What Is Brushed Cotton?

Discover the softest cotton for cozy winter adventures.

Brushed cotton is one of our favorite fabrics for keeping little ones comfortable during the colder months.

Naturally soft, breathable, and warm, it’s an essential staple for children’s everyday wardrobes in fall and winter.

But what is brushed cotton, and what makes it so special for kids?

What Is Brushed Cotton Fabric?

Brushed cotton fabric is crafted from cotton that has been gently brushed to lift the surface fibers.

This brushed effect is achieved through a mechanical finishing process. Fine metal brushes carefully rub the fabric, teasing fibers out from the woven yarns and raising them to the surface.

This process gives it a smooth, pleasant texture and helps the fabric retain warmth by trapping air between the fibers.

Depending on how it’s finished, the cotton can be brushed on the inside — creating a soft layer against the skin — or on both sides (inside and out) for extra comfort and insulation.

The result is a natural, breathable, super soft fabric that keeps little ones warm without feeling bulky.

Perfect for everyday wear, playtime, and all their cold-weather adventures.

What Is Brushed Cotton Used For?

Because of its insulating properties, brushed cotton is commonly used for bedding items such as sheets, duvet covers, and blankets, as well as for pajamas.

At Cozmo, we use it across all kinds of kids' clothing, from pants and shirts to dresses and sweaters.

And we love it equally for newborns, babies, toddlers, and older boys and girls.

Why Brushed Cotton Is Perfect for Kids

Brushed cotton isn’t just soft — it’s a fabric designed to combine comfort, warmth, and practicality for little ones. And these unique properties make it ideal for children’s winter clothes.

Here’s why we love it:

Soft & Gentle on the Skin

The brushed finish makes the surface ultra smooth and comfortable, even for sensitive skin.

This makes it perfect for newborn and baby clothes.

Natural & Sustainable

We use organic and sustainable cotton to ensure comfort and sustainability go hand in hand.

Premium Warmth & Comfort

Our premium brushed fleece provides superior insulation, with a soft exterior and a toasty, cozy interior.

Made for Movement

Brushed cotton is durable, flexible, and ideal for active days, allowing children to play freely while staying warm.

Durable

Brushing removes shorter, weaker fibers, making the yarn stronger and less prone to breakage.

This process also helps prevent pilling and fraying, ensuring the garments last longer.

Even & Polished Appearance

This creates a smooth surface that looks neat and refined, adding elegance to kids' clothes.

Brushed Cotton vs Flannel: What’s the Difference?

You might wonder whether brushed cotton and flannel are the same. While both fabrics are soft and warm, they have essential differences.

Brushed cotton

As the name suggests, is made entirely from cotton and can be brushed on the front side only. This creates a lighter, smoother fabric that provides warmth without feeling heavy.

Flannel

On the other hand, is often brushed on both sides, giving it a thicker, fuzzier texture and extra insulation.

Originally made from wool, flannel can now also be made from cotton or synthetic fibers, making it heavier and warmer than brushed cotton.

Regular Cotton vs Brushed Cotton: Why it Matters

You can often tell if cotton is brushed just by feeling it.

Brushed cotton has a soft, slightly raised texture that feels gentle and smooth against the skin, while regular cotton feels flatter and crisper.

The difference in touch is immediately noticeable, making it easy to recognize this warm and comfortable fabric.

The additional production process can make brushed cotton more expensive than regular cotton, but the extra cost is worth it for all the benefits it provides

Why We Love Brushed Cotton

In conclusion, brushed cotton is a soft and warm fabric that combines comfort, practicality, and natural breathability.

Whether brushed on one side or both, this fabric offers lasting coziness, making it a go-to choice for children's clothes.

At Cozmo, this type of cotton is at the heart of our winter collections. Actually, it’s one of the reasons our clothes feel so delightful and enjoyable for little ones to wear.

If you haven’t yet, we invite you to explore our collection of brushed cotton shirts, pants, and more. We promise you’ll feel the difference.