What Is the Difference Between Cotton and Cotton Flannel?

Both cotton and flannel are two common terms we hear in the textile industry. We all own clothes at home that is made of both cotton and flannel, the only problem is that the majority of us don’t seem to know the difference between the two. For those who don’t. cotton is made of fiber, it is taken from cotton plants (we all know that) on the other hand, flannel is made of cotton, synthetic fiber or wool. So, the main difference between both is the fact that while cotton is made of fiber, flannel is made is made of fabric. Let us discuss both differently first to know what we are talking about.

Cotton

Cotton is a fibrous substance (a soft white one) which is known to grow around the seeds of the cotton plant, it is made into textile fiber and thread, both are for sewing. It (Cotton) is a native plant to the Tropical and subtropical regions all around the world. That includes the Americas, Africa, and the Indians. The first use of cotton dates back to 5000 BC.

It is spun into a thread or a yarn, the two are used to make a very soft breathable textile products like your pillowcases, bedsheets, robes, dresses, shirts, socks, t-shirts and your underwear. They can also be blended with some other materials.

Flannels

Flannel, unlike the cotton, is a soft woven fabric that’s are usually made of cotton or wool and not to forget that it can also be made into synthetic fiber. The fabric is then turned into bed sheets, blankets, sleepwear, and tartan clothing. Flannel has been in existence and use since the 17th century.  Some people believe that the flannel material comes in plaids pattern, in summary, the flannel shirt refers to any shirt with a plaid shirt they also come in different colors.

Bottom line

Difference between cotton and flannel