Frequently Ask Questions

Ans. Once upon a time both chino and khaki were fabrics used in military uniforms; today these words are used interchangeably to refer to the tan-colored pants inspired by military looks. Khaki is derived from a Hindu word that means "dust color." Originally, khaki referred to a dull yellow-ish brown cotton or wool uniform fabric used for its camouflage effect by the armed forces of England, France and the U.S. since the mid 19th century; in World War I, a green tint was added. Khaki work pants and jackets were adapted for sports by men and women in the 1950s and 60s. Chino has its roots in World War I when the U.S. army purchased this durable cotton twill from China for use by soldiers in the Philippines. In the late 1950s it was adapted by men and boys for school and general wear, particularly for pants.

Ans. Once upon a time both chino and khaki were fabrics used in military uniforms; today these words are used interchangeably to refer to the tan-colored pants inspired by military looks. Khaki is derived from a Hindu word that means "dust color." Originally, khaki referred to a dull yellowish brown cotton or wool uniform fabric used for its camouflage effect by the armed forces of England, France and the U.S. since the mid 19th century; in World War I, a green tint was added. Khaki work pants and jackets were adapted for sports by men and women in the 1950s and 60s. Chino has its roots in World War I when the U.S. army purchased this durable cotton twill from China for use by soldiers in the Philippines. In the late 1950s it was adapted by men and boys for school and general wear, particularly for pants.

Ans. The fungus that causes athletes foot infection incubates best in a dark, moist environment. So, it’s very important to keep the foot dry. Cotton actually absorbs water and helps the feet to breathe and be dry. So yes, in a way cotton does help prevent athlete’s foot.

Ans. Cotton can be easily laundered at home, but some fabrics and garments may have to be dry cleaned instead. Watch out for: embossed designs, loose knit weaves that snag easily, delicate embellished fabrics, linings, shoulder pads and inner construction, special finishes that come out in the wash, and garments that require professional pressing and finishing, such as starched oxford shirts.

Ans. Cotton is easily laundered at home, but some cotton fabrics and garments may need a special treatment. Keep an eye out for embossed designs, loose knit weaves that snag easily, delicate embellished fabrics, linings, shoulder pads and inner construction and special finishes that come out in the wash. Garments that for sure require professional pressing and finishing are ones such as starched oxford shirts.

Ans. Cotton knit sweaters and t-shirts can be rolled and placed in your suitcase to prevent wrinkling. Garments made from woven cotton fabrics such as button-down shirts and trousers should first be folded along their natural creases. Then drape each garment across the suitcase so that the ends hang over the sides. Alternate putting the top of each garment on the right and left side so that the thickness remains uniform. Next, fold each item around the other, alternating the overhang from right and left sides. By following the "inter-folding" method of packing, your clothes cushion each other and are less likely to get crumpled.

Ans. : Cotton knit sweaters and tee-shirts can be rolled and placed in your suitcase to prevent wrinkling. Garments made from woven cotton fabrics such as button-down shirts and trousers should first be folded along their natural creases. Then drape each garment across the suitcase so that the ends hang over the sides. Alternately put the top of each garment on the right and left side so that the thickness remains uniform. Next, fold each item around the other, alternating the overhang from right and left sides. By following the "inter-folding" method of packing, your clothes cushion each other and are less likely to get crumpled.

Ans. One of the earliest prototypes for the T-shirt dates to 1880, when sailors in the U.S. Navy were issued an elbow and hip length undershirt; when laid out on flat surface, it resembled a…perfect "T".

Ans. One of the earliest prototypes for the T-shirt dates to 1880, when sailors in the U.S. Navy were issued an elbow and hip length undershirt; when laid out on flat surface, it resembled a perfect "T".

Ans. Cotton has been cultivated and used to make fabrics for a least 7,000 years. It may have existed in Egypt as early as 12,000 B.C. Fragments of cotton fabrics have been found by archeologists in Mexico (from 3500 B.C.), in India (3000 B.C.), in Peru (2500 B.C.), and in the southwestern United States (500 B.C.).

Ans. There are thirty recognised species of cotton. However, only four are cultivated on any scale commercially. These four can be divided into two groups: the old world cottons, Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium herbaceum, and the new world cottons, Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton) and Gossypium barbadense (Sea Island or Egyptian cotton).

