Cotton is one of the most embraced fabric today in the world of fashion, it surprises us how one discovered and utilized it in the best possible ways with time. From the durability to sustainability cotton holds a strong audience. 'Cotton is cotton, rest is boring'
Introduction of Cotton
The establishment of cotton takes us centuries back in 5000 BC when first cotton traces were discovered in the textile industry of Mehrgarh and Rakhigarhi cities during ancient India. The discovery of cotton was believed when Arab Merchants brought cotton cloth to Europe around 800 AD and also when Columbus found cotton growing on the Bahamas Islands when he discovered America in 1492. Till today it is considered to be a sustainable fashion fabric that always marks the latest fashion trends.
Procedure & conditions
Cotton is a natural fiber that is grown from the cotton plant genus, known as Gossypium, which is one of the most economically and socially important crops.
Growing of cotton crops is laborious as it requires suitable weather conditions.
It is best grown in clay loom soil with the semi-tropical climate that is warm winters or spring and is a 6 to 7 months long procedure. “It is grown on around 32.36 million hectares area of tropical and northernmost agricultural latitudes”.
Cotton is de-seeded, cleaned, carded, spun, and then woven into a pure fabric. The cotton is spun into yarns as the cotton fiber is flattened, twisted, and naturally interlocked for spinning.
The slow and gradual process of the cotton ball formation takes around 130 days from its planting.
Cash Crop of India- Cotton
Cotton, the cash crop of India plays an important role in the upliftment of the industrial and agricultural economy of the country. It was grown, spun, woven in ancient India, China, Egypt, and Pakistan around 3000 BC. But, by 1500 AD cotton became famous throughout the world.
Today, cotton fabric solely accounts for half of the fiber worn in the world by providing direct livelihood to 6 million farmers and about 40-50 million people directly or indirectly employed from trading to processing.
Properties of cotton and its textile initiation
The latest fashion trend is mainly about comfortable fashion choices which are derived from the favorable fabric, the one pleasant in its characteristics. Cotton is one of the secure fabrics to play within summers and beat the scorching heat of the sun. It is a basic raw material to the textile industry worldwide which records the involvement of 150 countries in export and import of cotton.
Cotton is a soft substance suitable for long-term-summers. It shares amicable relations with one's body due to its everlasting properties.
It wicks moisture away from the body.
Allows air to circulate through the weave of the fabric.
It provides escapism to the body from the heat.
It is a natural fiber and a great sweat absorbent.
The latest fashion trends are all about how individual clothing choices have more to do with the way you are feeling after you adorn an outfit. Choosing cotton fabrics for the sticky summer month prevents one from skin allergies as this popular fabric is breathable on its own and allows air to pass through. It is a natural fiber with no synthetic compounds that let the skin breathe and makes it more durable. Cotton is composed of organic fibers from the seeds of the cotton plants that functions when the body perspires, cotton fibers absorb the moisture and release it on the surface of the fabric and let it evaporate. This natural process helps to keep human bodies cool and is highly recommended for the summer season.
According to The International Forum for Cotton Promotion, cotton can absorb water up to 27 times its weight, thus making clothes a soft substance and soakable fabric to wear. The fabric when molded into a material like a towel helps to remove the moisture from the skin quickly and the thickness of the fiber helps absorbing plenty of water with the help of its water absorption property. Cotton is the fabric that makes you feel like home, the tenderness of the substance is remarkable.
The cotton plant is not limited to fabrics it is sourced for many other products like medicines, chemical treatment, etc. It is also used in making of sari, blankets, sanitary pads, napkins, and shirts as it manages to keep away moisture and provides with better air circulation, thus making it a breathable fabric suitable for ice melting summers.
