It could be said that in general, 100% cotton flannel fabrics are absorbent, compared to for example synthetic materials like polyester.
While cotton is known for its absorbency, the question remains whether cotton flannel is equally or more absorbent than other cotton fabrics. Many factors can affect every fabric’s absorbency, including its fabric weight, weave, and finishing agents.
What is 100% Cotton Flannel?
Cotton flannel is a soft, breathable warm fabric, not prone to creasing. It is commonly used for shirting, burp cloth, pajamas, robes, quilting, sheets, and blankets due to its softness and warmth.
Cotton flannel is made from 100% cotton fibers that have been brushed on both sides or one side, to create a fuzzy, napped surface.
This napping process creates tiny air pockets that help to trap body heat, making cotton flannel a good choice for cold weather apparel. It can be said that flannel is a type of mechanical finish that a fabric goes through, and it is a fabric that is made in plain or twill weave.
Keep in mind that flannel can be made from polycotton (a blend of cotton and polyester), and the presence of polyester will affect its absorbency. Unlike 100% cotton, polycotton is to not so absorbent. So always check the exact composition of the flannel fabric.
The term that is also relevant is “flannelette”, it is similar to flannel although it is usually thinner.
The term that is also in use is “canton flannel”.
Cotton flannel thickness and weight can vary depending on the fabric’s quality and intended use.
Cotton flannel is relatively easy to care for and can be machine-washed and dried.
Cotton Flannel Absorbency
Absorbency is also known as moisture regain, and it is related to the fabric’s moisture content, which is a method for measuring moisture in textiles.
There is no conclusive evidence that cotton flannel absorbs more moisture than other cotton fabrics. There are no studies that thoroughly examine the absorbency of cotton flannel. However, brushed cotton fibers on flannel should contribute to better absorbency.
On the other hand, cotton flannel is in my opinion not as effective as cotton terry cloth, since piles in terry cloth have larger surfaces, and therefore are more absorbent.
When it comes to cotton fibers in general, they are very absorbent, but not the most absorbent fibers. The most absorbent fibers are probably wool and jute.
However, cotton fiber has very good absorbency compared to synthetic materials such as polyester, and nylon for example.
It is estimated that 100% cotton in general can absorb water up to 27 times its weight.
I think that cotton flannel is a good fabric for items that need to absorb moisture, but at the same time need to be soft. This is essential for baby clothes, or burp cloth since it provides softness and comfort, but also absorbs moisture.
Factors Affecting Absorbency of Cotton Flannel
Several main factors can affect how well certain cotton flannel fabrics perform. Probably the most important factors are fabric weight, weave type, and finishing treatments.
Fabric Weight
The weight of the cotton flannel fabric can impact its absorbency. Generally, heavier fabrics will be more absorbent than lighter ones.
Heavier fabrics can contain more volume to store water, which can make them more absorbent. However, heavier fabrics may also take longer to dry, which can be a downside for some applications.
Fabrics that weigh between 12-14 ounces are considered heavier fabrics. Cotton flannel can be heavy, so this can be one of the main reason why it could be more absorbent.
Weave Type
Cotton flannel absorbency can also be affected by the weave type. Cotton flannel is primarily woven in two ways: plain weave and twill weave. Each type of weave has its own distinct properties that can impact absorbency. Because of its construction and increased surface area, a twill weave is probably more absorbent than a plain weave.
Chemical Finishing Treatments
Finally, chemical finishing treatments can also play a role in the absorbency of cotton flannel. Treatments such as softeners and fabric conditioners can make the fabric feel softer and more luxurious, but they may also reduce its absorbency. On the other hand, treatments such as bleaching can increase absorbency by removing any residual oils or waxes from the fabric.
Comparison with Other Fabrics Absorbency
Cotton vs. Polyester Flannel
Cotton flannel is known for its absorbency. Polyester or polycotton flannel, on the other hand, is a synthetic material, that is often blended with cotton to create a less expensive alternative. While polyester or polycotton flannel may be more affordable, it is not as absorbent as cotton flannel and can feel less soft to the touch.
Cotton Flannel vs. Terry Cloth
Terry cloth is a cotton fabric that is most commonly used for towels and bathrobes due to its high absorbency rate. While cotton flannel is also absorbent, it is not as effective at absorbing large amounts of water as terry cloth. Characteristic piles in terry cloth are very absorbent. That is why most towels and bathrobes are made of terry cloth rather than cotton flannel.
However, cotton flannel is softer and more comfortable against the skin than terry cloth, making it a better choice for clothing and bedding. Also, cotton flannel is a great option for reusable baby diapers, which must be soft and absorbent, and not rouged as terry cloth.
Cotton Flannel vs. Wool
Wool fibers are probably the most absorbent. However, woolen materials can initially wick moisture away, but when submerged in water or soaked they will store even more water than cotton.
Cotton Flannel vs. Microfiber
Microfiber, for example, is a synthetic material that is often used for cleaning cloths and athletic apparel due to its moisture-wicking properties. Microfiber is effective at initially pulling moisture away, and after it is soaked, it does not absorb water effectively like cotton flannel.
Cotton flannel is less likely to develop odors over time like microfiber. Additionally, cotton flannel is more sustainable than microfiber, which is made from petroleum-based materials.
Conclusion
Cotton flannel is a fabric with relatively good absorbency. However, cotton flannel is not the most absorbent cotton fabric on the market (like terry cloth). Also, cotton in general is not the most absorbent natural fiber (jute and wool for example are more absorbent) Yet, the combination of its qualities is quite desirable. It is still a wonderful option as a material that is soft, comfortable, and absorbent all at the same time.
The exact absorbency of cotton flannel can vary depending on various factors, such as the quality of the cotton fiber, the weave, weight, chemical finishing agents, and the amount of moisture it is exposed to. However, overall, cotton flannel is a reliable and effective absorbent material that can be used in a wide range of applications.