Origin and History
Cotton—that noble and delicate fiber—comes from the silky down surrounding the seeds of the Gossypium plant, a distinguished member of the Malvaceae family. When it flowers, the plant develops a slender capsule that, when ripe, splits open to reveal its precious filaments.
Long fibers, called "lint," are spun into fine yarns to create exceptional fabrics, while shorter fibers, or "linters," are used to make cellulose-based products. A single capsule can contain up to 7,000 fibers per seed—a natural treasure.
Cotton grows primarily in tropical and subtropical climates, where warmth and abundant water favor its growth. Its ancestral cultivation dates back more than 7,000 years, from the caves of Mexico to the heights of Asia, including the Inca and Mayan civilizations.
Cotton Harvesting – Between Know-How and Technology
In the majestic fields of the American South, cotton harvesting is now mechanized, sometimes even assisted by aircraft. Elsewhere, it remains a precise, demanding, and manual art. Hand-picking selects only the purest, brightest, and most mature fibers.
After harvesting, the fibers are dried, sorted, and then separated from the seeds during ginning. Of every 100 kg of raw cotton, only 35 kg becomes usable fiber, which is then packaged into bales of over 200 kg ready for spinning.
A fiber at the heart of textile history
The Story of a Universal Emblem Cotton has been cultivated for over 7,000 years. From ancient textiles discovered in Mexico to the fabrics of the Inca and Mayan civilizations, this natural material has spanned the ages and continents. Introduced to Europe by Arab traders, then planted on a large scale in the Americas by colonists, it has established itself as a precious commodity, sometimes at the cost of a painful history.
With the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the spinning machine, cotton became the textile icon of the 19th century. The creation of the "cotton gin" transformed production. By 1900, it accounted for 80% of the global textile market.
Today, despite competition from synthetic fibers, cotton remains an essential reference in the textile industry — a symbol of simple, universal and authentic luxury.
Properties
Naturally absorbent, cotton captures moisture without ever feeling wet. It remains soft, supple, breathable, and particularly comfortable to wear, even in the hottest climates. Hypoallergenic, easy to care for, and heat-resistant, it stands out for its ability to combine comfort and elegance on a daily basis.
While it creases easily and offers little elasticity, it does not felt, does not generate static electricity, and maintains a natural, graceful hold.
Care instructions
White cotton is best washed with a full-spectrum detergent, while colored items require a mild detergent without optical brighteners. Air dry, away from direct sunlight. Ironing can be done at a high temperature on damp cotton. Be careful with tumble drying, which can cause shrinkage.
Conclusion
From impeccable shirts to refined sheets, bath towels, baby clothes, and delicate underwear—cotton is everywhere, discreet and essential. Often combined with other fibers to enhance its qualities, it adapts to all desires for style and comfort.
