#Raw Materials

2019-07-04

Elastic cotton clothing made of 100% cotton

For many years now, polyester and cotton blends have been used to make clothing. In addition, elastane, also known as spandex or Lycra, is used as it emphasises the fit and provides comfort. This could change in the future, as the US research firm Cotton Incorporated, Cary, North Carolina, has now presented the market with 100% cotton elastic clothing fabrics.

The newly developed product is being marketed under the Natural StretchTM brand without the use of elastane. According to information provided by the supplier, the fabric offers the elasticity and comfort that consumers are used to from wearing long-standing products.

It is known in the industry that normal cotton fabrics already have a given elasticity of three to six percent. The material developed by Cotton Incorporated creates the increased stretch effect through a special mechanical manufacturing process. The material offers highly comfortable stretch properties in combination with the naturalness and softness of cotton. The material does not lose its elasticity when worn. The fabrics can be processed into shirts and blouses, as well as denim jeans, other trousers and skirts. According to Cotton Incorporated, there are currently licensees for the manufacture and sale of Natural StretchTM fabrics in Peru, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia.

However, an additional innovation could provide a boost for change: The Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CISRO), Canberra, Australia, is currently working on growing cotton seed or cotton plants whose fibres provide many of the attributes of manmade fibres such as elasticity, crease resistance, and water resistance, without restricting the natural properties of cotton.

Whether these innovations will prevail depends on the readiness of the clothing industry to deal with them and undoubtedly on changes in the fashion attitudes of consumers. Based on its observations, the Bremen Cotton Exchange assumes that issues related to sustainable production will play an increasingly important role in clothing purchasing in the future. Compared to manmade fibres such as polyester, cotton has the advantage that it is natural, renewable and biodegradable.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

38th International Cotton Conference Bremen: Let´s Talk about Cotton!

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, to be held on 25-27 March 2026 in Bremen’s parliament building on market square, once again sends a powerful signal for professional excellence and international dialogue. The focus is on the latest market trends and technical innovations throughout the entire value chain – from agriculture and quality assurance to processing and the circular economy. With its high-calibre speakers, the conference remains an indispensable forum for anyone involved in shaping the cotton industry scientifically, technically, or economically.

Esquel Group adds two new extra-long staple cotton varieties approved

Esquel Group’s Xinjiang Research & Development Center has successfully developed two new Sea Island cotton (Extra-Long-Staple cotton, ELS cotton) varieties named “Yuan Loong 37” and “Yuan Loong 42,” which have been officially approved and granted registration numbers. Both varieties have also obtained Plant Variety Rights certificates, marking another significant breakthrough for the Group in cotton breeding and commercial application.

Aid by Trade Foundation reaches new milestones in supply chain transparency

The Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is reaching new milestones as it leads the way towards greater physical traceability for Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) cotton. With around 700 suppliers and producers in a total of 25 countries, the Aid by Trade Foundation has reached a new record number of partners who can trace CmiA cotton from the product back to its origin. This is more than double the previous year’s figure.

Barmag presents the next generation of POY production – energy-efficient and partial-automated

With POY 2.0, Barmag is introducing a completely redesigned spinning concept that takes the production of partially oriented yarn (POY) to a new level in terms of technology and economy. The solution, which was presented to a selected audience of experts for the first time at ITMA Asia + CITME 2025, was met with great enthusiasm: several yarn producers worldwide immediately expressed their interest in a pilot plant.

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem to accelerate technology scale‑up

Textile‑to‑textile recycling leader Circulose joins Spinnova’s ecosystem (consortium) to help advance the scale‑up of Spinnova’s technology. Spinnova has actively sought partners to accelerate commercial scale‑up, and Circulose, as a key player in textile recycling, strengthens the ecosystem by providing a raw material that is in high demand across the industry.