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What is Ribbed Cotton?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Ribbed cotton is a material that is created using a particular weave that creates a surface to the fabric that includes raised lines or ribs. Like most types of ribbed material, this type of cotton can be used in a number of different textile products, ranging from clothing to household accessories. One of the main benefits of it is that the material is easy to clean and also allows for a healthy flow of air through the weave.

Clothing is one of the most common uses of ribbed cotton. This is due to the fact that cotton creates a material that is soft to the skin and tends to wear very well. Men often choose to wear a cotton t-shirt underneath a dress shirt, as the presence of the material moves easily with the body and also provides an effective barrier to synthetics used in many shirts. Workout clothes are also sometimes constructed of ribbed cotton, as they tend to move with the body easily and do not inhibit the ability to perspire during the workout.

Ribbed cotton is a popular material for sweaters.
Ribbed cotton is a popular material for sweaters.

Both men and women enjoy a wide range of clothing items made of the fabric. Light sweaters made with this type of cotton are often preferable to similar sweaters made with cotton blends or synthetic material. A properly cut ribbed cotton sweater will provide warmth while still allowing the material to breathe, making the garment much more comfortable. The fabric may also be used for nightgowns, pajamas, and even for undergarments such as boxer briefs and bikini briefs.

Ribbed cotton may be washed in a washing machine.
Ribbed cotton may be washed in a washing machine.

Along with clothing, ribbed cotton may be used in various fabric accessories around the home. Ribbed material works very well when creating an attractive presentation for the dinner table. Placemats, napkins, and tablecloths manufactured with cotton hold color well and are easy to care for under normal usage. Simple but durable bedspreads and duvet covers can also be made with it and are especially desirable in warmer climates. It is even possible to make simple window treatments using bolts of this cotton.

Ribbed cotton may be used for pajamas.
Ribbed cotton may be used for pajamas.

Ribbed cotton is a great alternative for people who prefer to use natural material for clothing and other fabric needs. The texture of the ribbed version of cotton fabric adds visual interest that cannot be achieved using brushed or other forms of cotton fabrics. At the same time, it can be washed by hand or in a washing machine, making it possible to get many years of use from the material. Along with use by many commercial manufacturers of clothing and housewares, the material can also be purchased in most fabric shops.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including BeautyAnswered, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including BeautyAnswered, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

pharmchick78

I've always liked ribbed cotton tights. Not so much on the ribbed cotton turtlenecks, but the tights are great for keeping your legs warm.

FirstViolin

One of my standby wardrobe pieces is a white cotton ribbed turtleneck. I really think that ribbed cotton turtleneck sweaters are a great look for many people because they're sort of elegant, but not stuffy. Of course, my daughter says I have way too many, but I ask you, is there such a thing as too many cotton rib turtleneck sweaters? I think not.

Charlie89

Thanks for this article -- my girlfriend always tells me I'd look good in a cotton rib, and I had no idea what she was talking about. The only cotton I knew about was t-shirt cotton. Now I am all up on cotton ribbing, and can actually know what she's on about.

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    • Ribbed cotton is a popular material for sweaters.
      By: amelie
      Ribbed cotton is a popular material for sweaters.
    • Ribbed cotton may be washed in a washing machine.
      By: milkovasa
      Ribbed cotton may be washed in a washing machine.
    • Ribbed cotton may be used for pajamas.
      By: bramgino
      Ribbed cotton may be used for pajamas.
    • Ribbed cotton may be used in t-shirts.
      By: dzimin
      Ribbed cotton may be used in t-shirts.