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The Cotton Care Guide
Soft, durable and naturally breathable, cotton is one of our favourite fabrics. Here's how to care for and wash your cotton clothing to keep it looking its best.
Here at Seasalt, we know cotton. It’s one of the fabrics that tie together our collections, taking shape in button-down shirts, classic tees and seasonal knitwear for investment pieces that last.
Organic cotton blends are cool and breathable; jersey pieces are smooth and supple. With the right maintenance and care, you can keep them looking good season after season.
Types of Cotton Fabric
Woven Cotton
By weaving the threads together, cotton garments are stronger and more durable while still retaining their softness and breathability. Types of woven cotton include chambray, voile, poplin, seersucker and twill - we use these fabrics most often in the creation of our shirts, dresses and jackets. Woven cotton pieces are considered easy to clean when washed at low temperatures.
Cotton Jersey
Known for its comfort and versatility, cotton jersey is soft and stretchy, constructed for a natural drape that’s perfect for many of our tops and T-shirts. It can, however, be prone to shrinkage if exposed to the heat. Like most of our cotton pieces, we recommend cooler wash settings and air drying.
Cotton Knitwear
Knitted cotton is crafted by interlocking loops of yarn. This makes knitwear lighter, flexible and more breathable while maintaining a soft hand feel. When washing cotton knitwear, it should never be twisted or wrung out and never hung to dry. You can find more detailed information in our Knitwear Care Guide.
How to Care for Cotton Clothing
- Check the care label and follow the guidance provided, using cool settings or handwashing where required.
- Tackle marks and stains before washing to preserve your garment’s colour and shape.
- Turn garments inside out.
- Wash gently at no higher than 30°C in the washing machine, using mild detergents without bleach.
- Check the care label and follow the guidance provided.
- Air dry flat or hanging, taking care to reshape garments to avoid stretching and wrinkling.
- If necessary, iron inside out and on a low setting or steam while hanging.
- Remove bobbling and pilling with a fabric lint shaver.
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Make sure garments are completely dry.
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Fold delicate pieces – like knitwear – to avoid misshaping and stretching.
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Store in a cool, dry place to avoid damp and mildew.
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Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent damage and fading.
Try to treat stains immediately, using cold water to rinse. Apply gentle detergent to the area and dab, being mindful not to rub, and avoid use of strong chemicals that could damage the fibres, like bleach.
Rolling or folding cotton T-shirt is mostly down to preference. Rolling can save space and helps prevent creasing, especially for travel, but folding can keep items more organised.
Cotton shouldn’t shrink in the washer if you follow the correct care label instructions. Generally, garments should be washed at low temperatures (no higher than 30°C), reshaped while damp, then left to air dry.
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