One of the most amazing properties of cotton as a fabric is its ability to breathe.Cotton can retain nearly 30 times its weight in water. Thus it quickly absorbs perspiration from  the wearer and releases it to the air through evaporation. Other remarkable properties include the propensity to stand up to high temperatures for sterilizing and ironing without  disintegrating. It whitens well with chlorine bleach and absorbs dyes easily. It wears well  and stands up to friction. It is often blended with polyester, wool, or other fibers.

Currently there is a trend toward organically raisedcotton. It uses compost and other  natural fertilizers but no synthetic fertilizers, and utilizes ladybug introduction and  other natural pest control measures.

Earthtone cotton fabrics use no dyes, reducing the cost   of the cotton up to 40% as compared to chemically dyed cotton. There is a return to  naturally colored cotton. Not all cottons grow white. Some cottons can be grown that are  brown, light purple and rust.