Cotton, our Holy Grail

Suddenly, there it was, cotton

Its history began to be written several thousand years ago. Back then, it had a pampered start in Egypt, Mexico and Pakistan. White cotton balls first travelled to Europe from India as early as the sixth century AD. Since then, cotton has prospered in Europe, and today it even represents one of the main raw materials in the production of most clothing collections. However, the first "but" arises here.

There’s nothing like cotton!

Over time, cotton became the main source of material for the clothing industry. And although compared to the 19th century, when cotton represented up to 80% of the volume of all textile materials, today it makes up roughly 30% (the difference has been replaced by synthetic materials), the demand is still huge. And you have to adapt to demand. This is where we get to the fact that every coin has two sides. In order for cotton to be really high-quality, it needs very specific production conditions and traditional processing methods as much as possible. The cotton plant is highly delicate, susceptible to pest attacks, and its life path is particularly demanding in terms of water consumption.

Many multinational companies are pushing the purchase price of cotton down. Result? Its growers are forced to use cheap sprays, which are allowed, but often toxic and even carcinogenic. BUSHMAN is aware of this fact - after all, we have been interested in cotton for 25 years - and that is why we carefully control all supply and production processes throughout our operations. We will not support this accelerated and unethical method of cultivation and production. Even at the cost of the fact that the purchase price of cotton will be higher than usual.


Why we do this is perhaps not even necessary to explain. Nevertheless, we do remind you: the philosophy of the BUSHMAN brand was, is and will be to produce clothes with respect for Nature and people. We cannot identify with any of the substitutes and accelerators in the production of cotton and its processing, because they’re a threat to the environment, and therefore also to people.

Let's keep cotton natural!

The natural properties of the cotton fibre are reflected in each product. Here are the key ones that made the world fall in love with cotton:
 
• One of the main advantages of cotton is its resistance to both mechanical and chemical influence.
• It also has incredible tensile strength and abrasion resistance. The strength is further enhanced if the cotton is wetted, even by 20%.
• Whoever says it feels "like cotton" is undoubtedly referring to its softness. Cotton is pleasant to the touch and so specific that it can be easily recognized by touch.
• A big benefit and one of the main reasons why you reach for BUSHMAN products is their high absorbency. Cotton can absorb moisture, it can even absorb up to 25% of water from the surrounding environment and it stays dry to the touch!

Of course, there are also disadvantages alongside the advantages. It is a normal part of any natural material and it depends on the end consumer how to accept and approach this small "but". In human terms: how well you treat cotton is how well it will serve you. 

• Clothes made of high-quality cotton wrinkle easily. Due to this, some lint will start to form over time, but it can be easily and gently removed.
• Cotton doesn’t handle the cold well. It doesn't warm up much in winter because its thermal insulation is low and continues to decrease with increasing humidity.
• Even too much sunlight does not benefit it. Although it will do you well in the heat and ensure the precise removal of moisture, due to the sun's rays it turns brown (its colours therefore fade) and it loses strength. In other words - it becomes brittle.

How well you treat cotton is how well it will serve you.

Cotton is a natural fibre and deserves to be treated with care. This is what you need to think about whenever you put on cotton clothes - or whenever you take them off. Cotton delights with its breathability, absorbency and universal use. The cotton fibre can become a T-shirt as well as trousers, a sweater or your bedding. Don't expect from it what it can't offer you, and on the contrary, do everything to make it serve you well for a long time.


The most important step is the washing. You can use it to maintain all the beneficial properties of cotton, or to destroy them as well. You can safely wash pure cotton at 40 °C (dyed items), undyed ones at 60 °C with a decoction or even bleach. Cotton with an admixture or one that dyed is recommended should be washed at a maximum of 40 °C. Before washing, turn the clothes inside out, do up the buttons and zips and don't forget to sort by colour. You might sweat a little while ironing, as cotton wrinkles a lot, but the result will be worth it. Beware of high temperatures and excessive use of steam during ironing.

The Bottom line: Only a quality product is a healthy one. And that's what we're all about.