Naturally coloured cotton: Soft and sustainable
Mar 18, 2025
Nowadays, we are accustomed to the fact that cotton is white and it gets its palette of colours only during processing. But Nature can do it on its own! We present to you a diverse colourful, sustainable and softest type of cotton BUSHMAN has ever had in its collections.
Naturally coloured cotton represents a completely revolutionary development in the field of sustainable agriculture and organic textile production. It’s a fascinating variety whose colour seeds represent a wide, naturally coloured palette, replacing conventional processing. Thanks to the benefits, such as reduced environmental impact and beautiful natural aesthetics, offers a compelling alternative to traditional white or dyed cotton.
This natural miracle is nothing new! The ancient Mayans used it thousands of years ago, as well as other indigenous peoples in the regions of South America, but also Asia, where, after all, it is abundantly cultivated to this day (e.g. in China it is known in Shandong Province near Shanghai). Compared to commonly grown cotton it doesn’t need chemical dyeing.
It saves both water and the environment. In addition, it is significantly softer to the touch, breathable and it perfectly wicks moisture.
"Given its unique quality, it is surprising how little is known about this natural coloured cotton and its origin. I would describe its journey as a return to the roots, which means sustainability, has great potential and is carried on the wave of the revolutionary concept of greener cotton fibre. My wish is to put the original coloured cotton back into the category of products of slow fashion," says Chief technicalist BUSHMAN Iveta Polášková.
One of the most important benefits of naturally grown 
coloured cotton is undoubtedly its environmental impact. While traditional cotton requires extensive chemical purification and dyeing after bleaching, which consumes a large amount of water and chemicals, naturally coloured cotton eliminates the need for synthetic dyes, which radically reduces water consumption and environmental pollution.
Naturally coloured cotton provides clothes with an absolutely fresh look, built on muted colour shades, these were achieved without the use of chemical dyes. These varieties come in a number of shades including brown, green, and even with a tinge of red. Also an inconspicuous melange is ensured by leaving the complete original thread.
BUSHMAN prides itself on sustainable materials, and therefore naturally coloured cotton brings in its authentic form through our GUTU and KAOMA T-shirts. This is the most pleasant material we have ever used in our BUSHMAN collections. In addition, this type of cotton is superb with its incredible softness. It hugs you beautifully, letting your skin breathe.
"Naturally coloured cotton in the design of interlocks is my currently most popular material. Soft, gentle and pleasantly neutrally coloured. From a technological point of view, I appreciate the great feel of the material and at the same time its low burden on the environment. I think this is the path we should be taking in the textile industry in the future – to be more in harmony with Nature and trying to chemically modify it less.” adds Ludmila Linhart, , Long-time Technolog of BUSHMAN.
This natural miracle is nothing new! The ancient Mayans used it thousands of years ago, as well as other indigenous peoples in the regions of South America, but also Asia, where, after all, it is abundantly cultivated to this day (e.g. in China it is known in Shandong Province near Shanghai). Compared to commonly grown cotton it doesn’t need chemical dyeing.
It saves both water and the environment. In addition, it is significantly softer to the touch, breathable and it perfectly wicks moisture. "Given its unique quality, it is surprising how little is known about this natural coloured cotton and its origin. I would describe its journey as a return to the roots, which means sustainability, has great potential and is carried on the wave of the revolutionary concept of greener cotton fibre. My wish is to put the original coloured cotton back into the category of products of slow fashion," says Chief technicalist BUSHMAN Iveta Polášková.
True respect and the colour of the earth
One of the most important benefits of naturally grown coloured cotton is undoubtedly its environmental impact. While traditional cotton requires extensive chemical purification and dyeing after bleaching, which consumes a large amount of water and chemicals, naturally coloured cotton eliminates the need for synthetic dyes, which radically reduces water consumption and environmental pollution. Naturally coloured cotton provides clothes with an absolutely fresh look, built on muted colour shades, these were achieved without the use of chemical dyes. These varieties come in a number of shades including brown, green, and even with a tinge of red. Also an inconspicuous melange is ensured by leaving the complete original thread.
BUSHMAN prides itself on sustainable materials, and therefore naturally coloured cotton brings in its authentic form through our GUTU and KAOMA T-shirts. This is the most pleasant material we have ever used in our BUSHMAN collections. In addition, this type of cotton is superb with its incredible softness. It hugs you beautifully, letting your skin breathe.
"Naturally coloured cotton in the design of interlocks is my currently most popular material. Soft, gentle and pleasantly neutrally coloured. From a technological point of view, I appreciate the great feel of the material and at the same time its low burden on the environment. I think this is the path we should be taking in the textile industry in the future – to be more in harmony with Nature and trying to chemically modify it less.” adds Ludmila Linhart, , Long-time Technolog of BUSHMAN.
Advantages of naturally coloured cotton in a nutshell:
Sustainability – if you are resonating with Nature and at the same time you don’t want to give up the comfort you love, this type of cotton is a unique choice for you. Naturally coloured cotton seeds cause no need for other synthetic dyes, it is not spoiled by water, and also the chemical processes in its processing are reduced to a minimum. - Beautifully neutral natural colours – brown, beige, green, and also shades with a subtle touch of red, such is the colourful ploy of naturally coloured cotton. In addition, unedited fibres retain their original appearance, so you can look forward to a completely original “natural melange” that was conjured by nature itself.
- Heavenly softness – clothes made of naturally coloured cotton have the ability to truly hug and caress its wearer.
Establishing on a long tradition – although this type of cotton seems to be completely innovative, it has deep roots. We have only taken over what native tribes from South America and Asia have been practising for millennia. And we are proud that BUSHMAN again maintains traditions a little more intensely!
