By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor

To assess the effect of COVID-19 on consumer habits and attitudes, Cotton, Inc. recently surveyed 2,000 residents of China, Italy, Mexico and the U.S.

The survey revealed that in times of uncertainty, people turn to the familiar. Comfort food, comfortable clothing and cozy surroundings give people a sense of security and well-being.

And the top fabric choice of people around the globe looking for comfort? Cotton.

Consumer habits
More people are shopping online, and an overwhelming majority said this experience would likely change the way they shop in the future.

Respondents are split almost equally on spending habits at this time. Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed said they were spending more money than before the pandemic, 23 percent said they were spending the same amount and 39 percent said they were spending less.

Respondents from every country except China said they were spending more money on groceries, but all nations noted purchases on household supplies, such as cleaning products and paper goods, had increased.

More than half of respondents across the globe said they are watching more TV, reading more news and spending more time on social media, with many saying they are spending more time visiting with family and friends over video and audio chats.

Consumer attitudes
Worldwide, respondents were most likely to seek comfort by cooking at home, staying in bed and eating comfort food. Spending more time at home has people reaching for comfortable clothing, as well.

According to the survey, more than 70 percent of people across the globe said clothing made from cotton was the most comfortable and 64 percent ranked cotton as the safest choice.

In the U.S., more than 60 percent of consumers said they’re wearing more casual or athletic/athleisure wear during the crisis. More than 84 percent of Americans said they were looking for clothing made for comfort, with about 46 percent saying they made a purchase of that type.

In a time of economic turmoil and concern for the future, one thing is clear: Cotton is familiar. It feels safe, and it feels comforting, whether it’s clothing or textiles in homes.

Cotton truly is the fabric of our lives.

To see key takeaways from each country surveyed, visit Cotton, Inc.’s Supply Chain Insights page.