COT-130-AM — Cotton-Rich Poplin 130gsm with Silver Ion Antimicrobial Finish
COT-130-AM is a cotton-rich poplin treated with silver ion (Ag+) antimicrobial finish — engineered for uniform shirt programs where the fabric is in direct contact with skin for extended hours and bacterial control is a hygiene requirement.
80% cotton gives this fabric the soft, breathable hand feel that distinguishes a premium cotton-rich poplin from standard PC fabrics. The 20% polyester provides the dimensional stability and wrinkle resistance needed for professional uniform shirts that must look crisp through a full shift. At 130 GSM, it is lightweight enough for year-round wear in climate-controlled environments.
The silver ion treatment suppresses bacterial growth directly at the skin contact surface — reducing odor, extending freshness between washes, and maintaining hygiene in high-contact roles such as front desk, concierge, and corporate reception.
≥99% reduction (2-log) against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae
Test Standard
ISO 20743 (EU, Asia, Middle East) / AATCC 100 (North America)
Wash Durability
≥99% efficacy retained after 50 home or industrial laundry cycles (ISO 6330)
Shrinkage
≤3% after 5 washes (ISO 6330)
Colorfastness to Washing
Grade 4 (ISO 105-C06)
Colorfastness to Light
Grade 4 (ISO 105-B02)
Colorfastness to Perspiration
Grade 4 (ISO 105-E04)
Pilling Resistance
Grade 3–4 (ISO 12945-2)
Tensile Strength (Warp)
≥500 N (ISO 13934-1)
pH Value
4.0–7.5 (ISO 3071)
Finishing
Pre-washed, softened, antimicrobial treated
Why Cotton-Rich Poplin + Antimicrobial for Uniform Shirts?
Uniform shirts are the uniform item with the most direct and prolonged skin contact. They are also the most frequently washed. Two problems arise:
Bacterial accumulation: Collar, underarm, and chest areas accumulate bacteria from sweat and skin oils within 4–6 hours of wear
Odor retention: Standard cotton and PC fabrics trap odor-causing bacteria that survive washing, causing shirts to smell stale even when clean
Silver ion treatment solves both problems at the fiber level. Bacterial growth is suppressed continuously during wear, and the treatment survives 50 wash cycles — covering the typical lifespan of a uniform shirt program.
Why Not Copper Ion for This Fabric?
This fabric is optimized for silver ion rather than copper for two reasons:
Polyester content (20%) — Silver bonds more effectively to the polyester component, creating a more durable treatment
Light color range — White, Ivory, Light Blue, Pink. Copper ion can cause a very faint greenish cast on light shades at high concentrations. Silver is colorless at any concentration
For a cotton-rich shirt fabric where appearance matters most, silver ion is the right choice.
Fabric Hand & Appearance
Hand feel: Smooth, crisp, cotton-dominant with a clean poplin finish. The silver ion treatment is invisible — no change in hand feel, drape, or breathability.
Appearance: Fine poplin weave with a subtle matte sheen. Professional shirt-grade appearance suitable for corporate, hospitality, and medical uniform shirts.
Drape: Lightweight with structure — holds a collar and placket cleanly, skims the body without clinging.
Applications
Application
Why This Fabric Works
Hotel front desk & concierge shirts
Professional appearance with built-in odor control for long front-desk shifts
Corporate office uniform shirts
Freshness through the work day — no midday odor buildup
Healthcare shirt uniforms (admin, non-scrub)
Hygiene-compliant for hospital and clinic environments
Restaurant host shirts
Bacteria control in food service settings
Reception and admin uniforms
Lightweight, breathable, crisp appearance
Travel and transportation uniforms
Stay-fresh performance through extended duty periods
Available Combined Finishes
Finish Combination
Best For
Antimicrobial + Wrinkle-Resistant (DP)
Corporate programs — no-iron with hygiene protection
Do not bleach — chlorine bleach degrades silver ion efficacy
Drying
Tumble dry low, or hang dry — remove promptly to minimize wrinkles
Ironing
Medium iron (150°C), steam recommended
Dry cleaning
Permitted (PCE)
⚠️ To maximize antimicrobial lifespan: Avoid chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach (hydrogen peroxide-based) is acceptable. The cotton-rich content means this fabric responds well to steam ironing — the antimicrobial treatment is heat-stable up to 200°C.
FAQ
Q: Will the antimicrobial treatment cause skin irritation on a shirt worn directly against skin? A: No. Silver ion at the concentration used (≥500 ppm) is classified as non-irritating and non-sensitizing per ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing. It is the same technology used in medical wound dressings and has a decades-long safety record in textiles.
Q: How long will the antimicrobial effect last in a shirt that is worn and washed weekly? A: 50 wash cycles at 40°C. At weekly wear (once per week), this equals approximately one year of use. The typical lifespan of a uniform shirt in hospitality programs is 8–14 months — the treatment covers the full garment lifecycle.
Q: Does the treatment prevent sweat stains on shirt collars and underarms? A: It prevents the bacterial growth that causes yellowing and odor in those areas, but it does not prevent sweat itself. For sweat stain control on collars and cuffs, we recommend combining antimicrobial with our stain-release finish.
Q: Can I get this fabric with a non-iron / easy-care finish instead of the antimicrobial? A: Yes, the base fabric (Cotton-Rich Poplin 130gsm) is available without antimicrobial treatment as product code COT-130. However, the most popular specification for hospitality shirt programs is the combined finish: antimicrobial + wrinkle-resistant (DP). Both can be applied in a single finishing pass.
Q: Is the 20% polyester noticeable in the hand feel? A: No. 80% cotton dominates the hand feel. The 20% polyester is present only for dimensional stability and wrinkle resistance — it does not create the synthetic feel or shine of high-polyester blends.
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