What is cotton?
Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from cotton bolls which are the fruit of the cotton plant. When examined under the microscope, the cotton fiber looks like a twisted ribbon. There are many uses for the cotton plant, the cotton fiber is processed into yarn and fabric, the seeds are crushed into oil or used as animal feed while the leaves are turned into mulch. Cotton has been around for centuries but its popularity continues to grow as it can be easily combined with other fibers changing it into different fabrics with special performance and finishes. Cotton can be knit or woven into cloth.
Fabric Characteristics
Another reason why cotton is so popular is because its is extremely easy to care for and comfortable against the skin. Cotton is always the smart choice for fabrics in hot, humid climates as it 'breathes' well. The cotton fibers absorb the body's moisture and release it on the surface of the fabric where it quickly evaporates. In cold weather, the fibers keep the body warm by retaining body heat. Cotton is also popular among fashion and homeware designers who often dye the fabric into different colors and patterns. Cotton retains color very well and is very easy to dye.
Cotton is easy to care for and can be laundered or dry-cleaned. It does however wrinkle easily and can shrink if exposed to high heat. Modern technology blends cotton with other fibers and permanent fabric finishes greatly reduces wrinkles and shrinkage. One such treatment is called durable press or permanent press which eliminates creasing and reduces the need to iron. It retains specific contours such as pleats to be resistant to normal usage, washing or dry clean. Although blending cotton with other fibers like polyester is common, 100% cotton still provides the best comfort.
Laundering & Care
Cotton items are usually laundered in the washing machine. Cotton garments should be frequently washed as they tend to absorb moisture and pick up dirt. White cotton should be washed in hot water, medium colors in warm water and dark colors in cold water. Cotton has the tendency to shrink especially in hot water and fabric that is loosely woven will shrink more than tighter weaves. Garments that have designs embossed or contain lining or shoulder pad should be dry cleaned. Bed linen like quilts & pillowcases that are filled with cotton batting should also be dry cleaned to avoid the batting clumping together.
These characteristics and versatility of cotton makes cotton the most popular textile for apparel and soft home furnishings like bedding. World production of cotton are at 25 million tonnes annually, which China, United States, India, and Australia being the largest producers of cotton. One bale of cotton fiber produces 215 pairs of jeans, 249 bed sheets, 409 sport shirts or 313,600 one hundred-dollar bills.
Cotton is a natural fiber that comes from cotton bolls which are the fruit of the cotton plant. When examined under the microscope, the cotton fiber looks like a twisted ribbon. There are many uses for the cotton plant, the cotton fiber is processed into yarn and fabric, the seeds are crushed into oil or used as animal feed while the leaves are turned into mulch. Cotton has been around for centuries but its popularity continues to grow as it can be easily combined with other fibers changing it into different fabrics with special performance and finishes. Cotton can be knit or woven into cloth.
Fabric Characteristics
Another reason why cotton is so popular is because its is extremely easy to care for and comfortable against the skin. Cotton is always the smart choice for fabrics in hot, humid climates as it 'breathes' well. The cotton fibers absorb the body's moisture and release it on the surface of the fabric where it quickly evaporates. In cold weather, the fibers keep the body warm by retaining body heat. Cotton is also popular among fashion and homeware designers who often dye the fabric into different colors and patterns. Cotton retains color very well and is very easy to dye.
Cotton is easy to care for and can be laundered or dry-cleaned. It does however wrinkle easily and can shrink if exposed to high heat. Modern technology blends cotton with other fibers and permanent fabric finishes greatly reduces wrinkles and shrinkage. One such treatment is called durable press or permanent press which eliminates creasing and reduces the need to iron. It retains specific contours such as pleats to be resistant to normal usage, washing or dry clean. Although blending cotton with other fibers like polyester is common, 100% cotton still provides the best comfort.
Laundering & Care
Cotton items are usually laundered in the washing machine. Cotton garments should be frequently washed as they tend to absorb moisture and pick up dirt. White cotton should be washed in hot water, medium colors in warm water and dark colors in cold water. Cotton has the tendency to shrink especially in hot water and fabric that is loosely woven will shrink more than tighter weaves. Garments that have designs embossed or contain lining or shoulder pad should be dry cleaned. Bed linen like quilts & pillowcases that are filled with cotton batting should also be dry cleaned to avoid the batting clumping together.
These characteristics and versatility of cotton makes cotton the most popular textile for apparel and soft home furnishings like bedding. World production of cotton are at 25 million tonnes annually, which China, United States, India, and Australia being the largest producers of cotton. One bale of cotton fiber produces 215 pairs of jeans, 249 bed sheets, 409 sport shirts or 313,600 one hundred-dollar bills.
About the Author:
Darjeeling Cotton offers 100% cotton bedding. Handcrafted in India by craftsmen, the cotton bedding collection consists of patchwork quilts and hand block print bed linens. For each quilt purchased, Darjeeling Cotton will donate US$10 to the Somaly Mam foundation to support the end of modern day slavery.
