Embrace Summer: The Case for Cotton Clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing is one of the easiest methods to stay cool and comfortable throughout the hottest parts of the summer. Cotton is the most popular material for summer clothing out of all the textiles that are available. However, why should we dress in cotton throughout the summer? Is there a scientific explanation for this, or is it just tradition?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine the factors that make cotton the preferred fabric for summer clothing, including how it impacts skin health, body temperature, and general comfort, as well as why buying cotton clothing may be a wise and environmentally friendly choice for both your closet and the environment.
1. Recognising Summer Heat and Our Needs for Clothes
Sweating is the body’s attempt to keep its internal temperature stable during the summer. Through evaporation, this natural mechanism cools us down. However, discomfort, overheating, or even skin rashes may result from clothing that retains perspiration or prevents airflow. Your clothing has the power to either improve or worsen your body’s ability to cool down. Sweat and heat are frequently trapped by synthetic clothes, leaving you feeling hot and sticky. Conversely, air may flow through natural fibres like cotton, which helps sweat evaporate and has a cooling effect.
What are the unique qualities of cotton?
The cotton plant yields cotton, a natural fibre. Because of its softness, breathability, and adaptability, it has been used for generations in the textile industry. Cotton is a better option for the environment and human health because it is hypoallergenic and biodegradable, unlike synthetic textiles.
1. The ability to breathe
Air is able to flow freely through cotton fabric. This facilitates rapid perspiration evaporation, which lowers body heat. Cotton clothing helps you stay cool throughout the day and lowers your body temperature in the heat.
2. Absorption of Moisture
Up to 27 times its weight in water can be absorbed by cotton. This indicates that it effectively removes perspiration from your body, avoiding a sticky or damp sensation. This characteristic makes it an excellent cloth for hot weather when perspiration is abundant.
3. Skin-comfortable and soft
Cotton is perfect for persons with sensitive skin or skin disorders like rashes or eczema since it is soft on the skin. Wearing soft cotton clothing helps lessen the likelihood of experiencing discomfort or allergies during the summer, when perspiration and heat can irritate the skin.
4. Hypoallergenic Properties
Unlike certain synthetic textiles, cotton does not trigger allergic reactions. It is devoid of harsh chemicals, particularly when using cotton that is organic. Cotton is therefore perfect for kids, those with sensitive skin, and people who get heat rashes easily.
5. Sturdiness and Simple Upkeep
Cotton is a resilient fabric that holds up well to numerous washings. The majority of cotton clothing can be machine washed and doesn’t need to be dry cleaned, making it easy to maintain. It is therefore useful for summer clothing that is worn every day.
6. Diverse Fabrics and Styles
There are numerous cotton-based textiles made especially for the summer, ranging from textured cotton slub and seersucker to lightweight cotton lawn and muslin. Cotton clothing is available in a wide range of designs, hues, and patterns, guaranteeing that comfort does not have to sacrifice flair.
7. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Natural fibres like cotton break down quickly and don’t harm the environment. Cotton production is more sustainable than that of petroleum-based materials like polyester or nylon, especially when it is cultivated organically. During the summer, choosing cotton helps you lessen your carbon footprint.
What are health benefits in wearing cotton?
1. Avoids Allergies and Skin Irritation
Because of excessive perspiration and garment friction, summer heat can frequently cause skin discomfort. Sweat tends to be trapped by synthetic materials, aggravating the skin and causing allergic reactions or rashes. Cotton is a hypoallergenic, natural fabric that is kind to the skin and greatly lowers the likelihood of inflammation. It is perfect for persons with sensitive skin or disorders like dermatitis and eczema because of its silky texture, which reduces friction and lets your skin breathe.
2. Enhances Skin Breathability and Air Circulation
During the summer, air circulation is crucial to sustaining a healthy body temperature. Compared to synthetic materials, cotton’s permeable weave permits superior airflow. This enhanced ventilation keeps the skin cool by facilitating more effective perspiration evaporation. Cotton is a safe and healthy fabric option on hot, muggy days since it promotes air exchange between your body and the surroundings, preventing overheating.
3. Reduces the Buildup of Sweat and Absorbs Moisture
The body uses perspiration as a natural cooling function, but too much perspiration can cause discomfort, germs, and body odour. Because of its great absorption capacity, cotton can hold a lot of moisture without making you feel clammy or damp. In addition to keeping your skin dry, its moisture-wicking quality lowers the risk of bacterial infections brought on by moisture, especially in body folds and undergarment areas.
