Cotton clothing is hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, breathable, and versatile. It is also biodegradable and a renewable resource. Cotton is the best material choice for people with sensitive skin and is widely available at an affordable cost. Organic cotton is even better for the environment.
Cotton clothing has many benefits, but some of the most cited are the hypoallergenic nature of the material and its moisture wicking properties. Fabrics made from cotton are naturally resistant to dust and dust mites, and they’re also non-irritating, which means they won’t aggravate dry skin or cause allergic reactions, even in people prone to skin problems like rashes or eczema. They tend to naturally repel water and sweat, and as a result tend to be highly breathable. The fabric can tolerate very hot water, making it easy to sterilize and can be used for almost any type of clothing. It’s biodegradable and usually doesn’t require a lot of resources to process, and in most cases it’s pretty affordable too.
Allergy and sensitivity issues
Cotton fibers are one of the only natural fibers that practically do not cause allergic reactions and do not irritate human skin. Wool and silk, which often feel soft to the touch, can cause irritation for some people, and synthetic fibers like polyester or fleece can aggravate dry skin by trapping sweat and robbing the skin of its essential oils. As a result, cotton is generally said to be the best material choice for people who suffer from asthma or allergies, as well as anyone with sensitive skin. Many experts recommend that newborns and infants wear only 100% cotton clothing to protect their skin from irritation.
It repels dust too. Cotton materials that have been stored for long periods of time often come out of drawers and cabinets looking as fresh as when they were first put in, at least in terms of dust buildup. They repel fluff and hair in many cases, too.
breathability
Natural fabrics, including cotton, allow for better air circulation, which helps wick moisture away from the body. In hot, sweaty seasons this means cotton moves heat away from the skin and keeps the body cool and dry, but in cooler temperatures it can provide insulation, keeping you cold and wet. These attributes make cotton clothing good for layering and appropriate for all seasons.
Versatility
This material can also be used in almost any context. People wear cotton underwear just as often as they wear cotton pants, jackets, blouses, and hats. It is also easy to dye and mix with other fibers. Cotton is the only fiber that strengthens when wet, and it is the preferred choice in hospitals in most places, as it can withstand high temperatures and be sterilized without wearing down the integrity of the threads or fabric. Cotton is the ideal wash-and-wear fabric, and is also the preferred choice for most firefighter uniforms since it can be coated with flame retardants.
environmental concerns
People who are concerned about the environmental impact of their clothing purchases are often pleased to learn that cotton is biodegradable and a renewable resource. During processing, less than 10% is lost or deemed unusable. Organic cotton is even better: no pesticides are used to grow it, which means fewer chemicals in the environment and less exposure for farmers and manufacturers.
cost and availability
Cotton clothing is widely available in most places. Some mixes and brands are more expensive than others, but it’s also generally an inexpensive option. Cotton fibers are widely available to manufacturers, keeping the cost relatively low. Discounters use it just as often as high-end retailers, and while there are often differences in quality based on material thickness and stitch stiffness, in terms of basic materials, clothing from cotton is usually quite consistent.
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