We love cotton for its softness and breathability. It is the foundation of almost all our garments, used both as the main fabric and as a deliberate alternative to polyester in elements such as labels and zippers. A natural fibre chosen for comfort, balance and restraint.

Despite its many advantages, cotton has one major drawback. Its impressive absorption capacity, up to 27 times its weight in water, can prove problematic in certain situations. After intense exertion, such as a run, this property can create discomfort if you cannot change quickly.

More seriously, in mountain environments, wet cotton clothing can represent a real danger, considerably increasing the risk of hypothermia. This is why, for activities such as trekking or climbing, it is recommended to choose wool over cotton for safety reasons.

Nevertheless, for everyday use in normal conditions, cotton remains unrivalled, retaining its status as the reference for softness and comfort.

Cotton’s reputation for excessive water consumption deserves nuance. Images of the Aral Sea, which lost nearly 90% of its volume since 1960 due to irrigation of Uzbek cotton fields, have deeply marked public perception. However, the figures commonly cited are often misleading.

Contrary to widespread belief, producing one kilogram of cotton requires closer to 8,000 litres of water, of which around 6,000 litres come directly from natural rainfall. This leaves approximately 2,000 litres of irrigation water, ten times less than the figure often quoted. This global average includes all types of cotton. Organic cotton generally requires less water.

Although claims of 91% water savings may be overstated, a reduction by half is a realistic estimate.

To further reduce impact, we source our cotton from regions with high rainfall and renewable water resources. In the southeastern United States, for example, cotton cultivation requires an average of just 234 litres of irrigated water per kilogram. In Brazil, irrigation can be as low as 17 litres per kilogram, while in some African countries such as Benin, Mali or Tanzania, it is virtually unnecessary.

Our current choice of American organic cotton is driven by the superior quality of its long, resilient fibres, essential for our technical garments. We continue to explore alternatives that combine optimal fibre quality with the lowest possible environmental impact.

1. True. Cotton bolls do indeed emit an audible sound when they open at maturity. This phenomenon is the origin of the expression “cotton-pickin' time”.
2. False. The first Levi's jeans were made of heavy cotton canvas, not denim. Denim was introduced later in the manufacture of jeans.
3. False. Cotton is naturally fire-resistant. It will burn slowly rather than ignite quickly, making it a safe material for clothing.
4. True. A single cotton plant produces around 300,000 fibers, enough to make a T-shirt.
5. True. Cottonseed is often fed to dairy cows as a source of protein and energy.
6. True. NASA astronauts wear cotton clothes in space because of its fire resistance and ability to absorb perspiration.
7. False. American banknotes are made from 75% cotton and 25% linen, not paper.
8. True. There are varieties of cotton that naturally produce colored fibers, including pink, without the need for dyeing.
9. True. The Wright brothers used cotton to cover the wings of their first successful airplane, the Wright Flyer.
10. True and false. The cotton plant can accidentally behave like a carnivorous plant, even though it isn't one per se. Its sticky leaves can trap small insects, which are then decomposed and absorbed by the plant.