cotton
A manufactured product of such a substance:
cotton: plant fiber that built the textile industry
Cotton is a natural cellulose fiber harvested from the seed pods of the cotton plant, Gossypium species. The fiber grows as a protective fuzz around seeds inside the boll, and when mature, the plant is harvested either mechanically or by hand. The raw fiber is then ginned, which separates the lint from the seeds and debris, leaving clean staple fiber ready for spinning.
The physical properties that make cotton valuable in textiles are its length, strength, and absorbency. Staple lengths range from short-staple varieties around 20 millimeters to long-staple types like Pima cotton at 35 millimeters or more. Longer fibers produce stronger, finer yarn with better luster. Cotton's ability to absorb moisture up to 27 percent of its dry weight without feeling wet makes it comfortable for apparel and ideal for terry towels and denim.
Grades, counts, and processing paths
Raw cotton is graded by color, leaf content, staple length, and strength before sale. Once graded, the fiber is carded and combed to align fibers and remove remaining impurities, then drawn and twisted into yarn of specific counts. A cotton count number reflects yarn fineness, expressed in hanks per pound of singles yarn. Cotton yarns used in denim might be 10s to 14s count; fine shirting uses 40s to 100s.
Cotton fabric types vary by weave and finish. Plain weave produces percale and muslin; twill weave creates the diagonal pattern in denim; sateen uses a satin weave structure. Mercerization, a caustic treatment that swells the fiber and increases luster and dye uptake, is common in dress fabrics and knits. Sanforization controls shrinkage by mechanical compaction of the fabric.
The fiber's main limitation is its relatively low resilience; cotton clothing wrinkles easily and loses strength when wet if not properly finished. Blending with polyester increases wrinkle recovery and drying speed. Cotton production concentrates in warm climates with adequate water and labor; India, China, and the United States are the largest producers. The fiber remains the world's most widely used natural textile material.