What is cotton fiber?

Cotton fibre is gathered from the seed pod of the cotton plant and ginned. A gin is a machine that separates the seeds from the cotton fiber. It was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 and is one of the revolutionary events in cotton processing. The fiber is then spun into thread and woven into fabric. The commercial process is actually far more complicated and complex but those are the general steps. One of the most amazing properties of cotton fiber is its ability to breathe. Cotton can retain nearly 30 times its weight in water. Thus it quickly absorbs perspiration from the wearer and releases it to the air through evaporation. Other remarkable properties include the propensity to stand up to high temperatures for sterilizing and ironing without disintegrating. It whitens well with chlorine bleach and absorbs dyes easily. It wears well and stands up to friction. It is often blended with polyester, wool, or other fibers.
Cotton fibre materials also include muslin, flannel, gingham, seersucker, terry cloth, gauze, drill, Swiss, duck, sateen, poplin, organdy, lawn, flannelette, percale, velveteen, outing flannel, whipcord, sailcloth and polished cotton. Currently organically raised cotton is popular. It uses compost and natural fertilizers but not synthetic ones. They utilize ladybug introduction and natural pest control measures. Earth tone cotton fabrics use no dyes, reducing its cost up to 40% as compared to chemically dyed cotton. Not all cotton grows up pure white. Some cotton can be grown that are brown, light purple and rust.

Related Articles

1. Classic Cotton Dress - Classic Cotton Dress -A Classic Cotton Dress never goes out of fashion, style or season. Be it the Monaco dress, the Riviera Day frock, Anne Fogarty’s legendary 1950s dress, Occitania cotton dress or the classics worn by Audrey Hepburn in most of her films, especially “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. The classic Monaco dress exemplifies effortless style and [...]
2. Cotton Corset Dress - Cotton Corset Dress – A Cotton Corset Dress is beyond the most enduring fashion trends. It provides a true figure flattering look for the fashion-crazy women. A corset is traditionally worn by women for centuries to modify the shape of their body. Whenever a woman has been trying to attain an hourglass figure, corsets have been helpful. [...]
3. Cotton Dress Fabric - Cotton Dress Fabric is very popular all over the world as it is cool and a boon not just for summers, but also gives a comfortable and relaxing wear and different colors, shapes and trends. It can be blended with any other material to create amazing dress designs that sell universally at all times. A Cotton [...]
4. Cotton Dress Material - Cotton Dress Material – Cotton is a cool, supple and a favorite fabric. The “breathing” fabric has seen various changes in its style and function. It has been blended with other materials and fabrics for a smoother quality and finish. But whatever results, “100 percent” cotton can give; no other material has that edge. Designers, [...]
5. Cotton Dress Jackets - Cotton Dress Jackets are the latest rage among trendy buyers. The most adorable trends in cotton dress jackets have been by Christian Dior. Their adorable dress jackets in lively and subtle colors with a Victorian cut skirt and the striped jacket has given the dress a haute couture appeal. One can even have matching stilettos [...]