Cotton

A soft, fluffy fiber obtained from the cotton plant. Cotton is the most widely used natural fiber in the world, valued for its breathability, comfort, and versatility.

When it comes to t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, and countless other high-quality garments offered at Wordans, cotton is still king. This fabric is used within countless clothing items, and its appeal is nearly as old as humanity itself.

In order to better understand why such a seemingly everyday material enjoys so much popularity, it is first wise to examine its history in more detail. We can then move on to discuss its contemporary applications, its benefits, and some of the garments that Wordans has to offer.

A brief history

This material has been a staple of civilization for millennia. To put this observation into perspective, historians are still not exactly certain where it first emerged. 

Research nonetheless indicates that it was being used as a form of clothing in present-day Mexico as far back as 5,000 BCE. Examples have also been found throughout ancient Pakistan; a clear indication that its popularity was not limited to the Americas.

It would nonetheless remain a rather regional phenomenon until Arab merchants introduced the fabric to Europe sometime around 800 CE. There are likewise numerous instances when explorers noted that it was being cultivated for uses within the textile sector. For instance, Christopher Columbus mentioned this material numerous times during his famous voyage that was intended to discover a new trade route to the far east.

This fabric began to come into a life of its own during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was being planted in the British colonies, and it was also being spun throughout England by the early 1700s. However, the invention of the cotton gin finally fostered in an era of mass production. 

This made it easy for the masses to enjoy its associated benefits. Increased levels of production efficiency likewise reduced the price of everyday garments; a benefit for consumers who happened to be governed by limited budgets at the time. This is also why cotton t-shirts and sweaters enjoy a truly global presence.

A host of surprising uses

Most of us immediately identify this fabric thanks to its use within many different clothing products. However, it also serves a host of additional purposes, and some of these are likely to come as a surprise to the reader.

For instance, did you know that a certain portion of the plant known as "linters" are an organic source of cellulose? Cellulose is a common ingredient within many plastic-based products, and it is also employed throughout the explosives industry. 

Seeds can be crushed to create a type of vegetable oil. Husks are often present within livestock feed. Cottonseed is also used as a shortening within many baked products. As if these roles were not enough, here are some additional applications:

• Book bindings.
• Materials for tents.
• Cosmetics (the oils can be used when creating skin moisturizers).
• Organic coffee filters.

In other words, the garment sector is not the only industry that has learned to leverage the benefits over the years.

The garment manufacturing process

It is still rather easy to take for granted just how commonplace this material has become throughout the clothing industry. However, manufacturing quality cotton sweaters and hoodies is actually a complicated process.

Large bales will first be opened by balers within textile plants. These "bricks" essentially comprise the raw materials. Certain impurities (such as lint) are thereafter separated and sent to other factories. Once the materials have been fluffed through aeration, the fibers will be aligned in a side-by-side fashion so that they can be combed and straightened. The end result is a soft form of twisted rope known in the industry as a sliver.

These slivers can then be transformed into yarn through the use of massive spinning machines. Modern variants are capable of rotating up to 2,500 times each second, providing the ability to create lengthy batches of yarn in no time at all.

A final portion of the manufacturing process involves the famous loom. These looms weave individual yarns into fabric. Although the techniques are not different from handmade approaches, the sheer speed of the process is able to provide bolts of fabric within a fraction of the time that would have been needed in the past.

The bolts are then packaged and shipped to clothing manufacturers. These woven fabrics are sometimes called "gray goods", and they may undergo additional refinements such as dying, shrinking, or combining them with other materials (including polyester). In other words, everyday cotton hoodies and t-shirts are actually the end results of a multi-stage process that has been perfected over the centuries.

An economic staple of modern society

While its role as a fabric should now be clear, it must also be stressed that this material is a critical commodity on the world stage. Research indicates that its annual value exceeds $120 billion dollars in the United States alone.

It is therefore used as a benchmark commodity, a resource that is often used to gauge the state of the overall economy. For example, a decrease in the demand for raw materials could signal that a certain region is entering into a recession (consumers tend to spend less during uncertain fiscal times, and this translates to the manufacturing sector).

