Think of a corduroy jacket. Women can slip it over a sweater when the weather’s crisp, or pair it with their best pair of jeans for weekends and office. For men, a corduroy sport coat works well on weekends and for the casual work-days. However, both can even team it with a favorite long sleeve cotton t-shirt and dark jeans for a chic, casual look, or with a crisp white cotton dress shirt and dark trousers for a more sophisticated style.
Winter is also the perfect time for lightweight cotton sweaters. For those who are wary of experimenting, try the cotton cardigan and turtleneck sweater. On the other hand, the fashion daredevil sirens can be exotic and runway ready by matching a turtleneck tunic with loud tights, or sheer black leggings and finishing the look with a long necklace and ankle-length booties.
The point is, no matter who you are and what your taste, cotton sweaters will find a way into your wardrobe.
Monsoon
Cotton makes good rainwear as well. While synthetic apparel may dry faster, they do not allow the skin to breathe. A combination of wet clothes and skin is a good breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections.
And it’s not just about seasons and weather. Throughout the year, cotton adapts well to eastern and western wear, formal and casual. This is because cotton has immense variety in textures and types of finishes that can be stitched to suit different needs. For instance Diaper cloth is a twill, dobby or plain-woven absorbent cotton. Dimity is sheer, thin, white or printed fabric with lengthwise cords, stripes or checks. Drill is a strong-twilled cotton fabric, used in men’s and women’s slacks. Duck is a heavy, durable tightly woven fabric. Heavy weight drill is used in awnings, tents, etc. Lighter Duck is used in summer clothing. Flannel cotton is a plain or twill weave with a slight nap on one or both sides. Flannelette is a soft cotton fabric with a nap on one side. Gauze is a sheer, lightly woven fabric similar to cheesecloth. Gingham is a lightweight, washable, stout fabric that is woven in checks, plaids or stripes. Lawn is a plain weave, soft, very light, combed cotton fabric with a crisp finish. Muslin is a sheer to coarse, plain, woven cotton fabric. Muslin comes in a "natural" colour or is dyed. Organdy is very thin, transparent cotton with a crisp finish. Outing Flannel is a soft, twill or plain weave fabric napped on both sides. Used much for baby clothes, diapers, and sleepwear. Oxford is shirting fabric with a lustrous, soft finish. It is characterised with narrow stripes and can be woven in plain or basket weave. It is also a term used for wool fabric that has black and white fibres. Percale is a light-weight, closely woven, sturdy fabric that can be found printed in dark colours. Polished Cotton is either satin weave cotton or plain weave cotton that is finished chemically to appear shiny. Poplin is a plain weave fabric with a cross-wise rib. Sailcloth is a very strong, heavy canvas or duck made in plain weave. Sateen is a satin weave cotton fabric. Seersucker is a lightweight cotton fabric crinkled into lengthwise stripes. Swiss is sheer; very fine cotton that can be plain or decorated with dots or other designs. Terry cloth is a looped pile fabric that is either woven or knitted. Very absorbent and used for towels and bath linen. French terry cloth is looped on one side and sheared pile on the other. Velveteen is an all cotton pile fabric with short pile resembling velvet. Whipcord is a strong fabric with a diagonal round cords that can also be produced in wool.
Not just this, cotton can be easily blended with other fibres such as synthetics like Polyester or Lycra for greater styling effects. It can be easily dyed because of its highly absorbent property and tends not to be affected by sunlight so it can be used for curtains, tents and tarpaulins as well. Importantly, cotton has a naturally textured surface that makes it an effective cleanser. And the fibre can withstand high temperatures; it can be sterilized.
Remember, with cotton you are limited just by your imagination and your panache for carrying certain kinds of styles.
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