Cotton vs. Twill — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 20, 2024
Cotton is a natural fiber known for its softness and breathability, primarily used in lightweight fabrics; twill, a textile weave, is recognized for its distinctive diagonal rib pattern and durability, often made from cotton or other materials.
Difference Between Cotton and Twill
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Key Differences
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll around the seeds of cotton plants. Whereas twill refers to a type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. This weave is not specific to any single type of fiber, making it versatile in its applications.
Cotton fibers are known for their breathability and comfort, making them highly popular in the manufacturing of clothing such as T-shirts and underwear. On the other hand, twill fabrics, because of their weaving pattern, tend to be more durable and offer better wrinkle resistance than plain weaves like those commonly used in cotton products.
Cotton is prized for its ability to absorb moisture, which makes it cooling in hot weather and comfortable during physical activity. In contrast, twill's tighter weave can provide better protection against the wind and colder temperatures, although it may not be as breathable as loosely woven cotton.
The natural softness of cotton makes it ideal for delicate skin, often used in baby clothing and bedding. Conversely, twill, with its diagonal weave, tends to be slightly rougher but gains strength from this texture, making it suitable for hard-wearing items like jeans and outerwear.
Cotton fabrics generally offer a more casual look and feel, suitable for relaxed settings and everyday wear. Twill fabrics, particularly when made from materials like wool or polyester, can be crafted into professional and formal attire due to their crisp appearance and durability.
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Comparison Chart
Fiber Type
Natural (cellulose)
Depends on the fiber used
Weave Pattern
Various, often plain
Diagonal ribs
Durability
Less durable
More durable
Breathability
High
Moderate, depends on material
Common Uses
Casual wear, bedding
Jeans, jackets, formal wear
Compare with Definitions
Cotton
A natural, soft fiber obtained from the cotton plant.
Cotton garments are favored in summer due to their breathability.
Twill
Rarely used as a verb, but can mean to weave in a twill pattern.
The artisan twilled the fine silk into an exquisite garment.
Cotton
To understand or grasp something.
She quickly cottoned on to the new procedures at work.
Twill
A type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs.
Twill fabric is often used for making durable pants.
Cotton
The fabric made from cotton fibers, known for its softness and versatility.
She prefers cotton sheets for their comfort.
Twill
Used to describe heavier, denser fabric suitable for colder weather.
She chose a twill coat for its warmth and style.
Cotton
To get along well; to take a liking.
They cottoned to each other immediately during the meeting.
Twill
Pertaining to the weave or fabric style.
The twill curtains added a sophisticated touch to the office décor.
Cotton
Used to describe items that are 100% made from cotton, emphasizing purity.
He bought a cotton suit for its natural feel.
Twill
Fabric that exhibits the characteristics of the twill weave, such as durability and slight sheen.
His twill jacket resisted wrinkles throughout the long conference.
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus Gossypium in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure cellulose.
Twill
Twill is a type of textile weave with a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. It is one of three fundamental types of textile weaves along with plain weave and satin.
Cotton
Any of various shrubby plants of the genus Gossypium, having showy flowers and grown for the soft white downy fibers surrounding oil-rich seeds.
Twill
A fabric with diagonal parallel ribs.
Cotton
The fiber of any of these plants, used in making textiles and other products.
Twill
The weave used to produce such a fabric.
Cotton
Thread or cloth manufactured from the fiber of these plants.
Twill
To weave (cloth) so as to produce a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs.
Cotton
Any of various soft downy substances produced by other plants, as on the seeds of a cottonwood.
Twill
(weaving) A pattern, characterised by diagonal ridges, created by the regular interlacing of threads of the warp and weft during weaving.
Cotton
To take a liking; attempt to be friendly
A dog that didn't cotton to strangers.
An administration that will cotton up to the most repressive of regimes.
Twill
A cloth or portion of cloth woven in such a pattern.
Cotton
To come to understand. Often used with to or onto
"The German bosses ... never cottoned to such changes" (N.R. Kleinfield).
Twill
(transitive) To weave (cloth, etc.) so as to produce the appearance of diagonal lines or ribs on the surface.
Cotton
Gossypium, a genus of plant used as a source of cotton fiber.
Twill
To weave, as cloth, so as to produce the appearance of diagonal lines or ribs on the surface.
Cotton
Any plant that encases its seed in a thin fiber that is harvested and used as a fabric or cloth.
