What is Cotton?
Cotton is a plant-based fiber harvested from the Gossypium genus in the Malvaceae family. The fibers, sometimes called "seed hair," grow inside a protective capsule known as a boll surrounding the cotton seeds. Once the boll matures and opens up, the fluffy, white fibers are revealed and can be processed into various cotton products.
Key Features of Cotton Fabric
Cotton fabric is known for its soft texture, water absorbency, and moisture absorbency, which makes it very comfortable against the skin. The length of the fibers determines the type of cotton, which can be categorized as short-staple, medium staple, medium-long staple, long staple, and extra-long staple cotton. Extra-long staple cotton, such as Supima, Giza, Sea Island, and Suvin, is considered luxury cotton due to its rarity and superior quality.
About Cotton Sustainability
As the demand for sustainable textiles grows, so does the interest in eco-friendly options like organic cotton. This type of cotton is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers in soil that has been free of such treatments for about three years. Another sustainable choice is recycled cotton, which is made by collecting and reusing discarded waste cotton and uneven threads from spinning processes. These initiatives align with sustainability goals and contribute to a healthier environment.