When looking for a material that is affordable, breathable and durable, most people will instantly think of cotton. It is an everyday part of our lives, from the clothes we wear to the towels we use, and has been for longer than you might think; in fact, there is evidence that cotton may have been woven into cloth as early as 3000BC in Pakistan. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Egyptian natives were setting a trend that we still abide by today – wearing cotton clothing. What is it about cotton that makes it so popular today?
How is it made?
One of the great things about the cotton plant is that it is all used when making cotton cloth. The fibre itself is used to make up the cloth, which is then woven into clothes, home items and more; meanwhile, the fine, silky fibres known as linters are used in a variety of ways, from plastics and explosives to components in high-quality paper products.
Advantages of cotton
Once the world had ‘cottoned on’ to the benefits of using cotton in crafting and weaving, it became a worldwide commodity. Cotton is the top cash crop in the United States, producing an estimated $5.3bn (£2.7bn) a year in sales of goods and services.
The reason behind this is quite clear: the material is not only durable and versatile but also offers a range of benefits not commonly found in other materials. Aside from being tough, it is particularly renowned for its breathable nature and is highly absorbent. The overall effect is that it transmits moisture away from the skin and absorbs any excess moisture on the body, meaning the wearer does not need to worry about overheating. This is particularly important if you are holidaying in Kas Villa Rental accommodation such as those found at https://kas4villarentals.com in hot countries such as Turkey and Spain. You should ensure that you take plenty of cool clothing with you when holidaying in these countries.
Give it a try
Do you fancy giving cotton a try in your next dressmaking or crafting project? It is an excellent material for both beginners and experts, with cotton poplin fabrics the most popular choice. Poplin is a tightly-woven fabric primarily used for making clothes. Traditional stores and online stockists can provide everything you need when it comes to quality fabrics, patterns and accessories.