Not all cloth masks function the same way. If you read the studies, it depends on the weaving and the material. Cotton vs. denim, for example, is studied.

None are as effective as a non-woven material. But they are still more effective than no mask.

Edit: > asbestos dust or second hand smoke

You have to know what size of particulate matter that you're looking to filter is in order to determine whether that mask material works for the given application. What you're saying is too broad to be useful and isn't very insightful.