Cotton is one of the most popular and most frequently chosen materials by consumers. It's the fiber from which our favorite blouses, shirts, and pants are made. But it's not the only one! Did you know, for example, that it's also used to make dressings? Its uses are definitely surprising. Today, in another post as part of the #fabricoctober campaign, we're sharing a treasure trove of knowledge about this material. In this article, you'll find information about its history, production process, types, and many interesting facts that will surely raise awareness. Enjoy!
The history of cotton
Cotton was known in Central America as early as the 5th century BC and arrived in Europe relatively late, around 800 AD. The material arrived on the Old Continent with Arab traders. However, until the end of the 18th century, cotton was not widely used – it was very expensive to produce, making few people able to afford it at the time. The situation has changed rapidly since the Napoleonic era, when cotton entered the mainstream, replacing scarce silk. Subsequent improvements resulted in cotton becoming increasingly refined and widely used. Today, it is one of the most popular materials.
How is cotton made?
Cotton is generally classified as a natural fiber , meaning it's derived directly from plants or animals. In this case, it's of plant origin. To answer the question of how cotton is produced, it's obtained from the fibers of the cotton plant, which surround the seeds found in the cotton fruit. It's worth repeating that this fiber was cultivated thousands of years ago. However, the principles of cultivation, harvesting, and obtaining this valuable material have remained virtually unchanged throughout all these years.
Cotton is harvested mechanically from the field, then cleaned and selected (ginning) . This crucial step involves separating the seeds from the plant stem. Not all fibers are suitable for further processing for the textile market – short cotton fibers are intended for cotton wool production. Longer fibers are packed into large, distinctive bales and then combed . Combing gives the cotton softness and elasticity, which facilitates further processing. Combing is also the process that begins the production of the actual yarn. Next, the cotton is placed on a special belt, where a roving is created, and in a further process, cotton yarn is created from the roving. The yarn is then subjected to additional twisting processes, which allows for changing the direction and amount of twist and also affects its final quality. In practice, the better the twist, the higher the quality of the resulting material. Finally, we reach the point where the yarn is knitted into cotton knitwear, the finished fabric.
What is the difference between regular and organic cotton?
Conventional and organic cotton differ primarily in their cultivation method . Organic cotton relies solely on natural production methods. Organic cultivation does not use any chemical fertilizers . An alternative is natural plant growth stimulants, such as manure. It's worth noting that this type of cultivation saves water, which is used in vast quantities during industrial farming. The harvesting and processing of organic cotton fibers is also different – organic cotton is harvested exclusively by hand, and further processing of the fibers takes place without the use of machinery. The dyeing process is also crucial, and is only acceptable when using natural, chemical-free dyes. Thanks to its natural production and the elimination of chemicals, organic cotton fibers are durable and strong, as well as gentle on the skin.
What are the characteristics of SUPIMA cotton?
SUPIMA cotton makes up less than 1% of the cotton grown worldwide, making it truly unique. Its cultivation methods combine the latest technologies, including satellite technology and even modern soil monitors . These innovative methods ultimately yield the highest quality. The difference between Supima and conventional cotton lies in the fiber length, which in Supima's case can be up to 1.5-2 times longer . Longer fibers make this cotton exceptionally soft and durable. If you'd like to try Supima in everyday life, ANSIN offers men's T-shirts made from its fibers. A new addition to this lineup will soon be our first classic bodysuit.
How did you like this latest article in the #fabricoctober series? We hope it cleared up any doubts and questions you might have about cotton. Let us know what you'd like to read about next… wool, micromodal, or perhaps cashmere? We'd love to share more knowledge with you.
Patricia from ANSIN