Ans. There's more to growing cotton than soil conditions, fertilizer and irrigation schedules. While minding these growing basics is essential, cotton is more complicated in that it is very sensitive to temperature. Even if the soil, nutrients and water are perfectly regulated, the cotton plant fails if temperature readings are not within a certain range. Timing, weather and daily temperature are all keys to cultivating a healthy, productive cotton plant with a fluffy, strong fiber yield. Step1: Plant your cotton seeds in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Cotton does not mature well in cool temperatures, so wait to plant your cotton seeds until temperatures in your area stay above 60 degrees F. Step2: Insert a thermometer 4 inches into the soil and monitor the soil's temperature daily until the soil averages 60 degrees F for 10 days in a row. Step3: Sink the thermometer to a depth of 6 inches and check the soil's temperature at 8 a.m. every day. When the temperature holds between 58 and 60 degrees F for 3 days in a row, it's time to plant. Step4: Begin your planting as early as possible because cotton requires a long growing season. Once you have the right soil temperature, quickly plant your seeds so your plants have plenty of time to mature before the harvest

Ans. Many personal care products such as swabs, cosmetic puffs, rounds or wipes are made of cotton. Cotton has superior absorbency and a naturally textured surface that makes it an effective cleanser. Because the fiber can withstand high temperatures, it can be sterilized. In addition, cotton personal care products are "finish free." Individuals with hypersensitive skin, prone to allergic reactions, may prefer to stick with beauty aids made from cotton.

Ans. The term "Ginning" refers to the process where a cotton gin machine is used to separate cotton fibres from the seedpods and the sometimes sticky seeds. First of all, the cotton goes through dryers to reduce the moisture and then through cleaning equipment to remove foreign matter. These processes improve fibre quality before the cotton subjected to revolving circular saws that pull it through closely spaced ribs to prevent the seed from passing through. The lint is then removed from the teeth of the saw by air blasts or rotating brushes and then it is compressed into bales and moved to a warehouse for storage. This process typically produces around 12 bales an hour although some modern machines are capable of as many as 60 bales an hour.

Ans. Organic cotton is a variety of cotton that is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and build biologically diverse agriculture. Organic cotton is grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals. Sustainable farming practices are used to produce organic cotton without chemical pesticides, defoliants or fertilizers. These practices do not pollute ground or surface water, soil or air. Organic cotton is safer for farmers, for you, for your children and for the environment. Organic cotton feels softer, smells cleaner and is less likely to trigger allergies.

Ans. Actually, denim along with chambray is in reality a French import. It originated in Nimes (as in "serge de Nimes") and was introduced first to America and then to the world as work pants designed for the mining industry by Mr. Levi Strauss.

Ans. This innovative fabric treatment works by strengthening the molecular "bridges" that connect cellulose molecules in a cotton fiber. The special process stabilizes the hydrogen bridges. This permits the fabric to retain its smooth surface, even after numerous washings. The finish does not alter cotton's durability, color clarity or natural absorbency.

Ans. This innovative fabric treatment works by strengthening the molecular "bridges" that connect cellulose molecules in a cotton fiber. The special process stabilizes the hydrogen bridges. This permits the fabric to retain its smooth surface, even after numerous washings. The finish does not alter cotton's durability, color clarity or natural absorbency.

Ans. During wearing and cleaning, fabrics are temporarily distorted to accommodate the stress of use. If the fabric does not recover its original shape, the results are described as wrinkling. Untreated cotton fibers do not have a permanent memory. The cellulose chains in the fiber move by breaking and re-establishing hydrogen bonds. There are no natural forces to promote the cellulose chains to return to their original configuration. Hence, cotton wrinkles.

Ans. During wearing and cleaning, fabrics are temporarily distorted to accommodate the stress of use. If the fabric does not recover its original shape, the results are described as wrinkling. Untreated cotton fibers do not have a permanent memory. The cellulose chains in the fiber move by breaking and re-establishing hydrogen bonds. There are no natural forces to promote the cellulose chains to return to their original configuration.

Ans. Made of cotton, like cotton terry cloth can absorb up to 27 times its own weight in water. It is usually made with looped pile because the loops act like very small sponges and absorb water. Loosely twisted loops are softer and more absorbent than tightly twisted loops, which produce a rougher fabric. Again, a long pile is more absorbent than a short pile. Terry cloth is most absorbent when it has loops on both sides.

