Many cotton/other cellulosic fiber items used to be labeled
"Mercerized". Today we seldom see the word on labels. That is because
virtually all are mercerized as a matter of course. Seeing the term on a
label is, in some ways a warning sign..... If a product doesn't have any
other "pluses" then the word can be added to the label to make it look
better. Often there is too much other information that is more important
that is on the label instead. VBG

Pati, in Phx

NightMist wrote:
Mercerization

In modern times it is a process of treating cellulose yarns or yardage
with a heated caustic soda solution and stretching them. This
increases strength, dye take, and adds lustre and a softer hand. Often
it also reduces or eliminates future shrinkage, though there are some
variations of the process that strive to avoid this.