Cotton Clothing Facts

This shirt was made from a cotton print fabric.

Cotton is a natural vegetable fiber, meaning it comes from plants, as opposed to the natural protein fiber derived from animals. Cellulose is the main ingredient in vegetable fiber.



Although linen--made from flax--is also a vegetable fiber, more variety can be found in cotton fabric in terms of weave, texture and weight. Linen is a much stronger fabric but is usually very smooth in texture, while cotton runs the gamut from very smooth to very textured. For example, an all-cotton outfit might consist of a silky cotton blouse, wide-waled corduroy slacks and a pair of cozy cotton socks.

Cotton Plant

Flowers develop into fully mature bolls of cotton.

The cotton plant consists of roots, stems, leaves and reproductive apparatus, through which buds develop into flowers. The flowers usually self-pollinate but are occasionally pollinated by insects. After that, the flowers develop into fully mature bolls of cotton.

When it is time for harvesting, the best method is to hand-pick the cotton so unwanted debris can be removed, leaving only cotton fiber and seeds. The seeds are separated from the fibers by "ginning," which was done by hand until the invention of the cotton gin in 1793 by Eli Whitney. Since the cotton bolls do not all ripen at the same time, the harvesting process may take place over a couple of months.

The cotton is put into bales, and a process called "classing" occurs to analyze and determine quality. The cotton then goes to market.

From Plant to Fabric

Yarn is woven by machines known as looms.

Cotton fibers are spun by machines that have evolved from the spinning jenny--invented in 1765--to modern machines in which cotton is first formed into long sheets, then into long "slivers." These "slivers," through a complex series of processes, are finally twisted into yarn, which is then dyed and sold by weight. The making of fabric consists of the yarn being woven by machines known as looms. Designs are either woven into the fabric during this process, or they are imprinted after the weaving is complete.

A Fabric for all Seasons

This corduroy hat can be worn in cold or warm weather.

Cotton can be worn year-round. For example, a cotton corduroy hat can keep the bright summer sun out of the eyes, but it can also keep the head warm during the cold and dreary winter months. A short-sleeved cotton sweater is good for warmer weather, but a long-sleeved turtleneck, made of the exact same material, is suitable for bitter-cold days. Layering a long-sleeved corduroy shirt over a cotton tee works well for the fall. Put a thick, cotton sweater over that to ease the effects of a December chill.

Cotton Blends

A cotton/polyester blend means fewer wrinkles.

Blending cotton with another fabric can bring out the best in both. Examples are the softness of cotton and the strength of linen, the addition of polyester to make the cotton less prone to wrinkling, or the combining of cotton with wool to make it less heavy or scratchy.

Washing Cotton

Durable denim can be washed in hot water.

Terrycloth, denim and other sturdy cotton items can usually be washed in hot water. With a sheer cotton blouse or other delicate items, read washing instructions on the label. There may be the possibility of shrinkage, either with hot water or the use of a dryer. There is also the possibility that a cotton garment may not be colorfast, in which case hot water will cause it to fade, or its colors to "bleed" and affect other items in the washer.

References

• Fabrics.net: Cotton Fabrics
• Cotton Anatomy: Introduction
• Curls Bros. Textiles: Cotton Info
• Cotton Incorporated: Did You Know...
• Cotton Counts: The Story of Cotton