Cotton vs Cotton-Poly Gingham Bows: Which One is Right for Your Decor?

Let's be honest: when choosing the perfect gingham bow for your home, the material you select makes all the difference. Jake and I have recently released a new cotton-poly fabric in addition to our classic cotton, and for a limited time, we're selling both on our website! Let's break down the differences between both fabrics and our thought process in selecting the right one for your door.

Cotton Bows: Classic & Elegant

Ever since we started A Bow or Two, Jake and I have used a beautiful cotton blend fabric for our gingham bows. The thick material makes for a really high-quality decor piece, and I love the classic look that the fabric brings to my door. Here's why you might want to go the cotton route when purchasing a door bow:

A More Natural Look: Cotton bows are more flexible than their cotton-poly counterpart, adding a softer aesthetic when used in decor. This is especially helpful when you're creating a display or centerpiece with your bow instead of mounting it on a door.

Particularly Great For Indoor Designs: The more natural look mentioned above also means that cotton's softer aesthetic is perfect for indoor displays that need a softer feel.

Ideal for Events: If you're decorating for a wedding, holiday gathering, or baby shower, a cotton bow can bring a more handcrafted, sophisticated feel to the event.

Cotton-Poly Bows: Durability Meets Elegance

The reason Jake and I started experimenting with a new cotton-poly fabric is because we wanted to see if it would make our gingham bows more fade resistant. It's important to use that our bows are high quality and durable. While it's still a newer product, here's why you might want to think about purchasing a cotton-poly bow:

Weather-Resistant: Polyester is typically more fade resistant than cotton, meaning that these gingham bows will probably retain their bright colors even longer than their cotton counter-parts.

Long-Lasting: This almost doesn't bear repeating, but we'll say it again anyway. With more resistance to sun comes a longer lasting bow.

Still A Great Look: Although it's true that these bows are a little more stiff than our cotton bows, the look is almost identical. This means that, should you decide that your highest priority is getting the longest bow life possible, you'll be able to switch fabrics without sacrificing much of the gingham bow's classic look.

Our Thought Process: Choosing the Right Door Bow

When deciding between cotton and cotton-poly gingham bows, we would consider the following factors:

1. Location & Weather Conditions: If the bow is meant for outdoor use, the cotton-poly blend might be your best choice due to its higher sun-resistant properties. On the other hand, for indoor decorations, cotton offers a more natural, classic elegance.

2. Occasion & Theme: Will these bows be used in events or seasonal displays? Will they be in up-close displays or hanging from walls or furniture? Decide what look is best for your decor needs.

3. Longevity vs. Classic Style: When purchasing a gingham bow, are you going more for longevity or more for the classic style? If longevity is the most important factor to you, then you might want to go with cotton-poly bows since they won't be as effected by the sun. However, if you really want that classic cotton look and drape, then you'll want to go with our classic cotton bows!

Final Thoughts

Both cotton and cotton-poly bows have their own unique strengths, and the best choice ultimately depends on your needs. Whether you want a durable, weatherproof cotton-poly blend for your front door or a soft, sophisticated cotton for a cozy indoor setting, selecting the right material will enhance the beauty and longevity of your decoration.

So, next time you're looking for the perfect gingham bow, consider what matters most to you and choose accordingly!