Cotton, soft as a baby’s touch!

Chambray and denim are really French imports.

Linen is made from the flax plant, while cotton comes from the cotton plant.

Cottonseed oil is cholesterol-free.

Cotton is grown globally more than any other non-edible crop.

Cotton knit sweaters and tee-shirts should be rolled and placed in a suitcase to prevent wrinkling.

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Cotton for Everyone

Just why is cotton so incredibly popular? Its fibers are highly porous, making cotton clothing light and breathable. It can be woven into any desired density and can be dyed easily, making it a natural choice for designers. The fabric is available in a variety of finishes, such as supremely soft and luxurious Sea Island and Pima cotton, rugged and durable corduroy, industrial strength canvas, light and chic voile and organdy, and lustrous sateen and velvet. It is especially soft to the touch and since it is a natural fiber, those with sensitive skin can wear it without worrying about allergic reactions. Cotton is also a fabric that responds well to sewing: it is not difficult to handle and its drape conforms well to the curves of the body. Cotton does not need to be dry-cleaned and will not be ruined in a rainstorm. Reasons enough?
	Talking of specifics when it comes to women, working with cotton is a designer’s dream. Every kind of formal and casual clothing style has a convenient cotton version; be it sarees, skirts, blouses, pants, shirts or anything else.
Apart from this, nightwear in cotton is one of the most comfortable things that women know of. Traditional weaves like Bomkai (Dhaka), Tant (Bengal), Kotki (Orissa), Mangalgiri and Pochampalli (Andhra Pradesh) and Chikkan (Lucknow) are rendered beautifully in cotton too.

Let’s talk about the men now. A cotton suit, crisp and tailored or soft and relaxed is indispensable in the summer months.

Man wearing cotton sleeping in the outdoors

But while a cotton suit is ideal for summer, you don’t have to put it away come winter - especially if you live in a warmer climate. In general, the darker the suit, the more appropriate it will be for cooler months.

For one, dark colours are perceptibly warmer. Then, cotton being a natural fiber keeps the skin breathing and, therefore, is not uncomfortable. Teamed with a polo neck, a cotton suit in winter (in warmer climates) is the skin’s delight.

Otherwise, for a more casual look, try the short jacket and jeans along with sneakers and a V-neck. Don’t forget the traditional kurta pyjama and juttee look. If you are adventurous, cotton dhotis are very, very traditional too.

	Cotton for children is an absolute riot of colours, patterns and styles. And no matter what the age of the child, cotton will find way to fit into the wardrobe. Be it as beach dresses, school uniforms, shorts, capris, party frocks or even, yes, diapers. So, what’s the long and short of it?

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