Calico fabric

Calico is a versatile, unbleached, and partially processed cotton fabric. When selecting, you must distinguish between 'Grey' (loom-state) calico, which is stiff and contains seed husks, and 'Scoured' or 'Prepared for Dyeing' (PFD) calico, which is softer and cleaner. For toiles and fashion prototyping, a medium-weight (approx. 150-180gsm) is standard. For eco-friendly packaging or tote bags, look for a higher thread count to ensure durability and a smoother surface for screen printing.

To ensure quality consistency, focus on Thread Count (TPI) and Weight (GSM). A standard high-quality calico usually features a 60x60 or 68x68 construction. Additionally, verify the shrinkage rate, as unprocessed calico can shrink by 8% to 10% upon the first wash. If your end-use involves food contact or organic branding, ensure the supplier provides GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifications to guarantee the absence of harmful chemicals.

Calico is a commodity-driven product, so pricing is heavily influenced by raw cotton futures. To optimize costs, aim for Full Container Load (FCL) orders to reduce the per-meter shipping cost. Most top-tier suppliers on Made-in-China.com offer significant price breaks at 5,000 meters or more. Always request a pre-production sample (PPS) to check for 'neps' (small knots) and seed debris levels, as excessive impurities can affect the final aesthetic and processing costs.

The primary risks include moisture damage (mildew) during sea transit and color consistency between batches. Since calico is unbleached, natural variations in cotton fiber can lead to slight yellowish or cream-colored shifts. Ensure the supplier uses silica gel desiccant packs and heavy-duty PE inner wrapping inside the woven bags or rolls to prevent water ingress during long-haul shipping.

Utilize Secure Payment services provided by reputable platforms like Made-in-China.com to hold funds in escrow until the Bill of Lading (B/L) is verified. Negotiate a payment term of 30% deposit and 70% against the copy of the B/L. For first-time large orders, insist on a third-party pre-shipment inspection (PSI) to verify the yardage and fabric weight before the final balance is paid.

Check the HS Code (typically 5208.11 for unbleached cotton) to determine the specific import duties in your country. Be aware of anti-dumping duties that some regions apply to textile products from specific origins. For shipping, vacuum-compressed rolling can reduce the volume of the cargo, potentially lowering freight costs by 15-20% for lightweight calico varieties.