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When selecting different textile items, the type of material significantly influences its quality, environmental footprint, and potential health risks. Cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics in the fashion industry, and it is used for the manufacturing of various items, including clothing, home decor, and more.
It is available in two main types: organic and conventional. This blog will cover all vital distinctions between organic cotton and normal cotton.
Whether you’re a clothing business owner or simply a fashion enthusiast aiming to gain knowledge about one of the most used fabrics in the fashion industry, we’ve got you covered.
Continue reading if you want to equip yourself with crucial aspects about organic cotton vs normal cotton — production, health implications, environmental impacts, and more.
Ready to make informed choices for a sustainable and healthy lifestyle? Let’s get in!
Use of Cotton Fabric in the Fashion Apparel Industry
Approximately 75% of clothing items globally are made with pure cotton or cotton blends. In terms of volume, cotton stands as the most commonly used textile fiber worldwide, allowing apparel manufacturers to create a wide variety of products from it.
For example, a significant number of T-shirts are made entirely from this fabric. Moreover, cotton fabric is used for the manufacturing of various types of pants, bathrobes, socks, undergarments, towels, and many bedding items such as sheets, blankets, and duvets.
Due to its excellent breathability and absorbency, cotton is frequently chosen for summer clothing. Its comfortable texture makes it suitable for formal and business attire, while its remarkable draping properties make it perfect for dresses.
Overall, cotton can be utilized to produce nearly any type of textile for both consumer and industrial applications.
Primary Types of Cotton
The two most frequently mentioned cotton types are:
Organic Cotton: Cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, sticking to organic farming methods that emphasize environmental sustainability and the health of the soil.
Conventional/Normal Cotton: Grown with synthetic pesticides, lab-grown seeds, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Key Differences: Organic Cotton vs Normal Cotton
Both organic and normal cotton have unique characteristics, quality standards, and environmental impacts.
1- Quality and Comfort
Quality and comfort are some of the most sought-after factors in the fashion industry, especially in the clothing sector.
Organic Cotton: It is typically regarded as premium quality cotton. The absence of harsh chemicals helps keep the fibers intact and soft, offering greater comfort and durability.
Conventional Cotton: Although it can be soft and pleasant to wear, the application of chemicals may impact its overall quality and lifespan.
Due to the super-soft and smooth texture of the organic cotton fabric the clothing manufacturers prefer it for children’s clothing items. Additionally, it is chemical-free which even prevents minor skin irritation, making it a perfect choice for baby apparel.
[Also read: What Fabric Characteristics Clothing Producers Prefer for the Children's Wear Collection?]
2- Fabric Texture and Durability
While both organic and conventional cotton fibers may appear alike, their quality and durability can differ due to variations in farming and production techniques.
Organic Cotton Fabric: The fibers of organic cotton are usually hand-harvested, which reduces the likelihood of damage. This often results in a silkier, more durable fabric that provides more comfort.
Normal Cotton Fabric: This cotton is often machine-harvested, which may damage the fibers during the process. In addition to it, the extensive treatment and chemical processing can lead to a fabric that deteriorates more quickly.
Organic cotton frequently yields a higher-quality fabric that is both soft and long-lasting, making it a favored choice for clothing and bedding items, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
3- Water Usage and Environmental Sustainability
Water is essential in cotton production, but organic and conventional cotton vary significantly in their water requirements and impact on water quality.
Organic Cotton: Requires about 91% less water compared to conventional cotton because it is usually grown in rain-fed conditions and doesn’t require the intense irrigation that conventional cotton does. Organic soil is often richer and better able to retain moisture.
Normal Cotton: Consumes a considerable amount of water, with cotton often grown in arid regions requiring extensive irrigation. The heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers also results in significant water pollution.
Choosing organic cotton reduces water consumption and helps protect local water sources from chemical pollution, making it a more sustainable choice for water conservation and ecosystem health.
4- Health Implications and Safety Concerns
Health risks are a lesser-known aspect of textile production but are worth considering, especially for those who prioritize wellness and safety.
Organic Cotton: Free from toxic chemicals, organic cotton fabric is safer for consumers, especially infants, people with allergies, or those with sensitive skin. The absence of chemical residues on organic cotton also means it’s a better choice for personal and environmental health.
Normal Cotton: The toxins from pesticides, fertilizers, and dyes used in the normal cotton production process may remain on the fabric, which can potentially irritate sensitive skin. For the workers who produce the cotton, long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to severe health problems.
Which One to Choose, Organic or Conventional Cotton?
When it comes to choosing between organic and conventional cotton, the decision is influenced by several factors, including quality, sustainability, and cost.
Organic cotton often provides a softer, more durable fabric, ideal for sensitive skin. Additionally, it is eco-friendlier, produced by natural farming practices that reduce environmental impact, unlike normal cotton which requires more resources and heavy chemical processing.
When it comes to the price, conventional cotton is more affordable which is why it is a preferred choice of many clothing manufacturers. On the other hand, organic cotton comes with higher labor and certification costs.
In short, organic cotton is better for quality and sustainability, while conventional cotton offers budget-friendly accessibility.
Final Words
While both organic and conventional cotton have their distinctions, the choice between them depends on personal priorities and values. Organic cotton offers advantages in terms of sustainability, health, and ethical production.
Conventional cotton, meanwhile, offers an affordable, widely available option that supports high-demand and large-scale production needs.
Whether you’re choosing cotton for personal use or retail, understanding the impact of organic cotton vs normal cotton can help you make informed choices that best suit your lifestyle and values.
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