Color Vision fabric guide part 2: Organic cotton
Like I mentioned in the previous post I’ve learned a lot about fabric through sewing with them. Then you get to see how they drape, act when pressed and how they hold their shape. I like to share this knowledge of fabrics with you, and I hope you find it useful! I'm such a geek when I comes to fabrics, a possible side effect of being the child of a textile artist! Anyway, this weeks fabric guide is about cotton, more specifically organic GOTS certified cotton.
History
Cotton traces have been dated back to 3200 BC in India, and in Mexico 5500 BC. Cotton has been spun, woven and dyed since prehistoric times! Traditionally manufactured in India and the American south – cotton didn’t really show up in Europe until the middle ages. And it is still the worlds most used fibre for clothing.
So what is cotton really?
Cotton comes from the cotton plant, where it is harvested and spun into yarn. Cotton is a soft, durable and breathable textile favored by many of us. It makes light summer dresses, but also heavier sweatshirts for winter. It is a versatile fabric for all seasons! Cotton comes in many shapes and forms, as denim, cotton poplin, cotton sateen, cotton twill, cotton gauze, chintz, calico, terrycloth (like toweling), french terry, cotton voile, chambray – I could go on forever!
Where do I use it
Color Visions Jane cotton top is made in Great Britain out of 100% organic cotton French terry with GOTS certification.
When to wear it
All year round! Opt for lighter cotton garments when it’s hot and heavy when it’s cold.
How to take care of organic cotton
Most cotton garments can be washed at 40 degrees in the washing machine.
Sustainability
Cotton is the textile which it takes the most water to create, which will be an issue in the future. Another issue with cotton is the genetic modification of the plant and the amount of pesticides used to cultivate it. The pesticides infect the environment around the fields. Therefore, organic cotton is a better choice. Organic farming does not use genetically modified plants, no pesticides and promotes bio diversity and wholesome farming.
GOTS certification
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. The aim of the standard is to define world-wide recognized requirements that ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.
This also means; no toxic chemicals, chlorine bleaching, genetically modified organisms and dyes containing carcinogens. Obtaining an GOTS certification also implies; a sustainable plan for sorting wastewater, no PVC used for packaging (only cardboard and recycled materials) and no forced labour. Read more about GOTS.