The starting point
A fabric leaving the loom is not necessarily ready for use. Unfinished cotton cloth is often called greige fabric. Preparation, colouring and finishing can change its appearance and performance, and the route depends on the intended end product.
Different processes, different results
Cotton preparation may include removal of loose surface fibres, cleaning and bleaching. Mercerisation is another possible cotton treatment, used to modify properties such as lustre and dye affinity. These are process options, not a universal recipe for every fabric or every fibre.
Describe the result you need
For a finishing enquiry, describe the desired hand feel, surface appearance and intended care routine. A reference swatch can communicate more than terms such as soft or premium. Ask to compare an approved finished sample before making a bulk commitment and keep the finishing requirements in the written specification.