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The world of Natural fibers: Important facts about cotton

cotton natural fibre Akos Creative 1 edited

Natural cotton fibers are soft, white, fluffy materials that grow in a boll. Basically, the white cotton bolls grow in a protective capsule around the seeds. So, this is how the cotton plant look. Now, cotton is grows from a primarily of cellulose plant. Also, it physically has a natural curvature that gives it elasticity. 

Poeple all around the world use natural fibre.

Key properties of cotton

Natural fibers cotton are also highly absorbs moisture This means, cotton have strength. As result, cotton fibres are the ideal material for use in clothing, bedding, and other textile products. 

How quality is determined in cotton fibers

Did you know that the length and quality of natural cotton fibres can vary depending on the type of cotton plant? This is because factors such as the growing conditions can affect the length of natural cotton fibers. Moreso, with longer fibers, they are generally considered to be higher in quality.

The world’s highest producer of cotton

In fact, natural fibers cotton is a warm-climate crop and it grows in many parts of the world. Some of the countries where cotton grows include, the United States, India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, and Egypt. Additionally, the cotton plant is most stuited to subtropical climate. This type of climate usually has longer hot summers. More so, the season have lots of sunshine. 

Climates most suited to the cultivation of cotton

Climates most suited for growing natural fibres cotton tend to have warmer seasons. It is therefore not surprising that the countries we identified tend to have warmer regions. As such, they are most suitable for the mass growth of cotton plants.

Natural cotton fibres therefore thrives well in hot temperate regions. In addition to warm temperatures, cotton also requires well-drained soil and plenty of water to grow. 

The type of soil for growing natural cotton fibers is important. As result, cotton is commonly grown in regions with fertile soil. These regions usually have moderate rainfalls as well.

So, although irrigation is often necessary in drier areas, rainfall determines growth of cotton plants. So, the largest natural cotton-producing countries are therefore China, India, and the United States.

Common use of cotton fibres

The common use of cotton are basically things you see around your home. In fact, cotton fibers are good for everyday items because cotton is sof, breathable, and durable. Some of the most common items made from cotton include:

Nigerian Kaftan blue colour outfit worn by men is made from polished cotton Akos Creative

Nigerian Kaftan outfit worn by men is made from polished cotton Akos Creative

1. Clothing: Shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, and underwear are commonly made from cotton. This is because natural cotton fibers are give most comfort and versatility. African wax print fabric are a good example of textiles mainly woven from cotton fibers.

In my design studio, I rescue fabric off cuts from clothes manufature, to make beautiful lightweight earrings. So, sustainable fashion and jewellery making goes together.

I have dedicated an entire post to our versatile and mesmerizing African cotton fabric. I have provided the link at the end of this read.

2. Bedding: Sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and duvet covers are often made from cotton to provide a soft and breathable sleeping experience.

3. Towels: You will find home and living items such as bath towels, hand towels, and wash cloths in natural cotton fibers. In fact, they tend to be most absorbent and also have quick-drying properties.

4. Home décor: Curtains, tablecloths, and napkins feature natural cotton fibers too. So, you will find that, they are mostly durable and easy to maintain.

Cotton fibers for medical and industrial use

5. Medical textiles: Cotton is used in many medical textiles, including bandages and gauze, due to its hypoallergenic properties and absorbency.

6. Industrial textiles: Natural Cotton fibre help in industrial textiles industries. These include canvas tarps and work uniforms, due to its strength and durability.

Overall, natural cotton fibers is a versatile material. As result a wide range of products utilise cotton due to its softness, absorbency, and durability.

Now, read more about our infamous African wax print fabric. You will learn about how many variations there are in Ghana wax print textiles alone.

Discover common cotton blends available today

Like in other things, a blend of a particular product enhances the original quality. Similarly, other fibers with different properties improveds the quality of natural fibers such as cotton.

So, natural cotton fibre blends help to improve the properties of cotton fabric. Here are some examples of cotton fiber blends:

1. Cotton-polyester blend: This is a common blend of cotton and polyester fibers. It combines the softness and breathability of cotton with the strength and durability of polyester.

2. Cotton-Linen blend: This blend combines the softness and moisture-wicking properties of cotton with the crisp and cool feel of linen. It is often used for summer clothing.

3. Cotton-Nylon blend: This blend combines the comfort of cotton with the strength and abrasion resistance of nylon. It is often used in outdoor and performance clothing.

More cotton blend types available today

4. Cotton-Bamboo blend: This blend combines the softness and absorbency of natural cotton fibers, with the natural anti-microbial properties of bamboo. It is often used in towels, bedding, and activewear.

5. Cotton-Spandex blend: This blend combines the comfort of cotton with the stretch and recovery of spandex. Fashion such as activewear, jeans, and other clothing need to be flexible. So, cotton-spandex blend is best for these types of outfits.

Overall, cellulose cotton fibre blends can enhance the over all quality of natural cotton. This is because, the mix of fibres enhance the properties. The process in turn are beneficial for various types of clothing and textiles. Check out some really cool jackets made in Australia and using African wax print fabrics.

A female model wearing blue and green African bomber jacket made from cotton fabruc by Akos Creative.

 

Why must people wear cotton over other fibres?

People all ove the world like to wear cotton textiles. The main reason for this, cotton is accessible. For example, I grew up in Accra Ghana, where cotton clothing is part of our staple fashion textiles. Cotton is the most versatile and easily accessible fabric material I have ever known. Perhaps, that is why I am crazy about it.

You know what, I believe that people do not necessarily have to wear cotton over other fibers. Not necessarily, as different fibers have different properties and can be suitable for different purposes. 

However, cotton is a popular choice for clothing and other textiles for several reasons:

1. Cotton fibres are soft and supple: Cotton is a very soft and comfortable material. It is therefore ideal for clothing that is worn next to the skin. This is because, the fibers allow most air around them which is why they feel cool to wear.

2. Why cotton is so breathable: Cotton fibers are very breathable because of the fiber structure. The natural fibers formation allows air to circulate. This therefore makes cotton an ideal textile for warm and humid climates.

More reasons why you must wear natural cotton fibers

Here are more reasons why you must wear natural cotton fibers.

3. Natural cotton fibers absorbs moisture very well: As result, cotton tends to keep your body dry always: Cotton has a high absorbency rate. Because of this quality, coton is comfortable to wear during physical activities. For instance, bomber jackets as an active wear easily wicks away moisture from the body.

Additionally the breathable nature allows air which cools down the body. Cotton is therefore the best textiles for summer and warmer climates.

4. Durability: Natural cotton fiber is a strong and durable material that can withstand wear and tear. For this reason, cotton such as African wax print fabric are better choice for most clothing. This is especially so, if the clothes will need frequent washing before wearing them.

Because of the strength of cotton, I chose African wax print textiles.

Because of the strength of cotton, I chose African wax print textiles. I use them for fashion and accessories including this unisex bomber jacket, African tote bags and recently table runners.

5. Versatility: Cotton is a versatile material for weaving nto many different types of fabrics. This includes apperrals from lightweight to heavy-duty.

6. Hypoallergenic: Cotton is a natural material that is less likely to cause skin irritations or allergies. In fact, synthetic fibers can irritate some sensitive skin. So, if you have sensitive skin, choose cotton clothing.

Conclusion

Overall, cotton offers a combination of comfort, breathability, durability, and versatility. Because of these qualities, cotton remains a popular choice for clothing and other textiles.

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