We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Furniture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Oxford Cloth?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 69,288
Share

As a durable option, Oxford cloth has been a staple of clothing that is now making its way into other types of applications. Here is some background into the creation of this cloth, as well as examples of how it can be used.

Originally made of only cotton, Oxford cloth utilizes a warp that that combines two fine filaments that are woven together to create a basket weave pattern that is sturdy but still allows the fabric to breathe. In fact, the material gets its name from the term that defines the process, which is referred to as the Oxford weave.

The spin of the filaments results in a feel that is smooth to the touch without being silky. Today, Oxford fabric is not only produced from cotton. Polyester and rayon may be introduced to make a synthetic blend that is ideal for casual shirts, the traditional button down Oxford shirts that are the ideal middle ground between casual and dressy, walking shorts, and a number of other casual wear items.

Along with long and short sleeved shirts, Oxford cloth has begun to make an impact around the home as well. As a sturdy solution, it is an ideal fabric to use for window treatments in children’s rooms, as well as duvet covers, pillow shams, and wall hangings. It can also be an inexpensive material to use in the construction of screen panels that will fit over a wooden frame. Machine washable, this fabric is easy to maintain, and tends to hold its shape. The result is household items that require little or no ironing after going through the laundry process.

One innovative use of Oxford cloth today is for wall coverings. The light weave of the fabric makes it ideal for absorbing liquid starch. Using sections of fabric that have been soaked in the starch, apply the sections to the clean wall and smooth with a wallpaper brush. What makes this cloth so attractive is that the material can be purchased in bulk and easily removed when a change is desired. Persons who are renting or leasing a living space can use it as a solution to introducing color into a room that is not permanent. The material will simply pull off the walls easily, and a quick wash will remove all traces of the starch residue.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including HomeQuestionsAnswered, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.
Discussion Comments
By anon318598 — On Feb 08, 2013

What are "button down" shirts?

By Windchime — On May 24, 2011

@Potterspop - Yes, you can get Oxford cloth sheets and pillowcases. Personally I think they get even softer and comfortable after each run through the wash, but they retain their quality feel.

I think plain white is the classiest, but I've seen sheets in various shades and patterns so there's something for everyone.

By Potterspop — On May 21, 2011

I have several Oxford button down shirts, which are so comfortable I could wear them day and night with no problem.

Saying that makes me wonder, it is also available in sheet sets too? My current bedding has a high thread count and they're way too slippery for my taste.

By Valencia — On May 21, 2011

I first came across this wonderful material when I met my fiancee. He wore Oxford cloth boxers and I was very impressed by the feel and quality.

They're 100% cotton and I actually have a few pink tinted pairs that I wear myself now too! The color hasn't faded, despite the many washes they've had. Plus, the added bonus of not needing to be ironed makes them my go to underwear.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-oxford-cloth.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.