Cotton

What does Cotton mean?

Cotton (a.k.a. genus Gossypium) is one of the world’s most important crops, produces white fibrous bolls that are manufactured into a highly versatile textile. The plant has white flowers and turns purple about two days after blooming, and large, divided leaves. Length of fibre ranges from 3/8″ to 2″ (Egyptian, Sea Island). The longer the fibre, the higher the price and the more luxurious the fabric.

Cotton withstands high temperatures, can be boiled and hot pressed. It is resistant to abrasion has good affinity to dyes, and increases in strength 10% when wet. The world’s leading producers of cotton are China, the United States, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Turkey, Australia, and Egypt.

Heddels explains Cotton

Cotton is a vegetable fiber collected from the cotton plant and has been used to create textiles for over 7,000 years. When spun into yarn, it creates a smooth, strong thread valued for its absorbency, durability, and color retention.

There are many different varieties of cotton, the most valuable being Egyptian, Sea Island, and Pima. Cotton plays an enormously important role in the textile industry, accounting for more than 40% of the total world fiber production.

It also plays a pivotal part in the denim industry as the majority of jeans are made from either 100% cotton or a cotton blend.