BENEFITS OF COTTON

Have Fun Discovering The Mystery

Pleae note. This Is A Long Read

When it comes to our well-being, we prioritize quality over shortcuts. Maintaining good health, nurturing a balanced diet, and ensuring restful sleep are essential elements of a fulfilling life. Cotton plays a vital role in facilitating some of these aspects. While both natural and synthetic fibers can be utilized in similar products, they possess distinct characteristics. For instance, a wool sweater will perform somewhat differently from an acrylic one despite its similar appearance and feel. This variation arises from the unique fiber composition of each material. In the following table, we have provided a comparative analysis of the properties of natural and synthetic fibers, allowing you to determine which option best meets your needs.

QUALITIES

NATURAL FIBER

SYNTHETIC FIBER

Absorbency

Very Absorbent

Not Absorbent

Breathability

Very Breathable

Not Breathable

Durability

Not as durable as synthetic Fiber

More durable than natural Fibers

Dye Suitability

Easy to dye

Not easy to dye

Feel of the Fabric

Cool in warm weather and warm in cold. A soft, comfortable feel

Can feel cold, clammy, and a little clinical

Hypoallergenic

Does not cause allergic reactions

Chemicals within the Fiber can cause allergic reactions

Impurities

Can contain dust particles that can be woven into the fabric or become

Free from impurities and not prone to collecting dust

Mold and Mildew

Can suffer from mold and mildew

Mold and mildew-resistant

Fiber Origine

Plants and animals

Oil-based and completely man-made

Cotton: A Hypoallergenic Choice

Choosing the right clothing can be a challenge for individuals with sensitive skin, but cotton is a reassuring choice. Its natural composition means you can wear it with confidence. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which can irritate the skin regardless of allergy sensitivities, cotton is hypoallergenic and gentler on the skin, providing the reassurance you need.

Stay Comfortable in Summer with Cotton Fabrics

Navigating the summer heat can be frustrating, especially when dressing for work or outdoor events with strict dress codes. Clothing often becomes uncomfortable in the sweltering heat, leading to sticky and damp situations. Fortunately, cotton offers a simple solution. Its breathable nature helps to keep you cool, even during the hottest days. Additionally, cotton is easy to wash and does not generate static cling, allowing you to maintain a stylish and practical wardrobe.

The Natural Advantage of Cotton Over Synthetic Fibers

What sets cotton apart is its natural origin. Unlike synthetic materials such as polyester, made from petroleum—a resource also used for fuel—cotton is cultivated directly from the earth. This plant-based fiber is sustainably grown rather than produced in factories or derived from fossil fuels. Similarly, rayon, made from wood pulp, undergoes a chemically intensive process that can pose health risks to workers. There have been numerous reports of occupational hazards within the rayon industry, leading to unsafe working conditions and even fatalities. Furthermore, many rayon production sites in the U.S. are classified as hazardous waste areas, and sourcing trees for rayon poses risks to ancient and endangered forests. Thus, choosing cotton benefits your skin and supports more sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

The Natural Superiority of Cotton Over Synthetic Fibers

Most recycled cotton is processed through mechanical recycling methods. Initially, fabrics and textiles are categorized based on their color. Once sorted, these materials are fed into a machine that breaks them down into yarn and raw fiber.

Cotton’s Biodegradability

100% cotton is highly biodegradable, decomposing 50-77% within three months in large-scale composting environments. This natural process replenishes the soil with carbon, enriching its quality. In contrast, polyester, composed of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), a prevalent plastic, breaks down much slower in similar conditions. Additionally, plastics like PET often contain harmful additives that can negatively impact the environment if discarded improperly or during recycling.

Cotton’s Absence of Microplastics

You might have encountered the term “microfibers,” which refers to the minuscule fibers that shed from clothes during regular use and are released into our water systems when washed. These clothing microfibers can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and the food chain. Microplastics, a broader category that includes polyester microfibers, persist in marine environments due to their resistance to biodegradation. Hand washing synthetic garments, particularly polyester ones, significantly contaminates rivers and oceans with microplastics. These microplastics often carry harmful chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens. When ingested by marine life, microplastics can lead to severe developmental health issues.

In a recent Cotton Incorporated study, a polyester sample showed only minimal degradation, while a 100% cotton sample disintegrated by 76% in wastewater over 250 days. For context, rayon showed a deterioration of 60% in the same conditions, while polyester only broke down by 4%.

To help mitigate the microplastic crisis, one effective strategy is to transition to cotton clothing and bedding. Reducing our reliance on synthetic fabrics makes it easier to decrease the influx of microplastics into our waterways.