text: what is more absorbent, a 100% cotton washcloth or a 100% cotton t-shirt sleeve? doing some research for a science project.  please, no guessing! only answer if you know. washcloths are computer designed with a special weave that traps water in the localized fibers of the cotton, this allows the cotton to become super-saturated and carry 220% more water than a cotton t-shirt of equal weight.