Cotton reigns supreme in the world of men’s clothing. As the most important fiber in apparel production, cotton makes up over 50% of the fabric sold globally. It’s used in everything from cotton suits and dress shirts to casual wear like jeans, sweatshirts, and undergarments.
The Popularity of Cotton in Men’s Clothing
The widespread use of cotton isn’t by chance. Cotton’s enduring appeal is thanks to its unique properties, which make it an ideal choice for clothing. It’s attractive, durable, comfortable, easy to dye, and above all, a superior material for men’s garments.
Physical Characteristics of Cotton Fiber
Cotton is categorized by various characteristics, with the two most important for men’s clothing being fiber length and fineness.
1. Cotton Fiber Length in Menswear
Cotton fibers vary greatly in length, from as short as half an inch to as long as two inches. Longer fibers are associated with higher quality and are more costly to produce due to the longer growth cycle and increased resource requirements.
Only 3% of cotton production consists of long fibers, which are typically used in luxury fabrics such as high-end dress shirts. Examples of long-fiber cotton varieties include American Pima, Egyptian Cotton, and Sea Island Cotton, which are revered for their softness and durability.
2. Cotton Fiber Fineness in Menswear
Fineness refers to the diameter of the cotton fiber. High-quality fabrics focus on eliminating irregularities and immature fibers, which are 20% thinner than mature ones and can cause premature wear in clothing. Between sorting out less durable fibers and achieving the desired length and fineness, even premium cotton bales can lose a significant portion of their fibers during quality control. This makes high-end cotton more expensive, but also ensures superior quality for men’s clothing.
Cotton’s natural properties make it a go-to choice in men’s apparel, offering comfort, durability, and versatility. Whether for formal wear or casual attire, cotton’s long history and superior characteristics continue to make it the king of men’s clothing fabrics.
