Why cotton?

Basic Cotton Information

COTTON, cool, soft, comfortable, the principal clothing fiber of the world. Its production is one of the major factors in world prosperity and economic stability. Cotton "breathes". What would we do without cotton? Since cotton wrinkles, polyester was added to give it wash and wear properties for a busy world. In recent times, the consumer determined that polyester, although easier to care for, took away the cool from cotton and also added a "pilling" effect to cotton/polyester blends. Consumers now often request "100% Cotton". Permanent finishes also added to the all cotton fabric gave a wash and wear property to cotton. cotton. The cotton fiber is from the cotton plant’s seed pod The fiber is hollow in the center and, under a microscope looks like a twisted ribbon. "Absorbent" cotton will retain 24-27 times its own weight in water and is stronger when wet than dry. This fiber absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, thus allowing the fabric to "breathe". Cotton can stand high temperatures and takes dyes easily. Chlorine bleach can be used to restore white garments to a clear white but this bleach may yellow chemically finished cottons or remove color in dyed cottons. Boiling and sterilizing temperatures can also be used on cotton without disintegration. Cotton can also be ironed at relatively high temperatures, stands up to abrasion and wears well.

Mercerized cotton is treated to permanently straighten the cotton fibers which then becomes a smooth, rod-like fiber that is uniform in appearance with a high luster. Cotton is often blended with other fibers such as polyester, linen, wool, to "blend" the best properties of each fiber.

Cotton is a plant fiber. When ignited it burns with a steady flame and smells like burning leaves. The ash left is easily crumbled. Small samples of burning cotton can be blown out as you would a candle.

Indian Cotton Industry
Indians have known weaving of material from Cotton since 5000 years. The traditional Indian cotton weaving revolves around 'Khadi'. Khadi is a cloth woven by hand using handspun yarn only. Fine cotton fabrics are also referred as Muslin. India has been famous for its ultra fine Muslins in the past. As handspun yarn is used in making Khadi, this activity is mainly carried out in the rural areas of the country. Cotton weaving is the heart and soul of Indian textiles. There are 23 different varieties of cotton found in India and there are about 4 million handlooms producing cotton fabric. Cotton is used in producing a wide range of items like: sari, bed sheets, covers, napkins, shirts, summer wear, tablemats etc. Cotton fabric is very popular in a tropical country like India, because of the soft twist imparted by the hand, maintains the hairiness of the yarn to an extent, which gives maximum comfort. Handlooms producing Khadi weave cotton in such a way that the interlacing of threads provides maximum passage of air to the body, thus creating a cooling effect, making Khadi an ideal summer wear.Every state has its own traditional cotton weaving tradition:
Fine embroidery and appliqué work done on garments, from various parts of Gujarat and mainly from Kutchh is done on cotton fabric.
Cotton is used to create beautiful saris and is an integral part of the sari weaving tradition of India. The tasteful varieties of saris from Chander in Madhya Pradesh are not only produced in silk but also have silk- cotton types.The tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh are also known for their cotton saris or Gamchhas.
The jamdani cotton saris from Tanda and Banaras in Uttar Pradesh are popular. So are the tangail cottons Of West Bengal and Sambalpuri and Vichitrapuri saris of Orissa. These saris come in a variety of colours and traditional motifs inspired by nature.
The city of Hyderabad is known for its ancient cotton weaving tradition. The Venkatgiri fine cotton saris are produced here, which are ideal for summers. These saris are mainly in off-white colour and decorated with dull golden motifs.
Andhra Pradesh is also known for Ponduru Khadi, which is obtained from wild variety of cotton. It is used in shirting and furnishings.
Cotton fabrics from the handlooms from West Bengal, Gujarat, Assam, Rajasthan, Karnatka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra etc are used in creating a variety of items ranging from dress material, shirting, furnishing, hosiery, bedspreads etc.
The craft of weaving cotton fabric in India has achieved the status of small and medium scale industry. It not only caters to the local demands but is also exported to other countries on a large scale. Being eco friendly and 100% natural, the demand for products made out of cotton is on the rise.