Ans. Terry cloth is mostly made with cotton because its absorbent fiber gets stronger when wet and it can be sanitized in very hot water using strong bleach and detergent without harm. Terry cloth is usually made with looped pile because the loops act like very small sponges. Looped pile is also better able to withstand the strain of rubbing, pulling twisting and tugging by the user. Loosely twisted loops are softer and more absorbent than tightly twisted loops, which produce a rougher fabric. Long pile is more absorbent than short pile. Terry cloth is most absorbent when it has loops on both sides. Cotton can absorb up to 27 times its own weight in water.

Ans. Natural fibers fall into two main groups: protein fibers, which come from animals, and vegetable fibers which come from plants. The main ingredient in all vegetable fibers is cellulose, a carbohydrate found in all plant life. Both cotton and linen are vegetable fibers. Linen is made from the flax plant; cotton is made from the cotton plant.

Ans. There are 2 kinds of natural fibres - protein fibers, which come from animals, and vegetable fibers, which come from plants. Now while, both cotton and linen are vegetable fibers, linen comes from the flax plant and cotton from the cotton plant.

Ans. Corduroy, a pile fabric with a plain or twill weave and lengthwise ribs--called "wales"--alternating with valleys, known as "races," made its debut back in the 1600's during the reigns of the Kings Louis' of France. Because the sturdy and durable material was frequently worn by outdoor servants at the royal palace, it was dubbed "cord du roi" or "cloth of the king." It remained associated with livery and the work clothes of agricultural laborers up until the 9th century, when it became the fabric of choice for men's breeches, coats and hunting attire. By the 20th century, corduroy was being used primarily for casual sportswear.

Ans. Wild cotton grows in dry regions of the tropics and sub-tropics of Africa, Asia, Australia and America. The cotton plant produces fluffy fibres to protect its seeds and help them disperse in the wind. Cotton requires warmth and sunshine for six to seven months during its growth, as well as regular moisture.

Ans. The top three cotton producing countries are China, India and United States of America, which together produce more that half of the world’s total cotton production.

Ans. Well, there are two kinds of shrinkage. Progressive shrinkage occurs when the fiber itself shrinks. Wool shrinks a little more each time it is washed, which is why wool is usually dry-cleaned. Relaxation shrinkage is when the fabric shrinks. It is caused by the tension applied to yarns and fabrics during construction. The tension is released when the fabric is washed or steam pressed, causing it to shrink to its natural size. Most cotton fabric shrinkage occurs during the first wash.

Ans. Fiber content, thread count (and of course brand name) help determine the price. Cotton sheets are soft, absorbent, and breathable and offer the most sleeping comfort. They are generally more expensive than cotton/polyester blends and tend to last longer. Thread count refers to the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. The higher the count, the softer and stronger the fabric, and the finer the quality of the sheet. (Counts usually range from 128 to 310.) Muslin, a simple weave, is a cotton sheeting fabric with a thread count of fewer than 180. Percale is a closely woven cotton fabric, usually made with combed yarns with a thread count of 180 or higher. Fabric finishes and embellishments can affect cost. Mercerized cotton has been treated with alkalis for a distinctive sheen; sanforized cotton has been pre-shrunk; easy-care and wrinkle-resistant finishes are chemical treatments intended to keep sheets looking smoother. Distinctive details such as hem stitching, piping or eyelet trim are also factors contributing to cost.

Ans. There are two kinds of shrinkage. Progressive shrinkage occurs when the fiber itself shrinks. Relaxation shrinkage is when the fabric shrinks. It is caused by the tension applied to yarns and fabrics during construction. The tension is released when the fabric is washed or steam pressed, causing it to shrink to its natural size. Most cotton fabric shrinkage is relaxation shrinkage and occurs mostly during the first wash.

Ans. A firmly woven cloth with parallel flat and puckered stripes, cotton seersucker became popular in the 1930s for summer suits because the crisp, cool fabric did not show wrinkles and could be laundered easily.

Ans. Seersucker became popular in the 1930s for summer suits because the crisp, cool fabric did not show wrinkles and could be laundered easily. Since then, summer means seersucker wardrobes.

Ans. Cotton derivatives are largely used in yarn spinning, cloth weaving and the production of oil, cellulosic materials and chemicals. Ethyl alcohol is also extracted from husk of the cottonseed. The cotton oil cake is used as livestock food and as a fertiliser. The multiple applications of cotton in the industry has won it the becoming title of "white gold."