For thousands of years, this material has been chosen to create soft, durable, and comfortable textiles for clothing and accessories. Its biodegradability and renewable nature also make it an obvious eco-friendly choice. This guide offers a comprehensive exploration of cotton: from its origins to its history, including its role in the textile industry, its benefits, and key facts.

Cotton is a plant fiber that surrounds the seeds of the cotton plant, a member of the Malvaceae family, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and America.

When ripe, cotton appears in the form of capsules that open to reveal a ball of white or colored fibers called linter.

This linter, composed mainly of cellulose, gives cotton its strength and flexibility. These fibers are harvested before being cleaned, carded, combed, and spun to produce cotton yarn. They are then used to weave or knit a variety of fabrics, including canvas, batiste, jersey, velvet, denim, and fleece, among others.

Accounting for approximately 50% of global fiber consumption, cotton is the most popular natural fiber in the textile industry. It is distinguished by its softness, lightness, strength, absorbency, and breathability, not to mention its ease of dyeing, printing, or blending with other fibers.

Cotton can be transformed into a variety of fabrics through different spinning, weaving, or knitting processes. The most common types of cotton fabrics include canvas, jersey, velvet, denim, and fleece, each with its own specific characteristics and applications.

For example, canvas is known for its strength and durability, making it ideal for jeans, bags, and tents. Batiste, which is thin and transparent, is chosen for shirts and dresses, while jersey, which is elastic and comfortable, is perfect for T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Cotton is constantly evolving and comes in a variety of original collections. Printed cotton appeals with its diverse patterns and colors, while organic cotton guarantees respect for the environment and health.

• Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft on the skin and hypoallergenic. Its biodegradability and ability to renew itself highlight its ecological qualities.

• This fibre is characterised by its softness and comfort, offering a pleasant wearing experience. It is breathable, facilitating body temperature regulation and moisture absorption, limiting the sensation of perspiration.

• Cotton also excels in terms of durability. It withstands repeated washing and high temperatures. Easy to care for, iron and dye, cotton can also be combined with other fibres to create a variety of innovative fabrics. Cotton is therefore extremely versatile, adapting to a variety of styles, seasons and preferences.

Cotton, which is essential from an economic, social and environmental perspective, occupies a central position in the global textile industry.

• Cotton is the most widely produced textile fibre in the world, with an annual production of 24.2 million tonnes for the year 2020-2021, according to ICAD, the International Cotton Advisory Committee.
• Since the 19th century, cotton has accounted for nearly half of global textile fibre consumption. Its main producers are China and India, followed by the United States, Latin America and Africa.

The cotton plant is vulnerable to frost and temperatures below 15°C, which can hinder seed germination. In addition, cotton is distinguished by its thermoregulatory properties. It is breathable, helping the skin to stay cool and dry in summer, while retaining body heat in winter. These characteristics make cotton particularly suitable for clothing worn directly against the skin.

Cotton is a plant fiber that comes from the seed pods of cotton plants, which belong to the Malvaceae family. Composed mainly of cellulose, this fiber is spun into yarn to create various fabrics.

Cotton types vary according to their origin, production method, and type of weave or finish. Cotton is classified as synthetic, organic, or eco-friendly depending on the production method. Weaves can result in a variety of textures, such as poplin, satin, voile, muslin, gauze, crepe, cretonne, denim, flannel, and jersey.

Cotton is grown in warm areas of the world, mainly in regions with a subtropical or tropical climate with distinct seasons. The largest producing countries are China, the United States, India, Brazil, and Turkey.

Cotton is favored for its many qualities: it is a natural fiber that allows the skin to breathe while absorbing moisture. Its flexibility, softness, and comfort make it a favorite choice for clothing and household linens.

• Grown without pesticides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers, or GMOs from seed to harvest.
• Grown using natural fertilizers and insecticides that do not harm surrounding ecosystems, deplete the soil, or pose a health risk to workers on the production line. Organic cotton also saves water compared to conventional cotton.

• Made from existing waste.
• Lower ecological impact, mainly because it provides an outlet for all this waste.
• Avoid wasting natural resources.

At Maison Labiche, we primarily use organic cotton in our pieces.
Organic cotton is a natural fiber grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or GMOs. Its cultivation is more respectful of the soil, typically uses less water, and helps preserve biodiversity. It is also gentler on the skin, as it contains no harmful chemical residues.

Choosing organic cotton means taking a step toward more responsible fashion, without compromising on comfort or quality.