This substance is also heavily involved within the international commerce community, and even scenarios such as bad weather or poor harvests will inevitably have an impact on its retail price. This is why commodities brokers need to keep an eye on numerous variables if they hope to remain one step ahead of the curve.

The inherent benefits of cotton t shirts and similar clothing items

So, why does the team at Wordans focus so heavily upon this material? There are numerous advantages that wholesalers can enjoy, and we will take a look at some of the most relevant immediately below.

Comfort

Comfort is arguably the most important quality of this fabric. The fibers themselves are naturally soft; making them ideal solutions for countless garments. These fibers are also much finer when compared to other natural materials. 

This is known as the "hand" of the fabric. Even those who are not concerned with its mechanical properties are well aware that cotton sweaters and hoodies provide a level of comfort that other types of garments simply do not offer.

A relatively porous fabric

While Canadian winters can be cold, the summers here are also known for their heat on occasion. Wearers therefore desire a material that will allow them to remain cool. Once again, a bit of science enters into the equation. 

Most readers are unaware that the fibers of this plant are actually hollow. This allows air to pass through with relative ease. The end result is a breathable material that will help sweat to evaporate. Is it any wonder why these shirts have become so popular with outdoor enthusiasts?

A hypoallergenic material

Allergies are an important concern for some individuals. Those who suffer from sensitive skin may have problems when wearing other fabrics (such as synthetics). They can encounter issues such as rashes, itching, and general irritation. 

The good news is that this is not the case when discussing cotton hoodies and similar garments. As this is an all-natural material, it is also hypoallergenic. It is therefore frequently preferred by parents who want their infants to remain comfortable. Of course, those with allergies often choose this very same material.

An odor-free alternative

While some fabrics are stunning to behold, their visual appeal can often come at a price in terms of odors. Cotton t-shirts do not suffer from this drawback. Thanks to their breathable nature, it is much less likely that they will trap foul smells. 

They also pull moisture away from the skin, reducing the chances that bacteria will begin to proliferate. Furthermore, this very same odor-resistant nature signifies that fewer washes are required between uses. Users who are looking for a maintenance-free edge will therefore be quite happy.

Durability

While comfort is king, another important attribute involves the innate durability of this fabric. Cotton sweaters and similar items will last for a significant period of time before they need to be replaced. 

This is due in large part to the natural strength of the fibers themselves. When we then take into account specific qualities associated with Wordans products such as double stitching and reinforced hems, longevity is a pronounced feature that cannot be overstated. Retailers and consumers alike who are keen to purchase a long-lasting product will not be disappointed.

Polyester is easy to manipulate

From a purely pragmatic perspective, a final attribute of this fabric involves its sheer versatility. While there are plenty of high-quality cotton hoodies and shirts to select, the options do not end here. Some of the other products that are offered by the professionals at Wordans include:

• Gym bags.
• Aprons.
• Shopping bags.
• Hats.
• Face masks.
• Hats and caps.

Those who are still not convinced are encouraged to spend time browsing through the possibilities found throughout our website.

Additional information

While the details presented above provide plenty of background information, wholesalers might still have additional questions. Let's take a moment to address some common queries.

Is it possible to customize these garments?

Many of the shirts, sweaters, and hoodies offered by Wordans can be customized to meet unique branding and advertising requirements. It is even possible to specify specific requirements thanks to the presence of an on-site design tool.

What brands does Wordans work with?

We are affiliated with some of the most well-known manufacturers of cotton products. A few of the names that users will encounter include Bella+Canvas, Carhartt, Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, and Champion. Note that a full list can always be found within the left-hand menu of the main category page.

What additional product options are available?

Customers can select other parameters such as warehouse location, price range, color, style, size (including shirts designed for big and tall individuals), fabric blends, and features such as tear-away tags. Simply click on the appropriate variable.

A timeless fabric for every need

Not only has this material existed for thousands of years, but its universal appeal continues to influence buyers. Are you hoping to place a bulk order for wholesale requirements? 

Would you like to learn more about the attributes of a specific t-shirt or sweater? Wordans is always pleased to provide additional assistance when required. Cotton provides a cost-effective solution, our products are offered at highly competitive prices, and above all, quality is never sacrificed for style or quantity.