Cotton Incorporated reveals consumer data on the campus trend
CARY, N.C. (Aug. 7, 2025) – Millions of students gear up for their first taste of independence as they prepare for campus life. Creating a cozy and comfortable space to call their own is essential. Students are increasingly personalizing their dorm rooms, choosing cotton decor for its style, comfort, and easy care. A versatile fabric, cotton offers a soft touch plus warmth, making it perfect for those late-night study sessions or weekend sleep-ins.
Cotton Incorporated recently asked 608 students and parents about the dorm décor trend. Less than half of the parents and students surveyed plan to spend under $500 on dorm items. Quality, durability, softness, ease of cleaning, and style are key factors influencing purchases.
Students look to elevate their dorm rooms, seeking both style and functionality in their living spaces and embracing the comfort and style that cotton brings to a curated space that feels like a true home away from home.
Parents say that dorm décor is important to them because they’d like their kids to feel at home while living at college and have a comfortable place to study.
“Beyond aesthetics, the comfort provided by cotton dorm decor plays a crucial role in maintaining a sense of home away from home,” notes Melissa Bastos, director of corporate strategy and insights for Cotton Incorporated. “Seventy-five percent of dorm room shoppers say cotton is their preferred fiber for textiles. The softness and breathability of cotton textiles contribute to a relaxing environment, promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being.”
According to the survey, the top 10 items purchased:
| Bed Sheets | Electronics |
| Bath Towels | Area Rugs |
| Bedding | Chairs/Futon/Extra Seating |
| Closet Organizers | Accent/Throw Pillows |
| Wall Art | Curtains |
Those surveyed expect to update their textiles once or twice a year, with parents anticipating more frequent updates than students.
For shopping ideas from a variety of brands, visit thefabricofourlives.com/shop/cotton/home.
About Cotton Incorporated
Cotton Incorporated is the research and promotion company for Upland cotton. Funded by U.S. cotton growers and importers of Upland cotton-containing products, the not-for-profit organization’s mission is to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. As a resource for the cotton industry, Cotton Incorporated conducts or oversees more than 450 research and educational projects in an average year. Research areas range from the development of agricultural and textile innovations to analyses of commodity and market data. To learn more, visit LifestyleMonitor.cottoninc.com and follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, X.
