Cotton, The Wonder Fabric

Cotton, The Wonder Fabric

The world uses cotton more than any other natural fiber and it is primarily grown and used to make cloth. Because cotton is a natural product and because of the way it is designed and manufactured into clothing, it has many advantages, such as its ability to control moisture, insulate, provide comfort and it is also hypoallergenic, weatherproof and is a durable fabric.

Cotton fabric can be washed in any temperature water, but the higher temperatures (although they may cause the fabric to shrink) are better for getting stains out. After washing cotton, it can be tumble-dried, but should be promptly removed from the dryer and either folded or hung to avoid excess wrinkling. Cotton fabric can also be ironed on high temperatures making it very forgiving. Some of the important features of Cotton are:

Moisture Control

Cotton fabric is breathable and transmits moisture away from the body and is absorbent and removes liquid from the skin, like a towel, according to Cotton Incorporated. Cotton allows you to remain comfortable as you exercise, keeping moisture from building up between your skin and clothing. The International Forum for Cotton Promotion states that cotton can take up to one-fifth of its weight in water before feeling damp.

Insulation

Cotton clothing protects against from heat in the summer and cold in the winter by providing thermal insulation as the cotton fabric traps air between the fabric fibers. The cotton fibers in clothing hold the fabric away from the skin, further allowing for more air to be trapped between the skin and fabric which helps with insulation and comfort.

Hypoallergenic

Cotton fabric rarely causes allergic reactions and wearing cotton is often recommended for those with skin allergies, notes Cotton Incorporated. Because cotton is hypoallergenic and does not irritate skin, it is used in medical products like bandages and gauze, and is the fabric of choice when it comes to baby clothing.

Weatherproof

Cotton fabrics can easily be manufactured into weather-resistant garments through construction and finishing of the fabric. For example, cotton can be made into a tight, dense fabric with a weather-repellent finish to make weather resistant clothing, yet the cotton fabric retains its comfort and breathability.

Comfort

Cotton clothing is soft and easily stretches, making it a comfortable fabric to wear. Due to its softness and comfort, it is often used in underwear and undershirts, according to the International Forum for Cotton Promotion.

Durability

Cotton has a high tensile strength, making it strong, durable and less likely to rip or tear. It is 30 percent stronger when wet, withstanding many washings in hot water.

In nutshell, There are many advantages to working with cotton fabric:
- It’s absorbent
- It’s breathable
- It doesn’t stain easily
- It resists static
- It has a soft touch
- It can withstand high heat
- It’s inexpensive

Before choosing to work with cotton, keep in mind a few of the disadvantages:
- Cotton is not wrinkle resistant.
- Cotton fades in sunlight.
- Cotton dries slowly.
- Cotton is prone to shrinking and stretching.

Sarees: Continuing the Traditional Wear Legacy

Sarees: Continuing the Traditional Wear Legacy

Sarees are traditional wear for women in India and other South Asian countries. They are worn in different draping styles in various parts of the sub-continent, with blouses or cholis as upper garments. 

Sarees are worn as daily wear and also as garments for special occasions depending on the design and the kind of fabric they are made of. Those with simpler designs and less detailing are usually worn as daily wear, while those made of materials like silk, chiffon and georgette with more designing are worn for special occasions. 

The simple sarees take lesser time, effort and raw materials as compared to those with lots of designing and detailing. They undergo a lengthy process of weaving, dyeing and stitching, printing, embroidering or zari work. Crafted artistically in such painstaking manner, sarees with heavy designing are luxuriously priced and yet stay in demand.

From marriage ceremonies to parties and home to office sarees have been a classic wear among women. A plain cotton sari with a beautiful zari border or a silk sari printed with abstract art paired with matching blouses will give you the classic-beauty look. You can go for the light material sarees and drape them in the low-rise style if you are looking for something unorthodox. Get to choose from a huge collection of sarees in various materials and designs by visiting Landmark Designer Studio, your stop shop for Indian Ethnic Wear.