Which property would you expect calico to have?

Which property would you expect calico to have?

• A. High elasticity
• B. Excellent absorbency
• C. Non-absorbent
• D. Magnetic properties

Answer: (B)

Calico, being a plain‑weave cotton fabric, is expected to have excellent absorbency. Cotton fibers are cellulose-based and hydrophilic, so they readily take up water and hold moisture. The plain weave creates a fabric with open spaces that allows liquid to move into and be absorbed by the fibers. In contrast, high elasticity isn’t typical for cotton, which has limited stretch and recovery. It’s not non-absorbent, and there are no magnetic properties in textile fibers, so those options don’t fit.

Calico, being a plain‑weave cotton fabric, is expected to have excellent absorbency. Cotton fibers are cellulose-based and hydrophilic, so they readily take up water and hold moisture. The plain weave creates a fabric with open spaces that allows liquid to move into and be absorbed by the fibers. In contrast, high elasticity isn’t typical for cotton, which has limited stretch and recovery. It’s not non-absorbent, and there are no magnetic properties in textile fibers, so those options don’t fit.