A Guide To: Cotton

Cotton is an incredibly versatile fabric that is naturally grown from cotton plants (Gossypium). The term 'cotton' refers to the part of the plant that grows in the boll.

It's made up of varying lengths of fibers which are spun into yarn and then woven together to give it that soft, breathable and durable character we all know and love.

Cotton is used in a vast variety of garments such as:
  • Underwear
  • Denim
  • T-shirts
  • Hoodies
  • Outerwear 
Some benefits of cotton include:
  • Comfort & breathability - It keeps you cold in the summer and adds warmth through the winter periods.
  • No microplastics - Unlike synthetic materials, cotton doesn't release any microplastics when washed due to it being a natural fibre.
  • Durability - Cotton actually gets stronger when it gets wet. It has the ability to absorb water 24-27 times it's own weight.
  • No wastage - The advantage of cotton is that non of the plant is wasted when used. The seeds can be used to feed animals and make cottonseed oil. The stalks are tilled back into the soil after usage.
  • Extremely versatile - There are thousands of types of cotton available coming varying weights and thicknesses. Denim, corduroy, suede, chino, jersey and poplin are just a few examples you may have heard of.
  • Non-allergenic - Cotton fabric is highly recommended for those with sensitive skin. It doesn't cause skin allergies which is why it's used in things like bandages and gauze. To avoid unnecessary chemicals, opt for an organic cotton.
  • Compostable - Cotton is 100% biodegradable and compostable. Untreated cotton generally takes around 6 months or less to break down. Cotton blends and treated fabrics will take a little longer.

Ringspun Cotton

Ringspun cotton is where the yarn has been twisted and thinned even more than your standard cotton. The weave of the yarn is tighter and stronger which creates a softer and even more durable fabric.

Ringspun cotton is perceived as a higher quality fabric and is commonly used for garments such as:
  • T-shirts 
  • Hoodies
  • Sweatshirts

Combed Cotton

Combed cotton has the same spinning and weaving process except fine combs are run through the cotton during the carding stage (this is before it's made into yarn).

Combing the cotton removes any impurities and shorter fabrics leaving behind the purest cottton to be used during the spinning process. 

By only using the highest quality cotton and the longest fibres, it allows for a tighter fabric. This means the fabric is less likely to fray.

The extra combing process adds value and cost to this cloth making it what is commonly referred to as a 'premium' fabric. 

Brushed Cotton

Brushed cotton is basically the exact opposite process to combed cotton.

Combed cotton removes the short fibres leaving on longer strand behind. Alternatively, brushed cotton uses those exact short fibres to create a soft, luxurious fuzz to the material. 

The cotton is brushed on one side and is commonly referred to flannelette (flannel is brushed on both sides of the cotton). It's commonly found in garments like t-shirts and shirts.