Cotton is the most famous textile fabric traded on TEXchange Global. It’s durable, renewable, breathable, soft, low maintenance, and the core element of many fabric blends. The textile fabric is completely natural,meaning it does not contain any synthetic compounds. It can also be produced organically to make it more environmentally viable.Cotton is also versatile – there are countless types of cotton fabric online in India. If you are interested, this blog will shed light on the various types of cotton grown in India and the top varieties of cotton fabrics that are traded internationally.
Types of Cotton Grown in India
Indian cotton buyers and suppliers call cotton the “white gold” due to its rich history in the Indian civilization. The country’s diverse agro-climatic conditions have made it possible for cultivators to grow various types of cotton with unique characteristics and density. Here’s a list of cotton grown in India:
1. Long Staple Cotton
Long Staple Cotton is mainly grown in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. Characterized for their longer fiber length, the long-staple cotton is used for producing premium qualityfabrics.
The long-staple cotton is further classified into American Upland Cotton, with a fiber length ranging from 28-32 mm, and Egyptian Cotton, known for its very long fibers going up to 36mm.
American Upland Cotton produces finer quality fabrics, while Egyptian Cotton produces soft and luxurious fabrics.
2. Extra Long Staple Cotton (ELS)
Extra Long Staple cotton, also known as the American Pima Cotton, is recognized for its exceptionally long, silky, and smooth fibers, measuring up to 40 mm. Indian states Gujarat and Maharashtra are the leadingextra-long-staple cotton suppliers. It is exported to brands that produce premium and highly prized textiles.
Fabrics produced from American Pima Cotton do not pill as the fibers yield fabrics with fewer loose fibers. Pima cotton is 30% stronger and long-lasting than regular cotton and can hold color much longer, allowing apparel brands to use less harsh dyes to get desired colors.
3. Medium Staple Cotton
The fiber strands of medium staple cotton are shorter than long-staple cotton and are classified into two subtypes – Indian Cotton or Desi cottonand American Upland Cotton. As an indigenous variety of cotton, medium staple is cultivated in several states in India, with Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh being the top cotton suppliers.
Fiber length ranging from 18 – 27mm, Indian Cotton is drought resistant and can be grown effortlessly in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat. American Upland Cotton is grown in semi-arid Indian states and has a fiber length range of 20mm to 27mm.
Medium staple cotton is used to make garments, home furnishings, and industrial goods, like tea bags, tablecloths, and bandages. You can buy high-quality desi cotton fabric online in India from the TEXchange Global online trading platform or through Damodar Menon International, India’s oldest and largest trading company for cotton buyers and sellers.
4. Indian Cotton Hybrids
India is globally leading in the development and commercial cultivation of hybrid cotton. Hybrid cotton is a cotton fabric made by crossing two parent strains showcasing different properties manually. Hybrid cotton has unique characteristics; for example,hybrid plants have more biomass than the two parent strains, generate greater yield than staple cotton types, have better and uniform fiber quality, and can be developed more quickly than other regular varieties.
While hybrid cotton requires more water and fertilizer to grow, India’s lower manual labor cost makes the production economically viable for cotton buyers. Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh are major cultivators of hybrid cotton.
Hybrid cotton is available in extra-long staple varieties with staple lengths crossing 32 mm. Other types of hybrid cotton include interspecific hybrids, intraspecific hybrids, and transgenic hybrids.
Popular Cotton Fabrics Created in India
When it comes to cotton textiles, India stands at the forefront. India exports many times of cotton fabrics, including those that are handwoven and hand-painted.
Khadi Cotton
Khadi is a hand-spun and handwoven fabric known for playing a significant role in India’s Independence. Mahatma Gandhi promoted it as a part of the Swadeshi (self-sufficiency) movement. Unlike other handloom fabrics that can be made from handspun, mill-made, and man-made yarn, khadi fabrics can be created with only handspun yarn.
Chanderi Cotton
Chanderi is a revered ethnic fabric characterized by its silky texture, luxurious feel, and lightweight. It is created by weaving silk, golden zari threads, and cotton yarn in different amounts to generate the desired shimmery texture. Chanderi silk cotton is mainly used in the creation of premium ethnic garments, like sarees, lehengas, and Kurtis.
Muslin
Muslin distinguishes itself from typical cotton due to its remarkable characteristics. The cotton found in muslin is notably soft and lightweight. The thread employed in creating muslin is finer compared to that of standard cotton. Similar to regular cotton, muslin allows for excellent air circulation, making it perfect for producing clothing suited for warmer weather.
Chambray
Chambray is a plain-weave cotton fabric made with dyed warp yarn and white weft yarn. Chambray cotton looks like denim but is much lighterin weight, softer, thinner, and is woven in a different manner. Apart from the classic denim blue, chambray cotton is available in a wide range of modern colors.
Kalamkari Cotton
Kalamkari is a hand-painted or block-printed cotton fabric known for its intricate designs and patterns. This art form is primarily produced in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The process of creating Kalamkari involves using natural vegetable dyes in rich colors such as reds, blues, greens, yellows, and browns. The fabric is highly prized for making sarees, blouses, cushion covers, quilts, furniture, and tablecloths.
TEXchange Global allows you to buy and sell different types of cotton fabric online in India. Verified Indian cotton suppliers are associated with us seamless trading experience. Register on our portal for free to experience lightning-fast deals on cotton fabrics, yarns, and fibers.
