Source: SmartNews
Considering that cotton production will reach 29 million tons by 2028, a two million increase from now, it won't be wrong to say that cotton is a global favorite. And why shouldn't it be? Cotton is not only comfortable to wear but is also versatile and easy to maintain.
However, the health aspect of it isn't discussed as often. You might find yourself reaching for cotton clothes, especially in summer, due to their breathability and comfort, but did you know cotton clothes also have an added health benefit?
In a nutshell, cotton is hypoallergenic, has antibacterial properties, can filter moderate UV rays, prevents skin irritation, and is free of chemicals. All these factors make cotton a healthier choice than synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. We discuss the health benefits of cotton in detail below.
Health Benefits of Cotton Clothing
Cotton isn't a novel fabric. It has been around for quite a long time. Some of the oldest accounts of cotton production have been found in Mexican caves from some 7,000 years ago.
Today, we have developed new ways of making cotton, such as organic cotton, that's even healthier for us and the environment. And while we might not see it, clothes made of pure or blended natural cotton come with many health benefits.
There are nearly 40 different types of cotton. Many varieties have been genetically modified to enhance desirable properties like color, yield, pest resistance, etc.
Regardless, you can expect the following health benefits from cotton clothing.
Hypoallergenic
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), over 100 million people in the country have some type of allergy. Allergies are also among the leading causes of chronic illness, ranked in sixth place.
For people with sensitive skin or allergies, certain fabrics can cause a reaction. One of them is polyester. People who are allergic to polyester may experience several symptoms, such as:
- Itching
- Redness
- Bumps (hives)
- Tenderness
Source: RapidCare Emergency
Similarly, nylon contains several chemicals that inhibit bacterial growth. These chemicals can cause an allergic reaction, leading to redness, skin irritations, inflammation, and itching.
Another common fabric that can cause an allergic reaction is latex. The symptoms can vary from one individual to another, but they may include:
- Dermatitis
- Itchy skin
- Crust skin lesions
- Sneezing
- Hay fever-like symptoms
- Coughing
On the other hand, cotton is hypoallergenic. In simple words, hypoallergenic fabrics are the ones that do not cause an allergic reaction.
You don't necessarily need to have sensitive skin to turn to cotton. Even if you don't have any allergies, cotton can still be beneficial for your skin.
Reduces Infection Risk
Part of the reason why some clothes may contribute to a high risk of infection is that they absorb moisture. Since this moisture is held close to your skin, it creates a perfect environment for various bacteria and fungi to grow.
Cotton does not have this property. It absorbs moisture without holding it and allows it to evaporate quickly, keeping your skin dry.
Keep in mind that most microorganisms love damp and humid places. It's where they thrive. Cotton lowers this risk by allowing your skin to breathe and stay dry.
Keeps You Cool
Being hot in your clothes is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to various skin issues. Also, if you're not wearing a breathable fabric, sweat won't evaporate from your body, resulting in a heatstroke.
Cotton clothes keep you cool in summer. So, there's a lower risk of experiencing heat exhaustion or a heatstroke. Since the fabric is lightweight, the airiness keeps you from overheating.
Another cool thing about cotton is that it does not have static cling. It's when your hair or any other thing sticks to your clothes due to electric charges.
Cotton fabric doesn't collect static electricity. So, it keeps you super comfortable when you're out and about.
Source: CCS
Doesn't Release Microplastics
When talking about clothes, one thing many people fail to consider is the use of microplastics in synthetic fibers. There have been recent studies that show microfibers from synthetic fibers are now a significant source of environmental microplastics.
Research has also shown that when you wash synthetic textiles, the process releases microplastics into the water. These microplastics then end up in our oceans and are ingested by marine life, causing harm to them and potentially entering our food chain.
Microplastics are not only harmful to the environment but also to the skin. Studies show that microplastics can cause skin inflammation and irritation. They can also disrupt natural skin functions, such as oil production and moisture retention.
The skin membrane is extremely fine and doesn't let most of these particles through. However, nanoplastics and microplastics can penetrate weakened skin and wounds, getting into our bodies and potentially causing harm.
On the contrary, cotton is a natural fiber. It is not made of the by-products of petroleum, like synthetic fibers, and therefore does not release microplastics. So, cotton does not hamper the ecosystem, and it is also a safer option for your skin.
Provides UV Protection
We're not making any huge claims, but there's evidence to prove that cotton provides some degree of UV protection. Since natural cotton retains its wax-like coating, it reflects the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, reducing your exposure to them.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that a white cotton t-shirt has an SPF of 7. When it gets wet, the SPF drops to 3. However, in its dry form, it can provide some level of protection. So, it's a plus if you're going to spend the day in the sun.
Similarly, another study from the BMC Dermatology Journal found that cotton fabrics, when dyed with natural colorants, raise the fabric's UV protective abilities. The higher the depth of the color's shade, the higher its UV protection factor rating.
Another study has also found that clothes with darker dyes, like blue, black, or red, have lower UVR transmittance compared to lighter colors, like white or yellow. So, if you combine cotton with darker colors, you'll get even more protection from those harmful rays.
But remember that cotton isn't a substitute for sunscreen. Don't skip the sunscreen just because you're wearing cotton clothing.
Other Benefits of Cotton Clothing
Cotton's benefits are not limited to health alone. The material has several other advantages over synthetic or man-made fabrics.
For one, cotton is compostable. Since it's a natural material, cotton is 100% biodegradable. Untreated cotton decomposes in just six months. However, treated cotton or cotton blends that include synthetic fibers may take a bit longer to decompose, but they still eventually do.
Second, cotton garments are durable. They can last a long time if you take proper care of them. Most cotton textiles will last 200 washes without losing their strength or shape.
Another benefit of cotton is its versatility. The material can be used to make everything from bedding and clothes to medical supplies and industrial products. It can even be used in building materials like insulation and roofing material.
Takeaway
To conclude this discussion, we can say that cotton is a healthy fabric for everyday wear. Now, you have even more of a reason to grace your wardrobe with cotton clothes.
Check out our collection at Custom Corporate Shirts to find the perfect cotton clothing for your professional attire. From V-necks and polos to crewnecks, we have it all.