What is cotton?
Soft vegetable textile fiber belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is the most important natural textile in the world and also one of the most commercialized.
Cotton is a textile fiber produced by plants belonging to the Malvaceae family group. They are characterized by their fruit, which has seeds covered with a white fluff that comes out when the capsule opens.
Its fluff is very popular as it is used to make fabrics. It can be marketed in different formats for multiple uses after a cleaning process. Through it, all kinds of garments are made. Today, about half of the fibers used in the textile industry come from this material.
Interestingly, it has its own celebration day since 2019, on October 7th. This initiative was promoted by the so-called C4 cotton countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali) and supported by the WTO (World Trade Organization). The event was created for the United Nations General Assembly to recognize its importance as a raw material, as well as to promote research and development on this material, among other things.
What is a cotton plant used for? What are its possible uses?
The majority, approximately 60%, is used in the textile industry. For the creation of durable and soft garments, from cotton t-shirts, shirts, socks to work clothes, or kitchen aprons.
In addition to serving as a raw material, it is also suitable for making soaps, cooking oils, or household items. It is also used in many sectors, such as the industrial sector for the manufacture of canvas and rubber, among others, or in the healthcare sector as an insulating material for cleaning skin wounds or making gauze. It is worth mentioning that there are different types, such as synthetic or organic cotton.
It is a very common component in promotional gifts, both for the multitude of customizable objects that can be found made from it, such as hanging hammocks, customized caps, personalized towels… and for the large number of marking techniques that can be used on these products.
What benefits does the use of cotton provide?
This cotton dress stands out notably for his softness, and therefore for his enormous comfort. In addition, it is hypoallergenic, which means that if we decide to buy, for example, a cotton t-shirt, it will not cause irritation or allergies.
Durability is something that characterizes these items. Their high resistance allows them to withstand continuous washing in machines at high temperatures. Thanks to their breathability, these fabrics allow the skin to breathe and let the air flow, making it an ideal fabric to stay cool in summer.
Types of Cotton
There are several types of cotton, which differ in characteristics such as the length and fineness of their fibers, their strength, and their softness. Some of the most common types of cotton are:
Pima Cotton
It is a variety of cotton with long and fine fibers, originating from Peru. It is known for its softness and sheen, and is often used in high-quality clothing such as shirts and sheets.
Egyptian Cotton
Another variety of cotton with long fibers, mainly cultivated in Egypt. It is known for its softness, sheen, and strength, and is often used in high-quality clothing such as sheets and towels.
Organic Cotton
It is cotton that is cultivated without the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. It is a popular choice among consumers concerned about the environment and health.
Recycled Cotton
It is obtained from recycled textile products, such as old clothes and curtains. It is a sustainable and eco-friendly option, as it reduces the amount of textile waste.
Conventional Cotton
It is the most commonly grown type of cotton worldwide. It is often treated with pesticides and chemical fertilizers to improve crop yield and protect it from pests and diseases.
What cotton products can we find?
Here are some of the many options you can find for personalized gifts made with this component. Perfect promotional gift ideas for your business. In the textile world, we can find countless objects made with this material, from a t-shirt to fabric bags or drawstring bags. It is in high demand for its resistance and softness.
Cotton t-shirts are usually the most successful items. And it's normal; they are extremely comfortable, perfect for summer, as their breathable fabric does not retain heat and keeps us cool.
Personalized tote bags, more fashionable than ever. They are a sustainable way to finally leave behind plastic and cardboard bags. In addition, they are not only useful for shopping but also have multiple applications, such as a purse or sports bag.
As we have mentioned, its applications are countless, and we can find lanyards, purses, personalized bracelets, caps, personalized sweatshirts… and much more. Almost everything you can imagine belonging to the textile world can be made from it. This is due to its great versatility and the fact that it always has the option of customization.
We recommend some items from our website that you can find made from cotton:
What customization techniques are best for cotton products?
Cotton is one of the most popular materials used in the production of customized items, such as t-shirts, tote bags, caps, among others. It is a soft, comfortable, and durable material, making it ideal for customization. These are the best customization techniques for cotton products.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto the product's surface. It is a very popular technique for customizing t-shirts and other cotton products.
