Busy Watercolour Floral Mercerised Cotton

A busy abstract multicoloured flowers print on a light lemon background.

Mercerised (also sometimes spelled mercerized) cotton is a type of pure cotton fabric that has been treated with a caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) solution while under tension, which causes the fibres to swell and become smoother. The treatment rounds out the fibres, enhancing light reflection for a glossy, elegant, silk-like sheen.

This process significantly increases the material’s strength, improves dye uptake for brighter and more vibrant colours, and increases resistance to future shrinkage when washed.

Mercerised cotton is up to 30% stronger than regular cotton.

It is more resistant to pilling, stretching, and shrinking.

The fabric is smoother than standard cotton, but has a slightly stiffer drape making it suitable for garments like A-line mini skirts, wiggle dresses and trousers where a more substantial cloth is beneficial to the body of the garment.