Cotton is one of the most adaptable fibres, making it the most commonly used fabric in the globe. Produced from the fibres of cotton plants, cotton as a textile doesn't contain chemical compounds.
Since its discovery as a textile fibre sometime in 5000 BC, cotton is recognized for being lightweight and breathable. Furthermore, it's renowned for its softness and exceptional heat retention features. It may be less durable than wool and susceptible to tearing and pilling, but it's still one of the popular fabrics globally. Its strength is still accountable for being high tensile for being a natural type of fibre.
Another excellent thing about cotton is it readily absorbs water and can dry quickly. Even if washed in the high heat, this fabric can still drape nicely on whoever wears it.
Uses of Cotton Fabric
About 75 percent of the clothing products around the globe contain amounts of cotton. As a widely used textile fibre in the world, cotton can be used in various products. Textile products include different clothing like t-shirts, hygiene essentials like bathrobes and towels, and home improvements like blankets and bedsheets.
It can even be used for home decorations like curtains, wall hangings, and upholstery fabrics. Along with these, the breathable and absorbent capacity of cotton is now recognized for formal outfits and business wear.
Meanwhile its draping abilities make it an excellent material for dresses. Aside from these consumer products, cotton is also used in some medical products. Furthermore, this fibre also contributes to some industrial products like tarpaulins and threads.
How Expensive is Cotton Fabric?
With these uses and benefits consumers can enjoy from cotton, the next thing is its costing. Compared to other natural and synthetic fibres, cotton is one of the least expensive in the world.
This affordability is another reason why consumers adore this fabric. In 2016, the raw cotton cost about $0.75 per pound. This amount gets relatively higher once it will be converted to yarn. From here, it will be significantly more when they become a cotton product. However, this is still affordable for every customer.
Despite its guaranteed affordability, there are cotton varieties that cost more than the ordinary types. The cheapest cotton types haven't been produced sustainably, while better quality cotton kinds are expected to be more expensive. Extra-long staple pieces of cotton have higher prices. Some of these are Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton. Egyptian cotton is the longest and most costly in all cotton varieties. Pima cotton is known for being the most durable form of cotton.
Both of these are costly for manufacturers to produce and costs more to the consumer level. On the other hand, the shorter staple ones are the less expensive types. These are cotton types that are not that soft, yet it is still great for everyday use. For those looking for the best cotton fabrics, the Yorkshire Fabric Shop is the best place to check out. With its array of cotton fabrics, everyone can indeed find the cotton fabric that will suit their needs and preferences.