Cotton is made from the natural fibers of cotton plants, which are from the genus Gossypium. They are soft, fluffy staple fibers that grow in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of cotton plants. They are composed of cellulose; a soft and fluffy material.
The cotton plant needs lots of sun, a long period without frost, and a good amount of rain in order to prosper.
Cotton fibers are naturally soft, cool, and known as breathable and absorbent fibers. They hold 24–27 times their own weight in water and are strong, dye absorbent and can stand up against high temperatures.
Cotton is known for natural comfort. It is used to make clothes and homewares, industrial products like tarpaulins, tents, hotel sheets, army uniforms, and even astronauts’ clothing!
Cotton is a plant that needs a long frost-free period, a lot of heat and plenty of sunshine. It prefers warm and humid climates. Cotton seeds will have a small germination rate, if the soil temperature is below 60°F (15°C). During active growth, the ideal air temperature is 70 to 100°F (21-37°C).
Cotton is heat-tolerant. It does not require excessive amounts of water – it uses less water than many other major crops produced. Cotton is sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable; making it an excellent choice as an environmentally-friendly fiber throughout its entire product life cycle.
As cotton is a plant, people use the bark of the root to make medicine. But don’t confuse cotton with cottonseed extract (gossypol)! Cotton is used for nausea, fever, headache, diarrhea, dysentery, nerve pain, and bleeding.
Cotton can be easily processed into a number of products that we use on a daily basis, like coffee filters, book binding, paper, and bandages. Cottonseed oil, which is made from the crushed seeds of cotton plants, is used in a multitude of products including soap, cosmetics, and margarine.
6 Common Uses for Cotton
- Cotton is used to make a variety of woven fabrics, including canvas, denim, damask, flannel, and more.
- They are also used for clothing, and to make bed sheets and towels.
- Cotton is usually used for home decor, such as curtains and sofas.
- The extracted seeds, after being treated, can be used as cottonseed oil.
Features of cotton clothing:
- Cotton is an all-weather textile – it will keep you cool on a hot summer’s day and provide insulation on a cold winter’s day.
- It is hypoallergenic and less toxic than other materials.
- Cotton clothes are comfortable, but shrink and wrinkle easily as they are not too strong.
- As compared to other fabrics, cotton fabric is expensive.