Cotton - Your Child's Best Friend for Comfortable and Safe Clothing
A material that forever changed the face of the textile industry. Known to humanity for over 8,000 years (though some sources say even longer!). Depending on thickness, it provides warmth on cool days, whilst in summer it ensures proper air circulation. Widely used also in the production of medical dressings. What are we talking about? Get to know cotton better and fall in love with it!
Where did cotton come from? Why is this such a sought-after fabric? How should you care for cotton clothes so they can serve as long as possible? In this article, you'll discover why this material is the best choice for your child. Read on!
What's the Fascinating History Behind Cotton?
How is cotton created? These are plant-origin fibres obtained from mature seed pods of the cotton plant. After this plant finishes flowering, the pod bursts, releasing a specific "wadding" to the outside. This is precisely the most desired and valuable part of the herb that revolutionised the entire textile and clothing industry.
How Ancient Civilisations Discovered Cotton's Magic
It's said that Egyptians knew cotton as early as 12,000 BCE. However, the first confirmed traces of seeds come from caves in Mexico from around 7,000 BCE. Other sources indicate that this plant was also used in Central America by Indian tribes from around 6,000 BCE, whilst in China and India (who are currently the largest exporters of this raw material) it's been known for about 5,000 years. Interestingly, cotton reached Europe relatively late, only at the beginning of the medieval period.
Why Cotton Became the Textile Revolution
Initially, it was quite an expensive fabric, mainly due to the time-consuming execution and low efficiency of hand-weaving material. Everything changed thanks to the industrial revolution, when invented machines significantly increased the production pace and quantity of cotton produced. Over time, cotton fabrics became so popular that they even began displacing materials created from linen, wool, or hemp.
What Amazing Things Can You Create with Cotton?
Cotton gained its greatest popularity in the clothing industry. On the market, you'll find virtually every type of clothing created from this fabric – t-shirts, shorts, girls' dresses, and many, many others. However, as it turns out, cotton is also used in other industry sectors.
How Cotton Goes Beyond Fashion
What products with cotton content, besides clothing, will you find on the market? Due to its high absorbent properties, the material is used in the aforementioned dressings, but also for producing fishing nets, coffee filters, or in some types of paper (such as banknotes). Very often, cotton remnants are used as high-quality feed for farm animals. A very practical plant, isn't it?
How Should You Care for Cotton to Make It Last Longer?
Although cotton is quite a durable and grateful material, incorrect washing, ironing, and drying methods can lead to its destruction over time. How should you treat cotton clothes so they look like new for a long time? Apply our advice, and you'll certainly enjoy beautiful cotton clothing for years!
What's the Best Way to Wash Cotton Safely?
Cotton fabrics aren't bothered by high temperatures. If the garment contains no other additives, you can safely wash it even at 95°C. This is particularly important when it comes to clothes for tiny children, which should be boiled to eliminate potential bacteria.
To preserve intense colours, lower the washing temperature to 60°C. You'll also effectively wash cotton at standard temperatures, around 30–40°C. Cotton clothes are amongst the few that can also be mechanically spun.
How Should You Iron Cotton for Best Results?
Iron cotton at temperatures around 150–180°C. It doesn't matter which side you iron clothes made from this fabric. However, if you have, for example, a girls' dress with a print, it's better to turn it inside out. A standing steamer is also an excellent solution, thanks to which you'll iron all cotton clothes even faster.
Why Cotton Wrinkles and How to Prevent It
Cotton also tends to wrinkle heavily. How can you deal with this? Simply shake the fabric in your hands after washing and hang it evenly on the drying rack so you don't have to reach for the iron additionally.
What's the Proper Way to Dry Cotton Clothes?
It's important to hang cotton clothes to dry as quickly as possible because rolled up and damp for a longer time, they can simply rot. To preserve proper colours, don't dry them in the sun. You can dry cotton materials in a tumble dryer. However, remember that too high a temperature can shrink favourite clothing. Therefore, it's better to use a classic hanging dryer.
Why Are Cotton Girls' Dresses the Perfect Choice?
If you're looking for clothes that will be not only comfortable and practical but above all safe for your child, choose cotton clothing. What properties of this material make it so eagerly chosen by parents?
Why Cotton Is Unbeatable for Children's Sensitive Skin
- Cotton is a natural fabric, therefore it's the best choice for your daughter's sensitive skin. It doesn't cause allergies or irritation
- It's pleasant to touch and can be worn directly on the body without worrying about itching and scratching sensations
- Depending on material thickness and cotton type, it provides warmth (such as corduroy), whilst thin cotton pleasantly cools and allows skin to breathe
- It's resistant to stretching, so all t-shirts, shorts, and girls' dresses made from this fabric will maintain their shape even during the greatest play
- Cotton is resistant to high washing temperatures, making it the most hygienic fabric for little ones
Best Cotton Girls' Dresses from Zoya Fashion's 2024 Collection
Are you looking for interesting cotton girls' dresses for the approaching spring-summer season? Do you need cotton outfits for children that you'll use both for everyday wear and special occasions? In Zoya Fashion's latest collection, you'll find not only simple but also elegant dresses for girls. Check the models below and choose the best cotton creation for your daughter.
Featured Cotton Dress Styles
- Mila - Perfect for everyday comfort and style
- Luisa - Elegant yet practical for special occasions
- Lilia - Sweet and feminine with cotton comfort
- Eve Sky - Modern cut meets natural cotton softness
These are just a few examples. You'll find more styles in the ELEGANT DRESSES FOR GIRLS section.
See also our other articles on similar topics:
- Cotton Dresses for Girls
- Clothing Care Mistakes Kids Dresses
- Best Ideas for Outfits with Dresses for Plus Size Girls