Cotton is a natural plant fibre from the seed pods of the cotton plant and the most widely used natural fibre in clothing. Its chief virtues are absorbency, breathability and softness, which make cotton garments comfortable and hypoallergenic. Depending on the weave and finish it yields very different cloths, from heavy denim to featherlight batiste. Cotton dyes readily, holds its shape and withstands frequent washing, which is why it is the backbone of everyday dress — T-shirts, shirts, underwear, jeans. Its weaknesses are that it creases and can shrink.
