cottons

Cottons are natural cellulose fibers produced by cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fibers develop as lint around the seeds and are separated from the seeds by ginning before spinning into yarn and weaving or knitting into fabrics. The main cultivated species used for textile fiber are Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton) and Gossypium barbadense (Pima or Egyptian cotton); smaller commercial importance is held by Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium herbaceum.

Cotton fibers are valued for softness, strength, and high absorbency. They are breathable, have good dye uptake, and are comfortable in warm weather. The fibers are mainly cellulose and occur in a natural convoluted shape; staple length varies, with long-staple types producing finer, stronger yarns. After harvest, ginning separates lint from seeds, and spinning converts lint into yarns for fabrics.

Cotton textiles are used widely in apparel, home textiles, and industrial fabrics. Cotton can be blended with synthetic fibers to impart softness or improve performance. By-products from the seeds, including cottonseed oil and cottonseed meal, are used in food and animal feed.

Cultivation and economics: Cotton requires warm climates and a long growing season. Major producers include China, India, the United States, Pakistan, and Brazil. Modern production relies on mechanized harvesting and ginning, with ongoing efforts to reduce water use and pesticide inputs, including organic and integrated pest management approaches.

Historically, cotton was domesticated in the Americas and became a cornerstone of global textile industries after the Industrial Revolution.