Which fabric has excellent absorbency and a soft hand, and is used for shirts and shorts?

Which fabric has excellent absorbency and a soft hand, and is used for shirts and shorts?

• A. Chambray
• B. Gauze
• C. Challis
• D. Cheesecloth

Answer: (A)

Soft hand and absorbency describe how a fabric feels against the skin and how well it takes up moisture. For everyday wear like shirts and lightweight shorts, you want something that feels smooth and comfortable while still handling sweat. Chambray fits this well. It’s a cotton fabric with a simple weave that gives a smooth, pleasant hand—soft yet durable. Being cotton, it absorbs moisture naturally, helping you stay cool, and its weight is just right for casual shirts and shorts. Its appearance is similar to denim but lighter, making it a practical, comfortable choice for warm-weather garments. Gauze, while very breathable, uses an open weave that can be sheer and shaggy, not ideal for shorts. Challis is soft and drapey but often less durable and not as sturdy in shorts. Cheesecloth is extremely loose and coarse, not comfortable for everyday wear.

Soft hand and absorbency describe how a fabric feels against the skin and how well it takes up moisture. For everyday wear like shirts and lightweight shorts, you want something that feels smooth and comfortable while still handling sweat.

Chambray fits this well. It’s a cotton fabric with a simple weave that gives a smooth, pleasant hand—soft yet durable. Being cotton, it absorbs moisture naturally, helping you stay cool, and its weight is just right for casual shirts and shorts. Its appearance is similar to denim but lighter, making it a practical, comfortable choice for warm-weather garments.

Gauze, while very breathable, uses an open weave that can be sheer and shaggy, not ideal for shorts. Challis is soft and drapey but often less durable and not as sturdy in shorts. Cheesecloth is extremely loose and coarse, not comfortable for everyday wear.