US parents prefer cotton back-to-school apparel for wards

Parents should also know that, both students and adults can get a better night's sleep on cotton sheets and in cotton sleepwear, said the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor Survey.

This year, back-to-school clothing shoppers plan to spend about $277 per person, according to the survey. Performance is of key interest to parents, who want quality clothing that is durable. Nearly two-thirds of back-to-school clothing shoppers said they would be willing to pay more for their child/children's clothing offering 72 per cent shrink resistance, 70 per cent stain resistance, 68 per cent fade resistance, 64 per cent odour resistance and 64 per cent durability with performance technologies, compared to clothing without those features.

"There are a lot of reasons why cotton is a comfortable choice for back-to-school wardrobes," says Dr Mikhail Varshavski who has partnered with Cotton Incorporated to raise awareness about the benefits of cotton for sleep and personal health.

"Cotton fabrics have unique characteristics such as breathability and a more rapid release of bacteria in a laundry load, compared to synthetics. Some synthetics can actually encourage the growth of bacteria, which can create health issues and smell unpleasant," explained Varshavski.

Dr Varshavski points out that cotton can also contribute to a good night's sleep. "Studies have demonstrated that the breathability of cotton sheets and sleepwear keep the body comfortable, which leads to uninterrupted sleep. A good night's sleep can do a lot for mental focus and general good health." (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India