What Is Cotton: Production, Types, and Uses

Cotton fabric stands tall as one of the most widely embraced textiles globally, known for its extensive utility. What sets it apart is its organic composition, free from synthetic compounds, making it a chemical virtuoso. Fibers extracted from cotton plant seeds showcase a soft, fluffy structure as the seeds mature.

From ancient times up to the present, cotton has reigned supreme as the primary material in the clothing industry. Sure, it's faced some eco-backlash, but here's the truth – it's still the ultimate go-to fabric.

Let's delve into the world of cotton, exploring its production, diverse types, and the myriad ways it continues to weave its fabric magic. Time to unravel the threads of cotton and discover its undeniable significance.

History of Cotton

The earliest evidence of incorporating cotton fibers into textiles originates from the archaeological sites of Mehrgarh and Rakhigarhi in India, dating back to approximately 5000 BC. During the span of the Indus Valley Civilization, the cultivation of cotton played a pivotal role in fostering the prosperity of this civilization. This strategic cultivation ensured the availability of abundant sources for clothing and other textile commodities within the societal fabric of the time.

There is a possibility that cotton was utilized for textiles in the Americas as far back as 5500 BC, but the unequivocal evidence points to widespread cotton cultivation in Mesoamerica dating back to at least 4200 BC. In contrast, Ancient China primarily favored silk over cotton for textile production. However, during the Han dynasty, cotton cultivation gained popularity.

While cotton cultivation thrived in Arabia and Iran, its significant presence in Europe didn't materialize until the late Middle Ages. Before this era, Europeans held the belief that cotton grew on enigmatic trees in India. Interestingly, some scholars of that period even theorized that cotton was a form of wool produced by sheep that seemingly grew on trees.

The Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula played a pivotal role in acquainting Europeans with cotton production. Subsequently, European countries swiftly emerged as significant producers and exporters of cotton, joining the ranks of established cotton-producing nations, such as Egypt and India.

Physical Characteristics of Cotton

Cotton has many attributes that make it the go-to material in the fashion industry.

It's prized for its softness.

From the dawn of cotton cultivation, this fabric has been the unsung hero for its unbeatable breathability and feather-light feel. It's not just soft. It's got this magical blend of silk's smoothness and wool's cozy heat retention. Cotton is the fabric that spells comfy, breathability, and softness.

It can conduct heat.

Cotton fibers are heat conductors, expertly managing heat to prevent harmful accumulation and withstand high ironing temperatures. Yet, their non-thermoplastic nature becomes evident when exposed to severe heat, leading to charring and burning. This characteristic prevents the fibers from adopting a new polymer position when heated, causing the polymers to vibrate and dissolve under intense heat.

It is durable and holds dyes well.

Cotton is a durability champ, thanks to its robust cellular structure that produces a tough and resistant fabric, and stands up to wear and tear.

What's more, its absorbent nature makes it a dye's best friend, effortlessly taking on a myriad of colors and allowing for a versatile array of vibrant hues. When it comes to lasting strength and vibrant style, cotton is the go-to choice.

RELATED: Moisture-Wicking vs. Cotton: Which One Is Better for You and the Environment?

How is cotton made into a fabric?

Cotton fabric's journey starts with the fibrous casing, a boll, that envelops the small yet powerful cotton seeds. To create the fabric, the cotton seed must be separated from this protective casing. In the past, this was a labor-intensive process until Eli Whitney's 1794 invention of the cotton gin, a groundbreaking mechanical device that transformed the cotton separation process, revolutionizing cotton fabric production.

Before machines, skilled human hands delicately handled defoliation, removing leaves from cotton plants. Then, a super-efficient machine takes center stage, doing the work of 50 people, eliminating contaminants, and gracefully bundling purified cotton fibers into bales.

Efficient automated cotton gins are like speed demons, processing a whopping 60 raw cotton bales, each weighing 500 pounds, in just one hour. Not only do these gins expertly extract seeds from cotton bolls, but they also play cleanup, whisking away any dirt or trash from the cotton.

After thorough cleaning, once cotton boasts pure, seed-free fibers, it makes its way to a textile production hub. Here, the raw cotton undergoes carding, shaping fibers into lengthy strands. From there, these strands gracefully transform into yarn, setting the stage for the next steps in crafting exquisite cotton textiles.

Now, the essential material for cotton fabrics is ready. This cotton yarn undergoes diverse chemical treatments and may be dyed. From there, it takes on its final form, skillfully woven into specific textile wonders – be it a cozy bedsheet, a classic T-shirt, or a pair of timeless blue jeans.

What are the different types of cotton fabric?

Cotton fabric is crafted from four distinct cotton plant species, each giving rise to various sub-varieties of the fabric.

Gossypium Hirsutum

The most extensively cultivated variety of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, dominates 90 percent of global cotton production and is indigenous to Central America and regions surrounding the Caribbean Sea. Traded worldwide, it thrives in diverse climates, but as a short-staple (SS) fiber, it falls short in quality compared to other textile fibers.

Gossypium Barbadense

Gossypium barbadense, an extra-long-staple (ELS) cotton, yields longer fibers, resulting in softer and more luxurious textiles. Representing eight percent of global cotton production, this type is notably pricier than Gossypium hirsutum. Indigenous to South America, it has been globally exported, with Pima cotton, a variant of Gossypium barbadense, cultivated in countries like China and India.

Gossypium Arboretum

Unlike most cotton varieties that grow on small bushes, Gossypium arboretum thrives on larger bushes almost resembling trees, constituting less than 2 percent of global cotton production.

Gossypium herbaceum

Known as Levant cotton, this fiber, native to Africa and Arabia, constitutes less than 2 percent of global cotton cultivation.

What are the uses of cotton?

Ever checked your clothing labels and marveled at the array of fabrics? Many owe their origin to cotton fibers, the unsung hero behind plush velvet, rugged denim, and cozy flannel. In the vast apparel industry, cotton plays a crucial role in crafting everything from leisure wear to bed linens, often giving us that soft and comfy feeling we cherish.

Can cotton be recycled?

Yes!

Recycled cotton, whether from pre-, post-industrial, or post-consumer textiles, is a sustainable marvel, reborn into new textile products. Post-industrial sources encompass fabric waste from garment manufacturing, known as clips or scraps. On the other hand, pre-consumer cotton involves finished garments deemed unsellable, encompassing default goods or overstock, while post-consumer cotton consists of worn garments no longer suitable for reuse.

Let's Make Cotton Last

Cotton has had its share of love and hate. As consumers of products made from it, let's take care of them to extend their longevity to limit its overconsumption of them.