What's the difference between cotton and recycled cotton?

Here's a detailed comparison between cotton and recycled cotton:

1. Source & Production
Cotton (Virgin):
Grown as a crop (planted, harvested from cotton bolls).
Requires ginning (separating fibers from seeds) and spinning into yarn.
Recycled Cotton:
Made from discarded cotton textiles (e.g., used clothing, fabric scraps).
Process involves shredding, decontamination, and re-spinning waste fibers.

2. Fiber Quality
Cotton (Virgin):
Fibers are long, uniform, and intact → stronger, smoother yarn.
Resists pilling and holds dye consistently.
Recycled Cotton:
Fibers are shortened and damaged during recycling → weaker, coarser yarn.
Prone to pilling, uneven dye absorption, and faster wear.

3. Environmental Impact
Cotton (Virgin):
High water/pesticide use in farming.
Land-intensive cultivation.
Recycled Cotton:
Diverts textile waste from landfills.
Skips farming and ginning → saves water/energy but requires chemical cleaning.

4. Performance & Use
Cotton (Virgin):
Versatile: Suitable for premium apparel, bedding, medical textiles.
Durable, soft, and colorfast after washes.
Recycled Cotton:
Best for low-stress applications: insulation, stuffing, industrial wipes.
Rarely used alone in garments; often blended with virgin fibers for stability.

5. Cost & Accessibility
Cotton (Virgin):
Price fluctuates with crop yields and global demand.
Widely available.
Recycled Cotton:
Raw material is cheaper (waste-based), but processing raises costs.
Limited supply (depends on recycling infrastructure).

6. Care & Longevity
Cotton (Virgin):
Withstands machine washing/drying (gentle settings).
Ages gracefully with proper care.
Recycled Cotton:
Cold wash only (hot water accelerates breakdown).
Air-dry essential (heat causes shrinkage/hardening).
Shorter lifespan due to fiber fatigue.

7. Sustainability Perception
Cotton (Virgin):
Natural but criticized for resource intensity.
"Organic cotton" addresses some concerns.
Recycled Cotton:
Celebrated for circularity but faces "downcycling" stigma.
Trust depends on certifications (e.g., GRS).