Cotton Clothing Guide
Cotton is a natural cellulose fibre harvested from the soft bolls surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant. It is one of the most widely used clothing fibres because it is comfortable, washable and suitable for many constructions.
Benefits of cotton
- Breathability: cotton allows air to move through the fabric and feels comfortable against the skin.
- Absorbency: it takes up moisture readily, useful in shirts and underwear, although it can dry more slowly than wool or synthetic fibres.
- Versatility: cotton can be woven into poplin, Oxford cloth, twill, denim, corduroy and moleskin, or knitted into jersey and sweatshirt fabric.
- Easy care: many cotton garments can be machine washed, subject to the individual care label.
Pima cotton
Pima cotton is grown from long-staple cotton varieties. Longer fibres can be spun into smoother, finer yarns, often giving knitwear and shirts a softer handle and cleaner surface.
Organic cotton
Certified organic cotton is grown without genetically modified seed and without conventional synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. Farming standards vary, so recognised certification is more reliable than a general environmental claim. Organic cotton can be used in exactly the same clothing categories as conventional cotton.
Cotton in the Livingston range
- Barbour Pima Cotton V-Neck Pullover
- Seidensticker Chambray Cotton Shirt
- Brax Cooper Jeans
- Bugatti Polo Shirt
- Seidensticker shirts, Olymp shirts and Eterna shirts
Care
Follow the label because cotton shrinkage and colour loss depend on the weave, dye and finishing treatment. Wash dark colours separately, avoid excessive heat and reshape knitwear before drying.
Continue with Denim, Corduroy, Moleskin or return to the Natural Plant Fibres Guide.