or knitted into fabric.
What makes cotton so loved?
- It’s breathable and lightweight
- Gentle on the skin—great for sensitive skin
- Absorbs sweat easily, making it ideal for India’s climate
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Works for daily wear, office wear, and festive outfits
Whether it’s a summer dress, a kurta set, a saree, or even a cotton dress material— cotton stays comfortable across seasons. You can also get cotton unstitched dress material so that you can make it according to what you want afterall.
The Origin of Cotton Fabric in India: A Rich Textile Heritage
India is not just one of the world’s largest cotton producers today—our relationship with cotton goes back more than 5,000 years.
The Indus Valley Civilization
The earliest evidence of cotton spinning and weaving was found in the Indus Valley (Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa). These ancient communities spun cotton by hand and wove it on simple wooden looms. Even back then, Indian cotton was known for its softness and strength.
Mughal Era
Cotton became even more refined during the Mughal period. Muslin—an ultra-fine cotton fabric—was handwoven in Bengal and became famous across Europe for its gossamer softness.
Handloom Culture
Different regions developed their own styles of weaving:
- Bengal for muslin and jamdani
- Gujarat for block-printed cotton
- Rajasthan for mulmul, voile, and Ajrakh
- Tamil Nadu for Salem cotton
- Andhra Pradesh for khadi and kalamkari cotton
These Cotton Dress Materials are at its finest give the perfect balance of modern and traditional at the same time
British Colonial Period
Cotton also played a political role. British mills wanted Indian cotton but flooded the Indian market with machine-made textiles. This led to the decline of Indian handlooms—until the Swadeshi movement revived our love for handspun and handwoven cotton (khadi).
Today
India remains a global leader in cotton production, and our handloom clusters continue to preserve age-old techniques.
Why Cotton Became the Heart of Indian Textiles
Several factors make cotton deeply rooted in India:
- The Indian climate supports cotton cultivation
- Cotton keeps the body cool in hot, humid weather
- Our weaving traditions allow endless variations
- Cotton blends tradition, comfort, and versatility
- It is one of the most sustainable natural fabrics
Cotton is woven into our festivals, workwear, daily comfort, and cultural identity.
Different Types of Cotton Fabric in India
Here’s a simple and helpful guide to the cotton fabrics you commonly see in stores and online.
1. Mulmul Cotton
- Extremely soft and breathable
- Ideal for summer
- Used in kurtas, dupattas, sarees, dresses
- Feels airy and gentle on the skin
2. Cambric Cotton
- Smooth, soft, and slightly crisp
- Perfect for office wear
- Durable and structured
- Often used in suit sets, kurtis, shirts
3. Voile Cotton
- Light, semi-sheer, and flowy
- Popular for summer dresses and tunics
- Smooth against the skin
- Great for hot, tropical climates
4. Poplin Cotton
- Firm and structured
- Holds shape well
- Common in formal shirts and elegant kurtas
5. Slub Cotton
- Has a beautiful textured look
- Soft yet visually interesting
- Great for casual wear and everyday outfits
6. Handloom Cotton
- Handwoven on traditional looms
- More breathable than powerloom cotton
- Each region has its signature weave
- Perfect for sarees, kurtas, suits, dupattas
7. Khadi Cotton
- Handspun and handwoven
- Breathable, earthy, rustic texture
- Symbol of Indian craftsmanship
- Ideal for kurtas, sarees, stoles
8. Organic Cotton
- Grown without chemicals
- Very soft and skin-friendly
- Preferred by eco-conscious buyers
How Many Types of Cotton Fabric Are There?
There is no fixed number because cotton can be woven, blended, or processed in many different ways. However, in India, consumers commonly come across 20–30 popular variations, including:
- Plain cotton
- Poplin
- Voile
- Mulmul
- Cambric
- Denim cotton
- Satin cotton
- Organic cotton
- Khadi
- Handloom cotton
Different regions also create their own specialty cotton fabrics.
How to Identify Pure Cotton Fabric (A Quick Buyer’s Guide)
Here are practical ways to identify genuine cotton fabric:
1. Touch & Feel Test
Cotton feels soft, breathable, and slightly textured—not slippery or synthetic.
2. Wrinkle Test
Pure cotton wrinkles easily. Blended fabrics don’t.
3. Water Absorption Test
Cotton absorbs water quickly. Polyster-blends repel it initially.
4. Burn Test (Only if Safe & at Home)
Pure cotton burns like paper and leaves soft ash.
Blends melt or form hard beads.
These tests help you buy genuine cotton—especially when shopping online.
Best Cotton Fabrics to Choose for Different Needs
If you’re confused about which cotton is right for you, here’s an easy breakdown:
For Summer
- Mulmul
- Voile
- Cambric
For Office Wear
- Poplin
- Cambric
For Festive Wear
- Handloom cotton
- Khadi cotton
- Ajrakh cotton
For Sensitive Skin
- Organic cotton
- Soft mulmul
For Daily Wear
- Slub cotton
- Mill-made cotton
Cotton fabric is very easy to blend in with other materials as well. These cotton readymade salwar suits are perfect for everyday comfort.
Conclusion: Why Indian Cotton Fabrics Continue to Rule Fashion
Cotton is more than a fabric—it’s an emotion, a heritage, and a symbol of India’s textile strength. From the ancient weaves of Harappa to today’s modern wardrobes, cotton has remained constant in comfort, tradition, and versatility.
Whether you love breathable casual wear, handloom pieces, or sustainable textiles, cotton has something for every style and every season.
FAQs About Cotton Fabrics in India
1. What is the softest type of cotton fabric?
Mulmul and high-quality organic cotton are the softest.
2. Which cotton fabric is best for hot weather?
Mulmul, voile, and handloom cotton.
3. How is handloom cotton different from regular cotton?
Handloom cotton is woven by artisans on traditional looms, making it more breathable and durable.
4. What is khadi cotton?
Khadi is handspun and handwoven cotton known for its rustic texture and cultural significance.
5. Why is cotton so popular in India?
It suits the climate, is comfortable, breathable, and deeply rooted in Indian textile culture.
