Cotton fabrics were treated with montmorillonite (MMT) so as to improve the wrinkle-resistant properties of the cotton fabrics. The MMT in emulsion form was applied by padding method to the cotton fabrics, and the wrinkle-resistant properties of the MMT-treated cotton fabrics and the wrinkle-resistant properties of MMT-treated cotton fabrics were consequently improved. Furthermore, different instrumental methods were used for studying the distribution of MMT particles on the cotton fabric surface. It was noted that near nano-scale MMT particles were adhered on the fiber surface, and in addition, the particles size played an important role in influencing the wrinkle-resistant properties of the cotton fabric. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.