4. Lowers the Chance of Heat-Related Diseases
If the body is unable to adequately cool down in extreme heat, it can result in health issues, including heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Your body can maintain a steady internal temperature by wearing breathable materials like cotton. Cotton prevents thermal accumulation by releasing heat rather than retaining it. Cotton clothing greatly reduces the danger of heat-related illnesses in the summer by supporting your body’s natural cooling mechanism.
5. Reduces the Odour of the Body
Sweat and bacteria on the skin mix to produce a lot of body odour in the summer. Cotton keeps your skin dry and inhibits the formation of microorganisms by absorbing perspiration and letting it evaporate rapidly. Cotton allows air to circulate easily and doesn’t retain odours like synthetic fabrics can, so you stay odour-free all day. Body odour can be an issue in crowded or outdoor settings, so this is very helpful.
6. Encourages Better Sleep
High temperatures at night can cause sweating and heat, which might interfere with sleep. The quality of sleep can be greatly improved by using cotton bed linens or wearing cotton sleepwear. Because cotton is soft and breathable, it improves airflow throughout the body and lowers perspiration, making sleep more comfortable and cool. Cotton is a wise choice for bedtime comfort because getting enough sleep during the summer enhances mood, energy levels, and general wellness.
7. Safeguards for Body Parts that are sensitive
Sweat and continual movement make some places more prone to discomfort, such as the thighs, groin, and underarms. In these areas, wearing tight or non-breathable clothing can cause fungal infections and unpleasant chafing. Loose clothing and cotton underwear aid in keeping these areas friction-free and dry. This lessens pain and safeguards sensitive skin, particularly for those who exercise or spend time outside.
8. Safe for Older People and Children
Due to their less effective body temperature control and more sensitive skin, children and the elderly are more susceptible to heat-related discomfort. Cotton clothing offers a soft, non-abrasive alternative that protects and cools their skin. Cotton is frequently suggested by paediatricians for infants since it is breathable and non-toxic. Cotton minimises skin dryness, keeps older folks from overheating, and makes them more comfortable in hot weather overall.
9. Assists in the Treatment of Prolonged Skin Disorders
Summertime can exacerbate conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne because of increased perspiration, clogged pores, and irritation. Cotton keeps the skin dry and cool, which helps prevent these flare-ups. Cotton is soft and non-abrasive in contrast to synthetic fibres that could irritate delicate parts when they rub against them. By preserving a hygienic and irritation-free environment, wearing cotton can enhance the general state of the skin and aid medical treatments.
10. Promotes Skin Health and Hygiene
Cotton is a great fabric for everyday hygiene because it is easy to wash and doesn’t hold onto oils, bacteria, or odours. Cotton helps you keep your garments fresh and clean without worrying about fabric damage because it can tolerate repeated washings. Cotton also avoids skin irritation and allergy responses because it doesn’t retain soap residues like other synthetics do. This promotes healthy skin and stops bacteria from growing on clothing.
Advice for Selecting and Maintaining Cotton Clothing
• Opt for Light Colours: Light hues, such as pastels, white, and beige, reflect sunlight more effectively than dark hues, which helps you stay cooler.
• Prefer clothing that fits loosely: Airflow is reduced by tight clothing. Select loose-fitting clothing for optimal comfort.
• Wash Frequently: Cotton clothing should be washed frequently with a mild detergent to maintain hygiene.
• Air Dry When Possible: To preserve the texture and longevity of your cotton clothing, let it air dry.
• Select Organic Cotton: To promote sustainable agricultural methods, use cotton that is farmed organically if at all possible.
Cotton and Fashion: Can Comfort and Style Coexist?
Of course! Nowadays, cotton is not merely seen as a “plain” or “basic” fabric. Nowadays, a lot of designers and companies only use cotton to create summer collections that have sophisticated cuts, patterns, and forms that go with current fashion trends. Cotton is becoming more and more popular in the fashion sector, from cotton sarees to western attire.
Conclusion
Wearing cotton clothing in the summer is not only more comfortable but also environmentally responsible, stylish, and health-conscious. It is the perfect summer fabric because of its special qualities of skin-friendliness, moisture absorption, and breathability.
Therefore, the next time you ask yourself, “Why should we wear cotton clothes in summer?” keep in mind that the answers are sustainability, comfort, and science.