If you’re building a wardrobe that’s flattering, thoughtful, and easy to live in, cotton is a pretty perfect place to start. It’s breathable, gentle on skin, low-key to care for, and it fits into your life.
Some fabrics like to show off. Cotton doesn’t need to. It just feels good. And that’s kind of the point.
100% cotton. It’s understated. Uncomplicated. Underrated, even. And yet, it’s the fabric we keep coming back to for everything from our go-to basic tanks to those perfectly lived-in sleep sets. Not only does it feel incredible against your skin, it’s backed by science when it comes to comfort, care, and longevity.
Here’s what the research (and real-life wear) says about why we’ll always have room for 100% cotton clothes in our closets.
1. It’s Actually Breathable
Let’s get into it: one of the biggest advantages of cotton is that it’s a natural fiber, meaning it’s made from, you guessed it, plants. Cotton lets air flow freely between your skin and the fabric. This airflow helps regulate body temperature and minimize sweat retention.
Translation? It keeps you cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and way more comfortable in between. Whether you’re hiking canyons in Topanga or power-walking between errands with your toddler in tow, a 100% cotton tee is going to let you move (and breathe) better.
Pair our lightweight pointelle sweater or breezy cotton gauze tank with your favorite wide-leg pants and you've got a look that feels just as good as it looks.
2. It’s Gentle on Your Skin (and the Planet)
If you’ve ever dealt with clothes that feel scratchy, clingy, or irritating, cotton might be your skin’s new best friend. When it’s 100% pure and minimally treated, cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, meaning it’s gentler on sensitive skin (and perfect for tiny humans too).
It’s also biodegradable and renewable, which makes it a solid choice if you’re thinking about long-term impact. While we believe different fabrics serve different purposes, we love cotton for pieces that are made to last and made to feel good.
Our cotton vintage washed lounge set and hoodie were made with all this in mind: soft on the inside, easy on the outside, and built for your version of downtime.
3. Cotton Is Durable (and Only Gets Better With Time)
We love a soft start, but even more, we love a piece that holds up. Cotton tends to do both. 100% cotton softens over time without losing its structure. The fibers relax over time without breaking down. It’s why your dad’s 90s band tee still looks good (and maybe even better than when it was new). It’s also why we swear by cotton basics that feel like vintage from day one, like our graphic tees and classic tanks.
It’s also easy to care for (machine washable and low-maintenance), which makes it a go-to for real life. Less pilling, fewer stretch-outs, and way less “is this see-through now?” guesswork.
This kind of longevity matters—not just for your wardrobe, but for the planet. Because buying less but better? Always in style.
4. It Moves With You, Not Against You
The beauty of cotton lies in its simplicity—it holds its shape, but still gives you room to move. That means no clingy weirdness, no bagging out, and no adjusting all day. The structure of 100% cotton gives just enough without overextending, meaning your clothes stay in place but still give you freedom to move.
Whether you’re layering a breezy gauze button-down for a beachside breakfast, slipping into a cotton hoodie for an early coffee run, or just lounging in our pointelle sweater, cotton adapts to your day, your body, your mood.
Cotton just works. Not too stiff. Not too clingy. Like your favorite playlists and people, it knows how to keep the vibe light and flexible.
5. It’s Just… Cool
Not “trying too hard” cool. Not “trend of the month” cool. But the kind of cool that’s casually timeless. Think Jane Birkin in a tank top. Ali MacGraw in a button-down. Or you, in a tee and jeans that feel like home.
That’s the beauty of cotton. It feels like you. Comfortable, confident, and intentionally effortless. It's a blank canvas, but it never feels boring. You can dress it up. You can layer it. You can live in it.
And around here, we believe the best pieces are the ones that make looking good feel easy. That’s why cotton forms the base of our California aesthetic—a state of mind that stretches from foggy beach mornings to desert magic hour.
What to Look For When Buying Cotton: A Quick Checklist
Not all cotton is created equal. When you’re shopping, here’s how to make sure you’re getting the real deal:
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Look for “100% cotton” on the label.
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Check for natural texture. Cotton shouldn’t feel overly slick or stretchy.
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Transparency matters. At SEAS, we always share what’s in our pieces.
And yes, sometimes 100% cotton shirts might cost a bit more upfront, but they’re the kind of staple you’ll pull from the laundry basket before they even make it back to the drawer.
The 100% Cotton Pieces We Reach for Most
The Sunrise Tank
Soft, stretchy, and wears like a second skin. Perfect layered or solo.
The Sundeck Sweatshirt
Ideal for post-swim evenings or layering over a bralette. Easy and a little unexpected.
The Gulls Gauze Tank & Seafoam Shorts
So floaty, it feels like a nap you can wear. Pairs well with barefoot mornings and matcha afternoons.
The Tides Graphic Tee
Soft and just boxy enough. Feels like a vintage find without the vintage hunt. Plus, you’ve got different graphic vibes to choose from.
The Bayside Hoodie
A little street, a little sweet. Ideal for when you don’t want to try hard but still want to look like you tried.
The Sunset Glow Set
The dreamiest way to wind down. Bonus: doubles as daywear if you’re not leaving the house.
Final Thoughts: Why Cotton Is Still Queen
If you’re building a wardrobe that’s flattering, thoughtful, and easy to live in, cotton is a pretty perfect place to start. It’s breathable, gentle on skin, low-key to care for, and it fits into your life (not the other way around).
We’ll always carry a mix of fabrics, each with its own strength, but 100% cotton will always be close to our hearts. It’s uncomplicated, feels incredible, and never goes out of style. 100% cotton clothing is about more than softness (though, yeah, it’s soft). It’s about how it makes you feel: pulled together but never fussy. Styled but never overdone. It’s for days when you’re out chasing sunshine and for nights spent curled up in your favorite tee.
So whether you’re headed to the farmer’s market, the mountains, or just your couch—go cotton. Your skin, your style, and your future self will thank you.
Ready to feel it for yourself?
Explore our most-loved 100% cotton pieces here.
