TOUGH COTTON™ Technology

TOUGH COTTON™: Blending Cotton’s Best Qualities

Consumers already know cotton for its quality and durability, and TOUGH COTTON™ technology takes it to another level. Now, the long-lasting comfort of cotton is even better, helping cotton withstand even the toughest challenges — falls on the playground, climbing the trail, and dominating that sales pitch.

TOUGH COTTON™ Technology is designed to: 

• Improve strength, durability, and abrasion resistance  
• Improve wrinkle resistance with a durable press option  
• Maintain the natural comfort and breathability of cotton  
• Easily combine with other technologies for moisture-wicking performance wear 
• Be used on knit and woven fabrics  
• Last the life of the garment 

TOUGH COTTON™ technology brings you increased durability, superior abrasion and wrinkle resistance throughout the life of the garment. So go ahead, GET TOUGH. No need to fear the wear and tear.

Made to Last

What is TOUGH COTTON™ Technology?

Through everyday use and home laundering, fabrics can become abraded, causing cotton fibers to rise to the surface, weakening the fabric, and making the appearance look faded. With TOUGH COTTON™ technology, you don’t need to worry about poor performance. Yarns, fabrics, and garments treated with TOUGH COTTON™ technology offer enhanced durability — a combination of abrasion resistance, strength, and colorfastness.

TOUGH COTTON™ technology is designed for a variety of product categories, from workwear to tailored apparel, depending on the type of application. No matter the product, yarns and fabrics treated with TOUGH COTTON™ technology are made to last throughout the life of the garment.

TOUGH COTTON™ technology enhances cotton-based products like:  

How it Works

TOUGH COTTON™ technology offers flexibility with application methods and formula options. The TOUGH COTTON™ finish is available with and without resin, providing a solution for any product category and end-use.

TOUGH COTTON™ technology without resin uses a proprietary blend of softeners and crosslinking agents to achieve superior abrasion resistance, durability, and strength while improving fabric hand and sewability. TOUGH COTTON™ technology with resin is formulated to create flexible bonds on cotton fabric to improve fabric strength and prevent breakage while providing excellent wrinkle resistance.

The TOUGH COTTON™ technology can be applied in yarn, fabric, or garment form, and can be combined with other performance finishes, such as STORM COTTON™ technology, to achieve the ultimate performance cotton garment.

TOUGH COTTON™ technology is tested against industry standards: 

• TOUGH COTTON™ wovens are tested according to the ASTM D3885 standard.
• TOUGH COTTON™ knits are tested according to the ASTM D4966 standard using a 3M™ TRIZACT™ abradant rather than wool to test against a harsher surface.

Yarn Application

Yarn Enhanced for Durability

No need to fear holes or tears in that well-loved yoga sweater — the downward dog pose has never looked better thanks to TOUGH COTTON™ technology keeping you comfortable and protected. Applied in yarn form as a non-resin formula, the TOUGH COTTON™ finish provides enhanced durability, quality, and abrasion resistance built to last for the life of the garment. And since it’s a yarn finish, high-friction areas such as the heel and toe of a sock or the elbows of a sweater can be targeted to last longer and stay stronger. Take comfort knowing that TOUGH COTTON™ technology has your back — and your feet!

TOUGH COTTON™ technology can be applied to yarn used to make: 

• Socks
• Sweaters
• Collars and cuffs
• Handcrafts
• Full fashion garments
• Knit-to-shape garments
• Flat knitting engineered garments

Lasting Performance

The TOUGH COTTON™ yarn finish is applied to yarn in a kier or in hank form. The yarn is dyed before the finish is applied and the curing step can be completed in yarn, fabric, or garment form. With process and application flexibility, the design and product opportunities are endless!

Improved Abrasion Resistance

Rough & Tough for Wovens

Non-Resin Formula Benefits

From lightweight twills to heavy-duty canvas, TOUGH COTTON™ technology adds that extra layer of protection to any woven fabric. Snags, tears, and rips are now the least of your worries when on the mountain or the job site.

TOUGH COTTON™ technology for wovens offers significantly improved abrasion resistance compared to untreated cotton wovens. And don’t worry about that superior performance declining over time — TOUGH COTTON™ technology has you covered for the life of the garment.

Play Tested for Knits

Non-Resin Formula Benefits

Leave the worry at home. TOUGH COTTON™ technology makes knits stronger and last longer, no matter what you put them through. Clothes treated with TOUGH COTTON™ technology can withstand the toughest playgrounds, the most challenging obstacle courses, and tumbles off the bike.

And TOUGH COTTON™ technology isn’t just for the kids — it will keep you protected and centered through the toughest yoga poses. TOUGH COTTON™ technology keeps clothes looking newer longer with improved abrasion resistance, so no need to replace clothes due to holes in the knees or elbows.

Durable Press Performance

Resin Formula Benefits

TOUGH COTTON™ technology goes beyond durability and abrasion resistance to offer wrinkle resistance for top and bottom weight wovens.

Unlike traditional durable press technologies that may become brittle and weaken fabrics, TOUGH COTTON™ technology remains flexible to maximize comfort without any loss of strength. The durable press technology truly extends the life of the garment and keeps you looking sharp and wrinkle-free.

According to the AATCC 88C test, twill treated with TOUGH COTTON™ Technology has up to 26% improvement in tear strength compared to standard DP finishes.

Breathable, Moisture-Wicking Performance with TOUGH COTTON™ Technology 

TOUGH COTTON™ technology is known for adding extra strength, durability, and abrasion resistance to cotton — but it can be easily combined with other technologies to create fibers that are exceptionally breathable and moisture-wicking. Cotton is here to perform and meet any challenge — what are you waiting for? 

TransDRY^® & TOUGH COTTON™ Finishes

Moisture management meets durability by combining TransDRY^® and TOUGH COTTON™ technologies for a double boost of moisture-wicking action and increased protection for performance wear. This technology combination reduces cotton’s absorbent capacity and moves moisture away from the body to keep the wearer cool and dry — all while providing abrasion resistance and maintaining cotton’s natural breathability. That’s a great combination.

STORM COTTON™ & TOUGH COTTON™ Finishes

The performance power of STORM COTTON™ and TOUGH COTTON™ technologies offers a durable duo that results in a water-repellent finish with superior abrasion resistance for performance wear. This mighty technology combination offers moisture-wicking protection and dries faster than untreated cotton, with added toughness and protection.

Grab your kayak and hit the river without worrying about staying comfortable — this technology blend creates breathable fibers that keep you dry. 

Global Availability

TOUGH COTTON™ technology was developed by Cotton Incorporated. We work with suppliers around the world to implement the technology and we make it easy for brands and retailers to use the technology on cotton products.

TOUGH COTTON™ Technology suppliers are available worldwide:

Explore Other Product Technologies