Cotton

Cotton is apparently one of the worst fabrics you can use to create sportswear, and I have found nothing to dispute this reputation in my research of it.

The problem with researching cotton’s properties and characteristics, is that you will find a lot of conflicting information, so today’s fabric post is going to be slightly different to my previous weeks fabric posts, in that I’m going to split it into two lists based on what information was conflicting, and why, and what information was more certain, and why.

Let’s start with the information that was uncertain.

Whether cotton is –

1.…A good fabric choice for warm weather or climates.

Cotton is a natural fibre, which is structurally hollow. On the pros side, this means that it doesn’t trap heat, therefore keeps you cool, and it odour repellant. However, on the cons side, it means that it is neither moisture repellent or wicking, and can actually hold up to 24 -27 times its own weight in moisture. When paired with the fact that bacteria is able to survive on it, at room temperature, for up to 26 days, this makes it a recipe for disaster, as well as some very unpleasant and nasty infections.

2….durable, tear resistant, abrasion resistant, and chemical damage resistant.

3.… Safe to wash at hot temperatures. Though it can be washed either in the washing machine, without the use of a garment bag, or by hand, sources are divided about what temperature you can wash it at. Some claim, that because cotton becomes 30% stronger when wet, it can survive a lot of hot water washes. While others air on the side of caution, and advise that you only wash it at a temperatures below 30°.

4.… Toxic. Apparently, cotton is not toxic, unless you are particularly sensitive to pesticides

5.… Expensive. Is it? I personally thought it was a cheaper material, but I’m probably wrong.

Next, what do we know for sure, about cotton–

1. It has no natural elasticity, so it can be woven to increase, or decrease, its stretchability.

2. It, wears “down” and/or “out” fast, is not UV resistant – not only does its colour fade in sunlight, UV rays actually damage and “age” it. It also won’t protect you from UV rays, as it’s actually absorbs them. And it’s prone to tumble dryer abrasions

3. Finally, it’s best stored flat, in a cool dark place, to prevent creases becoming permanent, and insects been drawn to it by the light.