Cotton (overview)
A seed-hair fibre from the cotton plant and the most common natural fibre in clothing. It's soft, breathable and absorbent. Quality depends mostly on staple length and how the yarn is spun.
How it’s made
- 1Bolls are harvested and ginned to separate fibre (lint) from seed.
- 2Fibres are cleaned and carded. Better yarns are also combed to remove short fibres.
- 3Spun (ring-spun or open-end), then knitted (jersey, terry) or woven (poplin, twill, denim).
What to look for
- Long-staple varieties (Pima, Supima, Giza, Sea Island) for smoother, stronger fabric
- Combed, ring-spun yarn
- Fabric weight (GSM) that suits the garment
Pros
- Soft and breathable
- Comfortable next to skin
- Easy care
Cons
- Absorbs sweat and dries slowly, so it's poor for running
- Can shrink
- Conventional farming is chemical- and water-intensive
Typical use
- Running:
- Best avoided for hard efforts.
- Streetwear:
- Almost everything: tees, sweats, denim, shirts.
Sustainability
Prefer organic, recycled or traceable cotton. Impact varies greatly by region and farming method.