The Truth About Cotton: Traceability, Labels, and the Polyester Problem

Cotton is everywhere—but most of us have no idea what it takes to grow it or how it becomes clothing. Terry Townsend (USDA + ICAC, 43-year cotton industry veteran) pulls back the curtain on cotton production, ginning, and the 18-month supply chain from farm to finished garment. We also unpack labeling myths (“Egyptian cotton,” “organic,” “bamboo”), and why traceability matters for natural fibers in a world dominated by polyester.