Cotton is one of the most popular and frequently chosen materials by consumers. It is this fiber that our favorite blouses, shirts, and trousers are made of. But that's not all! Did you know, for example, that it is also used to make medical dressings? Its versatility can certainly be surprising. Today, in another post as part of the #fabricoctober campaign, we are sharing with you a wealth of knowledge about this material. In the text, you will find information about its history, production process, types, as well as many interesting facts that will surely increase your awareness in this regard. Happy reading!
The history of cotton
Cotton was known in Central America as early as the 5th century BC, and it arrived in Europe relatively late, around 800 AD. The material appeared on the Old Continent with Arab merchants. However, until the end of the 18th century, cotton was not in common use – it was a very expensive material to produce, which meant few people could afford it at that time. The situation changed dynamically from the Napoleonic era, when cotton entered the salons, replacing the hard-to-access silk. Subsequent improvements made cotton even better and increasingly widely used. Today, it is one of the most popular materials.
How is cotton made?
In general classification, cotton belongs to natural fibers, i.e., those that come directly from plants or animals. In the case of this material, it is of plant origin. Answering the question of how cotton is created – it is obtained from the fibers of the plant of the same name, which surround the seeds located in the cotton fruit. It must be reiterated that this fiber was cultivated several thousand years ago. Throughout all these years, however, the principles of cultivation, harvesting, and extraction of this precious material have hardly changed.
Cotton is harvested from the field mechanically, and then it is cleaned and selected (ginning process). This key stage 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 the production of cotton wool. The longer ones are packed into large, characteristic bales and then subjected to a combing process. Combing gives cotton softness and elasticity, which facilitates further processing. Combing is also the process that begins the production of the actual yarn. Then, the cotton lands on a special belt where roving is formed, and in the further process, cotton yarn is created from the roving. The yarn is later subjected to additional twisting processes, which allows for changing the direction and size of the twist and also affects its final quality. In practice – the better the twist, the higher the quality of the obtained material. Finally, we reach the point where cotton knitwear, i.e., the finished fabric, is knitted from the yarn.
What is the difference between regular and organic cotton?
Conventional and organic cotton differ primarily in the method of cultivation. In the case of organic cotton, it is based solely on natural production methods. During organic cultivation, no chemical fertilizers are used. An alternative in this case are agents of natural origin that stimulate plant growth, e.g., manure. It is worth adding that this type of cultivation allows for saving water, which is consumed in huge quantities during industrial cultivation. The process of harvesting and processing 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 machines. The dyeing process is also important, which is acceptable only when using natural dyes without chemical substances. Thanks to natural production and the elimination of chemicals, organic cotton fibers are durable and strong, but also pleasant for the skin.
What characterizes SUPIMA cotton?
SUPIMA cotton accounts for less than 1% of the cotton grown in the world, making it totally unique. Its cultivation methods combine the latest technologies, including satellite technology and even modern soil monitors. Thanks to the use of innovative methods, the highest quality is finally obtained. Supima cotton and conventional cotton differ in the length of the fibers, which in the case of Supima can be up to 1.5-2 times longer. Longer fibers mean that this type of cotton is characterized by extraordinary softness, but also durability. If you would like to test how Supima works on a daily basis, in the ANSIN assortment, you will find men's t-shirts made from its fibers. Soon, a new addition will join this group, which is our first classic bodysuit.
How did you like the next article in the #fabricoctober series? We hope that we have dispelled all doubts and questions about cotton with it. Let us know what you want to read about in the future... wool, micromodal, or perhaps cashmere? We will be happy to prepare another dose of knowledge for you.
Patrycja from ANSIN
