Lightweight cotton, between comfort and breathability for underwear
Cotton is one of the most widely used materials in the production of fabrics and textile products. Cultivated for over 3,000 years, primarily in Asia , its use dates back to the Egyptians. It only arrived in Europe around the year 1000, when the Saracens decided to bring it to Sicily to begin production. But what distinguishes cotton from other fabrics? Let's discover together what makes this textile fiber so special and the benefits of using it.
Cotton: what are its main characteristics?
Cotton is the most widely used natural textile fiber, along with wool . Its specific characteristics make it an ideal material for creating garments suitable for all seasons . Thanks to its composition, cotton is perfect for creating lightweight, absorbent fabrics that are worn next to the skin both in the heat of summer and the harsher climate of winter. A perfect example of this versatility are Alpina's cotton boxer shorts, which combine breathability and softness for all-day comfort. Cotton is a 100% biodegradable fabric, entirely recyclable and eco-friendly , especially when produced using sustainable manufacturing techniques. Contrary to popular belief, it is a material perfectly capable of combining resistance, durability and softness , in addition to its hypoallergenic nature , thus creating a garment that can be worn by anyone.
Narrow shoulder tank top in pure certified cotton thread
ADUA
€26,90
- Unit price
- per
2 colors, 6 sizes
WHAT ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS COTTONS?
There are several varieties of cotton . Among the most precious is the renowned Egyptian cotton , grown along the banks of the Nile with fine, short fibers that give lightness and comfort to the final products. This variety is joined by Mako cotton , a particular type of cotton with a fascinating history and characteristics that make it particularly valuable. In addition to this, we also find American Supima cotton, originating from the areas of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. Finally, an honorable mention goes to Sea Island Cotton , the cotton with the longest fibers in the world. Its refinement comes from the small quantities in which it is grown ( only 70–80 tons per year ) in Barbados and other Caribbean islands, making it the most valuable and expensive in existence.
WHAT IS MAKO COTTON AND WHY IS IT IDEAL FOR UNDERWEAR?
Mako cotton is a very high-quality cotton native to Egypt, known for its extra-long fibers , which can even exceed 34 millimeters . Its origins date back to the 1700s, when a young French merchant discovered a garden in Cairo where a cotton plant, with showy yellow flowers, produced soft, white tufts. Struck by the fiber's exceptional quality, his discovery led to the spread of a high-quality cotton, later named "Mako Cotton" in honor of the garden's owner and later renamed "The Mako Cotton" by the English, becoming synonymous with excellence in the world of natural yarns. This characteristic gives the yarn a softness and a natural sheen comparable to that of silk, making the final fabric very pleasant to the touch. The purity of Mako cotton fibers , in addition to ensuring high comfort and excellent breathability , makes it an ideal choice for garments intended for direct contact with the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and skin allergies. A perfect example of this are women's Mako cotton undershirts , which offer an impeccable fit and a lightweight feel against the skin. Furthermore, the durability of Mako cotton allows both the color and fiber structure to remain intact even after numerous washes, making it suitable for both clothing and home linens.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAKO COTTON AND OTHER FINE COTTONS
The differences between Makò cotton and other types of yarn lie primarily in the manufacturing processes and the final product properties . While Makò cotton enhances the natural purity of the fibers , maintaining an almost silky sheen and long-lasting resistance, other cotton yarns can be subjected to processes that accentuate the brilliance and uniformity, while also altering the naturalness of the yarn. Other materials, such as linen or silk, however, feel different on the skin and have an aesthetic composition that often requires more delicate care, without guaranteeing the same robustness and ease of maintenance of the fabric. As a result, Makò cotton stands out for its perfect balance of quality, durability, and comfort , making it particularly suitable for those seeking a resistant fabric without sacrificing softness and naturalness.
WHY PREFER COTTON OVER OTHER FABRICS FOR UNDERWEAR?
Cotton stands out as the ideal fabric for underwear thanks to its natural breathability and ability to absorb moisture . Its fibrous structure allows for excellent air circulation, keeping the skin cool and dry even on the hottest days, reducing the risk of irritation and the formation of bacteria. This characteristic, combined with its hypoallergenic nature, makes it perfect for underwear worn in direct contact with the skin , such as men's pure cotton undershirts , ideal for both winter as a thermal layer and summer thanks to their lightness, ensuring constant comfort without the discomfort typical of synthetic materials that can retain sweat and heat. Unlike other fibers, such as synthetic ones that often require complex treatments to improve their resistance or silk that requires special care, cotton has a strong capacity to withstand frequent washing without losing its original properties . This, combined with its environmental sustainability as a natural and biodegradable fiber, positions it as the best choice for underwear.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR RECOGNIZING GOOD COTTON UNDERWEAR
To choose good underwear, it's advisable to carefully read the labels on the package and on the product. In the case of cotton underwear , the percentage 100% CO ( cotton ) will be indicated, allowing you to verify the composition of the fabric. Also, don't forget to look at the fabric: pure cotton is characterized by a matte surface and a slightly rough texture , but at the same time soft and comfortable on the skin. This will allow you to distinguish a synthetic composition of the fibers , which usually have a smooth and homogeneous structure. If you're looking for refined underwear for men and elegant underwear for women in pure cotton , capable of adapting to the sensitivity of your skin, making you feel fresh and dry at any time of the day , visit the Alpina website . Here you'll find numerous garments perfect for wrapping your body , adapting perfectly to the changing seasons.