PROPERTIES OF COTTON - PROS AND CONS

Published: 02/02/2024

One of the most popular textiles, which has been enjoyed for years both in the fashion world and in domestic applications, is cotton. Its versatility and versatility make it an essential part of our environment. However, to fully appreciate cotton's potential, it is worth exploring both its positive aspects and some of the challenges of using it. Today you will learn about the history, types and advantages and disadvantages of cotton.

 

Cotton - what is this material?

 

The history of cotton dates back to the earliest civilizations. The first people who discovered and began to grow cotton were the inhabitants of Mesopotamia and India about 6,000 years ago. The spread of cotton cultivation in ancient Egypt contributed to the development of spinning and weaving technologies. The cotton trade became an important part of the economy of ancient civilizations, and cotton gained a reputation as a valued raw material.

Cotton is a natural textile material derived from plant fibers that develop in the seed bags of cotton (Gossypium). The characteristics of cotton include unique features that give it versatility. This material is distinguished by its softness, lightness and ability to absorb moisture, which makes it widely used for fabric production. Cotton fibers are some of the oldest textile materials used by mankind, and their use covers many areas of life.

 

 

Types of cotton

 

Cotton fabrics offer a variety of types, each distinguished by specific characteristics and applications.

 

Pure cotton

 

A cotton fabric that is flexible and durable. The resistance of the fabric depends on the number of warp and weft threads per centimeter. The higher the number of threads, the less shrinkage during washing, which guarantees high quality garments.

 

Percale

 

Percale cotton is a prized fabric, obtained through a linen weave. The quality and lightness of the fabric depend on the thinness of the thread used for weaving. Soft and velvety to the touch, it is often used in the production of high-quality bedding, requiring perfect perpendicularity between warp and weft.

 

Rasatello

 

Glossy, smooth and pleasant to the touch cotton fabric, used for luxury clothing, evening gowns and shirts. Resistant to wear and tear, it is machine washable, making it practical and elegant.

 

Satin

 

The most valuable cotton, made with a satin weave with a predominant warp. It is ideal for the production of beautiful lingerie, perfectly adhering to the body. Although it can be washed in a washing machine, for particularly valuable pieces hand washing is recommended, maintaining the perfection of the fabric with embroidery and appliqués. Satin stands out not only for its price, but also for its exceptional elegance and softness.

 

Cotton material properties

 

Is cotton a good material? Cotton is distinguished by its special ability to effectively absorb moisture. This material can absorb up to 25% of water vapor, without leaving a feeling of dampness or the effect of a wet fabric. What's more, cotton is excellent at keeping you warm, making it an ideal choice for both colder and warmer days.

Stretch resistance is another property of cotton. Even when wet, the material retains elasticity, making the washing process easier and maintaining the shape of clothes. Cotton 's qualities also include resistance to high temperatures during ironing and washing, which translates into ease of maintenance.

In terms of hygiene, cotton is gentle on the skin and does not cause sensitization or irritation. If skin reactions do occur, they are often the result of the dyes used, rather than the cotton fiber itself. In addition, the softness to the touch makes wearing cotton clothes extremely comfortable, even without additional layers, eliminating concerns about itching or biting sensations.

 

 

Cotton advantages

 

One of the key properties of cotton is its excellent air permeability, making it an ideal choice for summer clothing. This aspect allows air to flow freely, which in turn helps keep you feeling fresh while preventing your body from overheating.

Another advantage of cotton is its natural softness, which makes cotton fabrics gentle on the skin. This makes clothes made from cotton extremely comfortable to wear, especially for those with sensitive skin. Cotton acts as a natural moisture regulator, keeping the skin dry and ensuring comfort for extended periods of wear.

Durability is also an important aspect of cotton. Cotton fibers are relatively strong, making cotton products resistant to wear and tear. Even after many washings, cotton fabrics maintain their form and color intensity, which translates into long-lasting product quality. These qualities ensure that cotton remains one of the most preferred materials in the field of textiles, combining wearing comfort with durability.

 

Disadvantages of cotton

 

One of the main disadvantages of cotton is its tendency to shrink after the first wash, especially if treated improperly. To minimize the risk of shrinkage, it is advisable to wash in cold water or to use fabrics previously treated with a process that reduces the shrinkage of the material. Another property of cotton is that cotton fabrics crease easily, which can lead to a loss of aesthetics in clothes. In order to minimize this problem, cotton blends with other fibers are used, giving clothes greater resistance to creasing. Cotton also shows sensitivity to chemicals such as bleach and strong detergents.

 

How to wash and dry cotton fabrics?

 

To keep your clothes in the best possible condition, it's a good idea to follow some important rules during the washing and drying process. The first step is to sort your clothes before you start washing. It's a good idea to separate them by color and fabric type to avoid possible discoloration. In particular, white clothes should be separated from colored clothes, which will help preserve their original appearance.
Next, it is recommended to pay attention to the labels on the clothes. Reading the washing instructions will help avoid mistakes and follow any special recommendations of the manufacturer. For example, some cotton clothes may need to be washed in cold water to avoid shrinking the material.
The next step is to determine the right washing temperature, which is important especially for clothes made of cotton. For this fabric, washing in warm water is usually recommended, which will remove dirt more effectively while minimizing the risk of shrinkage. It is also important to avoid excessive amounts of detergent, as this can leave a residue on the fabric and contribute to color dulling. Careful dosage of detergent will help keep clothes in good condition while protecting their appearance.

Moving on to the cotton drying process, it is advisable to prefer air drying. Hanging clothes on a dryer or line will avoid the intense action of a tumble dryer, which can affect fabric shrinkage. However, if using a dryer, set it to a lower temperature, avoiding excessively high degrees. In addition, after the drying cycle, it is recommended not to leave cotton clothes in the dryer to avoid excessive moisture, which can promote creases and odor. By following these simple rules, you can keep your clothes in excellent condition for a long time.

 

Summary

 

Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of cotton allows us to better understand its various aspects and wide application. Cotton, with its natural softness, ability to absorb moisture and excellent air permeability, is an extremely attractive textile material. Its durability and ease of care make it popular in the production of clothing, bedding and many other everyday products.

In our sewing room, we use cotton to produce our products. We use the best quality raw material to produce such products as printed cotton bags, cotton toiletries and cotton sacks, among others.

 

MART’S BAGS

info@martsbags.com

+48 787 340 123