Types of Cotton
Befitted for the warm weather conditions, the loose weaves and lose fit of cotton helps one to freely feel the breeze. There are different types of cotton that are available worldwide and in India. 1) Asiatic Cotton- It has coarse fibers and suitable for blankets, coarse clothes, padding materials, etc. 2) Egyptian Cotton- Inculcating long and thinner fibers, it is mostly used for making cushion covers, bed sheets, curtains that embarks the latest fashion trends. 3) Canton Cotton- Soft and strong, is used to make winter clothes like sweaters, blankets, and other suitable clothing. 4) Sea-Island Cotton- It is one of the most expensive cottons due to its processing, and is mixed with silk to get the finest quality. 5) American Upland Cotton- Versatile and most-used cotton, the fabric is utilized in creating expensive denim and shirts. 6) Pima Cotton- Inclusive of smooth and long fibers, it comes in the extra-long-staple category, is more durable and opted for making cushions, clothes, bedsheets, and towels. 7) French Terry Cotton- Heavier than normal cotton, it holds certain softness in it. 8) Bamboo Cotton- Half organic and half-soft cotton, crushed bamboo are mixed with organic cotton. It is chemical-free and considered best for the skin and the environment. 9) Khadi- The fabric holds its significance from the time of independence, one of the oldest forms of cotton in India, it is hand-spun and hand-woven.
Cotton v/s Polyester Cotton and Polyester are on the same equilibrium in the market, but still, their quality performance will make you choose between them.
Cotton
Polyester
It is breathable and light
It is heavier
Natural and shrinks
Synthetic and resists shrinkage
Less durable
More durable
Biodegradable
Non- biodegradable
More consumption of water
Less consumption of water
Perfect for summers as it absorbs sweat
Not a summer fabric
Is cotton sustainable?
A common question that is debatable is 'whether cotton is a sustainable fashion fabric or not?' Arguments for cotton being a sustainable fashion fabric
Natural Product
Recyclable and upcyclable
Biodegradable
Availability of organic cotton that is chemical-free
Arguments against cotton being a sustainable fashion fabric
Water intensive crop
Limited lifecycle in a single form
Pesticides and herbicides are used to grow a cotton crop
Pros and Cons of Cotton
Cotton being one of the perfect choices to beat the summertime upholds some of the advantages and disadvantages that one must take care of while choosing. Advantages
• Breathability- Unlike other synthetic fabrics, cotton is not mixed with chemical compounds. It helps to absorb the sweat from the body and restricts the bacteria's growth.
• Insulating- It acts as a weather insulator by controlling the temperature, like keeping cool in summers and warm in winters.
• Non- Allergic- Being naturally processed, it does not cause skin problems or allergies. Due to this property, it is recommended for babies and people with sensitive skin and medical bandages and gauze are made with cotton.
• Versatility - Cotton fabric drapes well on the body, and there is a wide variety of cotton yarns used for making denim, seersucker, chino, and other fabrics.
Disadvantages • Shrinkage- It is always suggested to buy a larger cotton fabric as it leads to shrinkage after the first wash.
• Wrinkles- Cotton fabrics are fumed with wrinkles because of the natural fibers that are not chemically affected.
• Damage- Being a natural fiber, it loses its strength and gets damaged easily and fades away in sun. Also, the linting of the fibers on the surface makes it damaged.
• Washing- Short fibers tend to make the cotton fabric lose its color, and bleed fast.
Cotton in fashion Cotton because of its versatility has entered into the fashion industry as national and international designers have moved towards sustainable fashion choices. Designers are creating garments that would stay for a longer period, are more durable, and sustainable to the environment. By choosing cotton fabrics and converting them into a designer piece, they are successful in showing the world that one can opt for eco-friendly yet stylish fashion trends. Also, when cotton is layered in different styles and colors, it sets the latest fashion trends. Brands like Everlane, Eileen Fisher, Stella McCartney Pact, Reformation among others are choosing the sustainable fashion choices for the upcoming trends.
Swaddling in cotton clothes can be stylish when mixed and matched properly, it introduces a new fashion trend for the upcoming season. One of the versatile fabrics to play and experiment with, it leads you to comfortable and sustainable fashion trends. Styling tips
A basic white-crisp cotton shirt teamed up with ice blue denim.
Cotton pants paired up with a Kurti.
Cotton shirt dresses perfect for summer dates.
A basic blue or black denim with a yellow or printed cotton shirt.
Black cotton weaved cardigan pulled off with a plain white cotton t-shirt and blue denim.
A cotton saree with basic blouse perfect for day outings.
To accessorize the summer look, printed cotton scarfs work best when opted with a cotton t-shirt and denim.
Printed cotton Kurtis with matching palazzo for summers, the perfect comfort, and chic look.
Click on the link for more tips on getting stylish looks with cotton- https://bit.ly/38nQA8P
Styling yourself with cotton essentials would be ideal for spring-summer. The stylish looks adorned with only cotton ensembles will make you feel cool and comfortable.
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