Which of the following is not a common use of calico?

• A. Curtains
• B. Children's wear
• C. Medical gowns
• D. Table linens

Answer: (C)

Calico is a plain-woven cotton fabric that is inexpensive, breathable, and easy to finish or print. These qualities make it ideal for everyday home textiles and comfortable clothing for children: curtains benefit from good drape and a light feel, table linens require durability and ease of laundering, and kids’ wear needs something soft and breathable. Medical gowns, on the other hand, must provide a reliable barrier against fluids and contaminants and withstand laundering or sterilization without losing protective properties. Calico is porous and absorbent, which doesn’t meet the fluid-resistant, barrier standards required for medical settings. That’s why it isn’t a common material for medical gowns.