The cotton is a pretty thin pad. It is just thick enough to have some structure so they don’t bunch up or anything. They’re my preferred schooling pad because they do fold up more easily so I can stuff a couple in the washer at a time, and they are probably a little more breathable/cooler than the sheen pads. I hang dry my pads, so YMMV if you put them in the dryer.
My sheen pads have been washing up fine, but they haven’t been in heavy daily use. I’ve used them for schooling when needed, but they are more my lesson/clinic pads. They are thicker and puffier than the cotton pads and thus less breathable and not as easy to stuff in the washing machine. Have not purchased a velvet pad yet.
Today I put my darker chestnut mare on the yellow Surefoot pads and pods, and noticed that the color actually looks really good on her. One more nudge towards ordering a fun pad in the curry color.