Why cotton is such a commonly used material:
Cotton is a natural fiber; as such, it is renewable, biodegradable and can be produced organically. It is highly versatile and can be used to produce many fabrics, each with different properties. Additionally, cotton can be blended with synthetic fibers, such as polyester, to combine the desirable properties of both materials.
Cotton fabrics are breathable, absorbent and strong. They are used in the manufacture of clothing and outdoor equipment, but are not inherently water repellent.
One cotton gets wet, it stays wet ...
Cotton is highly absorbent and retains water, so it takes a long time to dry once wet. Therefore, it is important to ensure that cotton outer garments and equipment don’t absorb water, as this will cause them to increase in weight and will impair their breathability.
To prevent cotton fabrics from absorbing water Durable Water Repellency (DWR) can be added by applying Nikwax Cotton Proof™.