Cotton is a cellulosic fibre and hydrophilic by nature. Cotton has an affinity for so many dyes, for example, direct, reactive, vat, indigo and sulfur dyes. The dye selection is a skillful process for which the end uses are very important.

All mentioned dyes have specific fastness properties and advantages of dyeing. Most commonly reactive dyes are used for dyeing cotton clothes because of their satisfactory fastness properties(covalent bonding with the hydroxyl group of cotton), the brilliance of colors, ease of application and economy.

Indigo dyes are used to dye yarn to produce types of denim and to achieve various wash down effects.

Direct dyes are used for cheaper clothes.

Cotton can be dyed along with viscose, bamboo, linen.