Screen printing is ideal for simple and eye-catching designs, as it allows printing in large areas and precise details. Moreover, screen printing is cost-effective and durable, ensuring the design won't wear off easily.
Screen Transfer
Screen transfer is a technique that combines screen printing and heat transfer. First, the design is printed on a special film using the screen printing technique. Then, the film is placed on the product's surface, and heat is applied to transfer the design.
This technique is perfect for designs with multiple color layers, up to 8 in general, or small details, as it allows printing very intricate designs with great precision.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a customization technique that uses threads to create designs on the product's surface. It is a very popular technique for customizing cotton caps and jackets, as it allows printing very detailed and sophisticated designs.
Embroidery provides a professional finish, and although it may have a slightly higher cost, it is worth it to convey a more elegant image.
DTF
DTF (Direct-to-Film) is one of the newest customization techniques that uses a special film to transfer the design onto the product's surface. This technique is ideal for designs with many small details or color shadows.
The DTF technique is highly durable and resistant to washing, although it may have a slightly higher cost compared to screen printing.
In conclusion, these are the best customization techniques for cotton products. Screen printing, screen transfer, embroidery, and DTF are very popular and durable techniques that will allow you to print detailed and eye-catching designs on cotton products, ensuring your success.
What is the difference between cotton and polyester?
These two materials are widely used in the textile world, but how do they differ?
Cotton
A natural material mainly used in the manufacturing of clothing pieces.
Easy to wash and highly breathable. However, if washed at high temperatures, the garment may shrink.
Absorbs water and moisture immediately.
Polyester
A synthetic material made from petroleum-based fibers.
Also easy to wash and dries quickly. However, it does not wrinkle or shrink.
Has waterproof properties, making it ideal for workwear in businesses where spills or splashes can occur.
Choosing the right work uniform is essential for mobility, comfort, and other factors. When selecting it, we sometimes focus so much on the design that we forget important aspects like the material. There is a lack of awareness regarding the advantages of one fabric over another.
As we have seen, the right choice can make a difference, influencing fundamental elements such as employee safety and productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to research and understand your needs to choose the one that best suits you, thus improving your employees' working conditions and, consequently, enhancing the work environment.
What is the weight of cotton?
When selecting a product, we usually take into account aspects such as style or color, making the weight the great forgotten, despite being a characteristic that will influence the resistance and comfort of the final garment.
For example, choosing cotton polo shirts with a weight of 180 gr/m2 for summer is not the best idea since it will be less breathable and heavier than one of 130 gr/m2. This quality refers to the weight per square meter of the fabric, that is the measure of the thickness of the item.
There is a preconceived idea that the higher the weight, the better the product, and although it is an important factor, there are others to consider, such as the type and the quality of the material used.
The most common weights for t-shirts:
Lightweight (130g/m2)
They are lighter, perfect for summer months. They are often the most used for commercial purposes because they are the least expensive. Being very thin, they may be see-through.
Medium (150g/m2)
A natural material mainly used in the manufacturing of clothing pieces.
Heavy (180g/m2 or more)
thicker, recommended for cooler months and not so hot.
The most common weights for polos:
Lightweight
(160 - 180g/m2)
They are lighter and cooler, ideal for hot months.
Medium
(220g/m2)
They are the most common for their quality-price ratio. They are less warm than the previous ones.
Heavy
(240g/m2)
They are warm and thicker, perfect for winter months.
The most common weights for tote bags:
Lightweight
(100 - 105g/m2)
The lightest and most economical. They are usually used for fairs, festivals, and events. They may be see-through.
Medium
(130 - 150g/m2)
They have greater resistance, the fabric is flexible, and easy to carry. Ideal for promotional gifts with a bit more quality.
Thick
(160 - 180g/m2)
They are more resistant, of excellent quality, and the fabric is sturdier. Perfect for giving to your most exclusive clients. Unlike the first ones, these are not see-through.
Very thick
(220 - 240g/m2)
Much thicker, used for high-end gifts.
Summary
In summary, cotton is one of the most important textiles in the world, used for creating highly durable and soft clothing items, among other products. There are various types of cotton, each providing different results based on individual needs, making it a highly versatile raw material present in a wide range of products, especially in promotional gifts.
Furthermore, cotton is not a very expensive material, making its products an excellent choice for merchandising and corporate gifts for events where budget constraints are a consideration.
