Buyer decision guide · 2026-08-07
CVC vs TC vs 100% Cotton for Workwear: Define the Blend Before Comparing Performance
CVC, TC and 100% cotton describe fibre routes, not automatic performance grades. A workable RFQ names the ratio, construction, GSM, color, finish, laundering route and acceptance value.
Composition route changes the sourcing question
| Route | What it means | What still needs testing |
|---|---|---|
| TC / polyester-rich blend | Polyester is the larger fibre share. Current examples include HM001 65/35, HM002 80/20 and HM095 68/32. | Strength, shrinkage, color fastness, finish durability, laundering and garment comfort. |
| CVC / cotton-rich blend | Cotton is the larger fibre share. The exact ratio and construction must be stated; the letters alone are not a specification. | Shrinkage, dimensional stability, drying, abrasion, shade and finish compatibility. |
| 100% cotton | No polyester blend. Useful when natural-fibre content is a priority, but performance depends on yarn, weave, GSM and finishing. | Shrinkage, strength after laundering, color fastness, crease behavior and required protective finish. |
Use explicit ratios—not blend shorthand
A 1,000 kg theoretical fibre input at 65/35 contains 650 kg polyester and 350 kg cotton; an 80/20 route contains 800 kg polyester and 200 kg cotton. This arithmetic illustrates the ratio only. Actual production tolerances and lot composition need the agreed test and certificate scope.
| Current catalog code | Recorded composition | Procurement lesson |
|---|---|---|
| HM001 | 65% polyester / 35% cotton, 245G | Record the exact ratio with construction, fluorescent color and finish. |
| HM002 | 80% polyester / 20% cotton, 245G | Equal GSM to HM001 does not isolate fibre effect because the full construction and finish still need matching. |
| HM095 | 68% polyester / 32% cotton, 245G | The catalog specification includes “CVC” shorthand, but the explicit composition is polyester-rich. Lock the numerical ratio rather than inferring from letters. |
Control the variables before comparing blends
To study fibre-ratio effects, keep yarn specification, weave, finished GSM, dye/finish route and laundering procedure as consistent as possible. If several variables change together, the result cannot be attributed to TC, CVC or cotton alone.
Mechanical review
Consider strip tensile with ISO 13934-1, trouser tear with ISO 13937-2, and uncoated abrasion with ISO 12947-2 where applicable.
Laundering review
Define washing and drying first, then measure dimensional change using an agreed route such as ISO 5077. Add wash and rubbing fastness methods required by the target market.
Turn the blend decision into an RFQ
Garment type, work environment, movement, target service life and destination market.
Numerical fibre ratio, yarn, weave, finished GSM, width, color and finish.
Domestic or industrial laundering, temperature, drying, cycle count and appearance expectations.
Named methods, pretreatment, specimen direction, minimum/maximum values and lot sampling.
A copy-ready review sequence
- Name the garment or end use and destination market.
- Record composition ratio, construction, GSM, width, color and finish.
- Define laundering or pretreatment before setting acceptance values.
- Ask for the current sample, lot reference and report scope.
- Review finished-garment construction separately from fabric-side data.
A catalog field or standard reference starts the discussion. It does not replace the current report, physical sample, production lot or finished-product validation.