History
Cotton refers to the seed fiber of the cotton plant (Gossypium), a member of the mallow family. This natural plant fiber grows from the seed hair of the cotton plant. After the plant flowers, the ovary inside the calyx develops into an elongated capsule. Once matured, the capsule bursts open, releasing the seed fibers.
The longer seed fibers are known as lint, while the shorter seed hairs that appear a few days after flowering are called linters. Only the long fibers are spun into fine threads and used for textile production. Linters, on the other hand, are primarily used to produce other cellulose-based products.
A single cotton capsule contains around 30 seeds, with each seed producing between 2,000 and 7,000 fibers. The cotton plant’s height can range from about 10 inches to over 6.5 feet, depending on the variety, climate, and cultivation methods. In most regions, cotton is grown as an annual shrub, but in parts of Peru and northern Brazil, perennial cotton shrubs can survive for up to 15 years.
Cotton plants typically take between 175 and 225 days from planting to maturity. The crop thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring abundant water during the early growing stages and warm temperatures as it matures. However, farming techniques vary significantly from country to country.
The Cotton Harvest
In the vast cotton fields of the southern United States, large-scale, high-tech machinery—sometimes even low-flying planes—are used for chopping, sawing, picking, and pest control. In many developing countries, cotton is still harvested manually, often with the help of oxen or buffalo.
Hand-picking cotton has advantages in terms of quality, as only the fully ripened, bright white fiber tufts are selected, while underdeveloped capsules remain on the plant for further maturation. In contrast, mechanical harvesting collects an entire field’s yield at once, typically after artificial defoliation via chemical spraying.
Once harvested, cotton is dried and left to mature for about 30 days before undergoing ginning—a process that separates the fibers from the seeds. Out of 100 kilograms of raw cotton, only about 35 kilograms of usable fiber is obtained, with the remainder consisting of seeds and waste. The fiber is then compressed into bales weighing over 200 kilograms for transportation, storage, and processing at spinning mills.
The Long History of Cotton
Cotton has been cultivated for thousands of years. The earliest known evidence of cotton textiles was discovered in caves in Mexico, dating back approximately 7,000 years. Around the same time, cotton was also used in China, and both the Incas and the Mayans were familiar with cotton and its applications in textile production.
By 800 BCE, Arab merchants introduced cotton to Europe. Eventually, English traders brought cotton seeds to North America, where large plantations were established. During this period, enslaved laborers were forced to work under brutal conditions to optimize production, a system that continued until the development of automated cotton-harvesting machinery in the United States and Europe.
Cotton in the Textile Industry
The Industrial Revolution, along with the invention of the spinning machine and mechanical loom, transformed cotton production, making it possible to spin and weave fibers on a massive scale. The breakthrough came with the invention of the cotton gin, which significantly increased efficiency.
By 1900, cotton accounted for approximately 80% of the global textile market. However, throughout the 20th century, synthetic fibers like polyester emerged as competitors. Despite this, cotton remains a staple in the textile industry due to its unique properties. Today, cotton makes up about one-third of all fibers used in textile manufacturing.
Major cotton-producing regions include India, China, the United States, and parts of Africa. Even with the rise of synthetic materials, cotton continues to be the most widely used natural fiber in the textile industry.
Properties
Cotton fabrics are highly absorbent, soaking up moisture, salts, sebum, and acids. Even after absorbing 20% of their weight in water, they still feel dry to the touch and won’t start dripping until they reach over 65% saturation. Cotton products are also incredibly easy to clean since they become even stronger and more tear-resistant when wet compared to when they’re dry. Additionally, cotton is gentle on the skin, soft, flexible, and naturally resistant to moths.
One of the key benefits of cotton is its exceptional softness and smooth texture, making it incredibly comfortable to wear. Cotton products can also withstand high-temperature washing and ironing, which is important for hygiene. However, one drawback is that cotton lacks elasticity, making it prone to wrinkling and shrinking in the wash. While it doesn’t provide much insulation, cotton is highly breathable and comfortable in various climates. Another advantage is that it does not felt or build up static electricity.
Care Tips
White cotton fabrics should be washed with an all-in-one detergent. For colored cotton fabrics, use a mild detergent or one without optical brighteners, and minimize the use of fabric softener, as it can reduce the cotton’s absorbency. Hot wash items can be washed at temperatures up to 203°F, colored fabrics up to 140°F, and delicate colors up to 104°F. Additionally, avoid leaving cotton items damp for too long.
Important Notes
After washing, cotton can be gently stretched both lengthwise and widthwise and is best air-dried on a clothesline. Be cautious when using a tumble dryer, as cotton may shrink. White cotton should not be dried in direct sunlight, as the brighteners in the detergent can lead to yellowing. Damp cotton can be ironed at a high heat setting (level 3) or with a steam iron. For blended fabrics, use a lower temperature to prevent synthetic fibers from melting, which can cause brittleness and loss of elasticity.
Conclusion
Cotton is one of the most essential raw materials in textile production and remains the most widely used natural fiber worldwide. Thanks to its numerous advantages, cotton is incredibly versatile and is used across the textile industry for a wide range of products. From sweaters, cardigans, shirts, pants, jeans, and blouses to baby clothes, towels, bedding, workwear, tablecloths, home textiles, and underwear—the applications are nearly limitless. Cotton is found in almost every textile product. To enhance its qualities, it is often blended with other natural or synthetic fibers or undergoes specialized treatments, such as wrinkle-resistant finishing. Despite the rise of synthetic fibers, cotton continues to be a dominant force in the textile market, maintaining its status as the most sought-after natural fiber.
