Mercerized

Mercerization is a treatment on cotton that changes the way cotton fibers look and feel. When cotton is mercerized, it becomes more lustrous and brighter in color.

Mercerized cotton fabrics can be found in nearly any application. The sheen of a cotton polo shirt, the crisp hand of a set of cotton sheets, and the smooth shine to a pair of khakis can all be achieved by mercerizing.

Mercerizing often imparts easy care properties to cotton fabrics, particularly when used in combination with other finishes.

Mercerizing is commonly used in conjunction with wrinkle-resist technology, particularly in shirting fabrics and bottoms. When the fibers swell, they have a new tendency to resist wrinkling. Lots of mercerized cotton fabrics can be removed quickly after a tumble dry, given a good a shake, and are ready to wear.