Yes. That's why fat people can get into it.
Cotton or Linen
no it is not
Any sturdy, non-stretch fabric will do. A cotton broadcloth or even quilted cotton fabric will serve nicely. You probably could do the job by using a crib sheet.
Fabric cotton refers to cotton fibers used in the manufacture of woven cloth and other fabrics.
Because of the interaction of the tension in the vertical and horizontal fibers (warp and weft), the fabric produced is much less likely to stretch than for example a knitted or crocheted fabric. Take the difference between a cotton tee-shirt and a pair of cotton pants. The t-shirt is a knitted fabric and most likely cotton pants will be woven. You can easily tell how a t-shirt will stretch much more than the fabric of the pants.
Cotton itself is not a stretchy fiber. Woven fabric is typically not stretchy. So no, I would not expect a cotton gauze to be stretchy unless it was a cotton blend.
Polyester is a material that fabric is fabricated from. Polyester can be knitted into fabrics that will stretch. Polyester also can be woven into fabrics that will not stretch. Polyester can be blended with other materials and fabricated into fabrics that will and will not stretch.
Yes, cotton is known for its good flexibility and elasticity. It can stretch to some extent without losing its shape, making it a comfortable and versatile fabric for clothing.
When a cotton dress is wet, it can stretch to some extent due to the fibers absorbing water and becoming more pliable. Typically, cotton can stretch up to 5-10% when wet, depending on the fabric thickness and weave. However, once dried, it usually returns to its original shape, although repeated stretching may cause some permanent deformation over time. Always handle wet cotton gently to avoid damage.
Why it is important to bleach cotton fabric
Cotton thread is compatible with fabric made from yarn of plant origin, such as cotton and linen, and for rayon (made from a plant substance), because it has similar shrinkage characteristics. It is not suitable for most synthetics, which do not shrink, or for fabrics treated to reduce shrinkage. Its low stretch is useful for woven fabrics, but not for knits, which require more stretch.
A "knit" fabric will stretch, either side to side and/or up to down, but a "woven" fabric will not stretch.