Description
Cotton is a seed fiber grown as a protective case around the seed of the cotton plant. Known to be the most popular fiber in the world. It is soft and fluffy to the touch and is usually off-white in color.
History
Derived from the Arabic word “Kutan”, cotton has been grown for more than 6000 years. First found woven in cloth around 3000 BC in Pakistan, it was then brought to Europe in about 800 AD by Arabic merchants, and by 1500 was known throughout the world.
Sustainability
Conventional cotton requires extremely high moisture levels, resulting from rainfall or irrigation during the growing season, and a warm, dry season during the picking period. Picked cotton will go through ginning to separate the fibers from the seeds. The significant ecological and social impact caused by large-scale intensive production is a great concern in the industry. High global demand for cotton encourages large-scale intensive production. This requires high usage of toxic chemicals and huge water consumption. Organic cotton and color cotton are some sustainable options that have been promoted to replace conventional cotton, with much less synthetic agricultural chemicals and water usage.
Variations
The grade of cotton depends on the cleanliness, whiteness, fiber length, and fiber strength, but a longer staple usually indicates higher quality with a smoother hand feel.
Characteristics
- Lightweight
- Durable remains strong when wet
- Breathable and wearable all year round
- Absorbs and release moisture very quickly
- Takes dye well but is prone to discolor after wash
- Not stable and tends to shrink
- Prone to wrinkle
- Does not gather static electricity
Care Instructions
- Machine wash on normal cycle
- Do not bleach
- Machine dry with normal settings
