Cotton’s excellent suitability for for fashion garments is rooted in a bunch of signature benefits, as listed below.

Cotton is…

✓ Breathable

✓ Moist absorbing

✓ Hypoallergenetic, soft to the skin

✓ Hygienic, washing & ironing at high temperatures

✓ Strong, durable

✓ Fully recyclable & biodegradable

✓ Relatively affordable

On the fair side, cotton also has its cons. Cotton is naturally prone to creasing and shrinkage, as well as reduced colourfastness. However, with careful specialist treatments most issues can be improved considerably. Currently, cotton’s negative environmental impact is closely monitored and accordingly tackled on a large worldwide scale. Whenever possible, Josephine & Co uses sustainable cotton types such as BCI cotton and recycled cotton.

Being natural by nature, isn't all cotton automatically organic? Yes and no. Although cotton is of organic origin, the phrase ‘organic cotton’ comes with a deeper layer. In order to grow cotton successfully, a number of problems must be solved, which is not always executed in an environmentally friendly way. Combatting diseases with chemicals, excessive water consumption during growth, soil degradation caused by endlessly replanting (lucrative) cotton plants to meet the market’s demand... Meanwhile, global attention to climate change and nature conservation resulted in several certification systems for more sustainable cotton varieties.

BCI cotton – the Better Cotton Initiative certifies cotton meeting strict requirements in terms of sustainability in growth and process methods. Wherever possible, and increasingly so, Josephine & Co opts for certified BCI cotton.

Recycled cotton – 100% cotton is 100% recyclable. Post-consumer cotton (collected garment and household textiles), provided they’re kept separate from other textile types, can be shredded and reprocessed into consumer textiles without loss of quality and properties. GRS (Global recycled Standard) certification guarantees the presence of at least 50% recycled fibers. Besides cotton, GRS certification works across all sorts of fibers.

No certification, still sustainable. In order to get fabrics and yarns officially certified, textile producers need to have deep pockets. As Josephine & Co tends to partner up with mostly small-sized (family) businesses, lack of financial resources may stand in the way of proper certification. That’s why in some cases we use uncertified fabrics that are nevertheless sustainably produced and processed. 

Regardless the excellent characteristics of 100% cotton, cotton blends are equally popular in fashion. On order to further optimize certain benefits, to alter the overall look & feel, to make lightweight fabrics stronger or to keep chunky knits light in weight. Overview of frequently used blends:

• Blend with polyester - making cotton (even) stronger, optically smoother and more colourfast.
• Blend with linen – pairing the best of both fibers in look & feel.
• Blend with silk  – adding sheen, drape and a luxurious appeal.
• Blend with elasthane – adding stretch, optimising level of comfort.

Cotton fibers are spun into yarn, yarn is woven into fabric or knitted into garments. Each type of fabric and each type of knit brings its own character. Fine or coarse, smooth or textured, matte or shiny, plain or striped, dotted, brushed... it's all about the right look, as fashion and style are constantly in motion. This is why a growing number of items in the Josephine & Co webshop come with a click & learn link that takes you directly to a text explaining the ins & outs of fabrics and knits. We love to see you confidently and well-informed enjoying your ultimate fashion find or timeless new forever piece by Josephine & Co.