This term refers to cotton fibers that are typically less than 1 1/8 inches (approximately 2.86 cm) in length. An example of this fiber is the type grown in certain regions with less-than-ideal climates for cotton production. This fiber’s shorter length impacts its characteristics and applications.
Fiber length significantly influences the quality and usage of the resulting yarn and fabric. While potentially less expensive to produce, these fibers generally result in weaker, coarser yarns. Historically, it was the primary type cultivated in many areas before the introduction and widespread adoption of longer varieties, affecting the textile industries and economies of those regions.
