• Cotton is hypoallergenic meaning it doesn't irritate sensitive skin or cause allergies. It is also good for asthmatics.
     

  • Cotton is very soft, which is why it is particularly favoured for underwear and garments that get close to the skin. The ends of cotton fibres are spun very tightly into the yarn so that the fabric doesn't irritate skin or cause static electricity.
     
  • Cotton is long lasting if well looked after.
     
  • Cotton can be easily blended with other fibres such as synthetics like polyester or lycra.
     
  • Cotton can be given a coating or a finish, so can be used in products like heat-resistant fire fighting uniforms.
     
  • Cotton can be easily dyed various colours.
     
  • Cotton is a good conductor of heat. In other words, it draws heat away from your skin to keep you cool, making it comfortable to wear.
     
  • Cotton breathes, so it is cool to wear.
     
  • Cotton absorbs moisture easily and can take up to one fifth of its weight in water before it actually feels damp.
     
  • Cotton tends not to be affected by sunlight so it can be used for curtains, tents and tarpaulins that receive lots of exposure to the sun.
     
  • Cotton does not contain any chemicals and therefore is a natural product.
     
  • Today, shrinkage is not nearly as bad a problem as it used to be. However, it is still generally a good idea to allow for a little bit of reduction in the overall size of a garment.
     
  • Wash any of your new cotton clothes soon after wearing them for the first time so oils from your skin and dirt don't settle into the fabric.
     
  • If garments you own start to fade, it is most likely that the coloured dye, not the cotton, is starting to lose its quality.