The fluorine-containing acrylate emulsion (FP) was synthesized by emulsion polymerization method, and SiO₂ was prepared by sol-gel method. They were coated on cotton fabrics by impregnation-curing method, and cotton fabrics with superhydrophobic properties were successfully prepared. Subsequently, the structure and morphology of the polymer and thermal stability were studied by FT-IR, SEM, AFM, particle size analyzer, DSC, TG and contact angle tester. The effects of friction and soaping on the hydrophobicity of the fabric were discussed. In addition, some property changes of the fabric before and after finishing were investigated including the anti-ultraviolet performance, whiteness, permeability, wrinkle recovery angle and breaking strength. The results show that the cotton fabrics treated by FP or SiO₂/FP have superhydrophobic ability, and the moisture resistance of the SiO₂/FP finishing fabric (CA=157°) is better than that of the FP finishing fabric (CA=153°), indicating that the surface of cotton fiber is roughened with silica sol and then coated with the FP to improve the cotton fabric hydrophobicity. After repeated washing or friction, the fabric still maintains a good water repellent effect. The physical and mechanical properties of cotton fabrics hardly change before and after finishing, which has no influences on the clothing performances of cotton fabrics.