Cotton terry seems to work best for hand polishing for me.
The product seems to be more aggressive when used with the cotton terry compared to MF or foam applicators.
MF applicators didn't impress me at all and while I have several, it has been a year or two since I used one.
Obviously that leaves foam applicators as my favorites.
I do use the typical foam pads with a Garrand gripper handle some, but the ones I really prefer are these.
The built in handle keeps me from flipping them across the room like I often do with the small yellow ones.
There is only one real problem with them.
They are not available from any of the DC sponsors.
Addendum: Should I delete this? It has nothing to do with cotton or micro fiber.