Twill
An appearance of diagonal lines or ribs produced in textile fabrics by causing the weft threads to pass over one and under two, or over one and under three or more, warp threads, instead of over one and under the next in regular succession, as in plain weaving.
Cotton
Any fiber similar in appearance and use to Gossypium fiber.
Twill
A fabric woven with a twill.
Cotton
(textiles) The textile made from the fiber harvested from a cotton plant, especially Gossypium.
Twill
A quill, or spool, for yarn.
Cotton
(countable) An item of clothing made from cotton.
Twill
A weave used to produce the effect of parallel diagonal ribs
Cotton
Made of cotton.
Twill
A cloth with parallel diagonal lines or ribs
Cotton
(transitive) To provide with cotton.
Twill
Weave diagonal lines into (textiles)
Cotton
To supply with a cotton wick.
Cotton
To fill with a wad of cotton.
Cotton
(horticulture) To wrap with a protective layer of cotton fabric.
Cotton
To cover walls with fabric.
Cotton
(tar and cotton) To cover with cotton bolls over a layer of tar (analogous to tar and feather )
Cotton
To make or become cotton-like
Cotton
To raise a nap, providing with a soft, cottony texture.
Cotton
To develop a porous, cottony texture.
Cotton
To give the appearance of being dotted with cotton balls.
Cotton
To enshroud with a layer of whiteness.
Cotton
To protect from harsh stimuli, coddle, or muffle.
Cotton
To rub or burnish with cotton.
Cotton
To get on with someone or something; to have a good relationship with someone.
Cotton
A soft, downy substance, resembling fine wool, consisting of the unicellular twisted hairs which grow on the seeds of the cotton plant. Long-staple cotton has a fiber sometimes almost two inches long; short-staple, from two thirds of an inch to an inch and a half.
Cotton
The cotton plant. See Cotten plant, below.
Cotton
Cloth made of cotton.
Cotton
To rise with a regular nap, as cloth does.
It cottons well; it can not choose but bearA pretty nap.
Cotton
To go on prosperously; to succeed.
New, Hephestion, does not this matter cotton as I would?
Cotton
To unite; to agree; to make friends; - usually followed by with.
A quarrel will end in one of you being turned off, in which case it will not be easy to cotton with another.
Didst see, Frank, how the old goldsmith cottoned in with his beggarly companion?
Cotton
To take a liking to; to stick to one as cotton; - used with to.
Cotton
Silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
Cotton
Fabric woven from cotton fibers
Cotton
Erect bushy mallow plant or small tree bearing bolls containing seeds with many long hairy fibers
Cotton
Thread made of cotton fibers
Cotton
Take a liking to;
Cotton to something
Common Curiosities
Can twill fabrics be made from cotton?
Yes, twill is a weave type that can use cotton as well as other fibers like polyester or wool.
Which fabric is better for professional wear?
Twill, due to its crisp appearance and durability, is often chosen for professional wear.
Are twill fabrics more expensive than cotton?
The price can vary depending on the fiber used in the twill weave; however, specialty twills can be more expensive.
What is the primary difference between cotton and twill?
Cotton is a natural fiber, while twill is a type of weave that can be made from various fibers, including cotton.
Is twill better for outdoor clothing than cotton?
Yes, due to its durability and resistance to elements, twill is often preferred for outdoor clothing.
Which is more breathable, cotton or twill?
Cotton is generally more breathable than twill due to its looser weave.
Can cotton fabrics be as durable as twill?
Generally, twill weaves enhance durability, making twill fabrics more durable than those made from plain-weave cotton.
Is cotton more eco-friendly than twill?
It depends on the source of the fibers used in the twill; however, cotton can be more sustainable if organically grown.
What are common uses for twill fabric?
Twill is commonly used for jeans, jackets, and other forms of durable or formal clothing.
Why choose cotton bedding over twill bedding?
Cotton bedding offers superior softness and breathability.
How does the care for cotton compare to twill?
Cotton can generally be washed easily; twill may require specific care depending on the fiber used.
How does the environmental impact of producing twill compare to cotton?
This depends greatly on the fiber used in the twill; however, both have environmental impacts that can be mitigated by choosing sustainable practices and materials.
Which is more suitable for summer clothing?
Cotton is preferred in summer for its lightness and moisture absorption.
Does twill shrink like cotton?
Twill made from cotton will shrink similarly, but synthetic twill may not.
Is twill a good choice for winter wear?
Yes, especially if made from heavier fibers like wool.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
