Cotton

Natural

Plant fibre

The most widely used natural fibre in fashion. Soft, breathable, and versatile — the backbone of everyday apparel from t-shirts to denim.

Origin & Production

Grown from the cotton plant (Gossypium). Major producers include India, China, the USA, and Brazil. Harvested as bolls, then ginned, spun, and woven or knitted.

Key Properties

  • Highly breathable
  • Good moisture absorption
  • Soft hand-feel
  • Durable & machine-washable
  • Takes dye well

Common Uses

T-shirts & jerseysDenim & trousersShirts & blousesUnderwear & basicsKidswear

Sustainability

Conventional cotton is water-intensive (~10,000 L per kg). Organic and BCI-certified options reduce pesticide use and water consumption significantly.

Care Instructions

Washing

Machine wash at 30-40 °C. Dark colours inside-out to prevent fading.

Drying

Tumble dry low or line dry. Remove promptly to reduce wrinkles.

Ironing

Medium-high heat (150-200 °C). Steam helps smooth stubborn creases.

Tips
  • Wash similar colours together
  • Avoid over-drying — cotton shrinks with excessive heat
  • Pre-wash before first wear to remove sizing

See how brands use Cotton

Inside the dashboard, track cotton adoption across brands, view season-over-season trends, and benchmark against competitors.

View Pricing

Quick facts

Classification
Natural
Sub-type
Plant fibre
Key property
Highly breathable
Primary use
T-shirts & jerseys

Other materials