The following information has been graciously provided with the courtesy of Cotton Incorporated. What is the origin of denim? Does cotton clothing have to be dry cleaned? How long has cotton been in use? Why do cotton and wool shrink when you wash them? Where does corduroy come from? What is wrinkle-resistant cotton? Can wearing cotton socks help prevent athelete's foot? How can you pack cotton clothes so that they won't get all rumpled? Are khakis and chinos the same thing? What does "regular and long rise" mean? Where on the waist should khaki's be worn? What's the proper length of a pair of khaki's? What is the origin of denim? Two of the fabrics most symbolic of American fashion - chambray and denim - are in reality French imports. A soft comfortable fabric with contrasting colored and white yarns, chambray was first found in Chambrai, France. Denim, originating in Nimes (as in "serge de Nimes"), was introduced to this country via work pants designed for the mining industry by a Mr. Levi Strauss. Does cotton clothing have to be dry cleaned? Cotton is easily laundered at home, but some fabrics and garments may be dry cleaned instead. Watch out for: embossed designs, loose knit weaves that snag easily, delicate embellished fabrics, linings, shoulder pads and inner construction, special finishes that come out in the wash, and garments that require professional pressing and finishing, such as starched oxford shirts. How long has cotton been in use? Cotton has been cultivated and used to make fabrics for a least 7,000 years. It may have existed in Egypt as early as 12,000 B.C. Fragments of cotton fabrics have been found by archeologists in Mexico (from 3500 B.C.), in India (3000 B.C.), in Peru (2500 B.C.), and in the southwestern United States (500 B.C.). Why do cotton and wool shrink when you wash them?There are two kinds of shrinkage. Progressive shrinkage occurs when the fiber itself shrinks. Wool fiber shrinks a little more each time it is washed, which is why wool is usually dry cleaned. Relaxation shrinkage is when the fabric shrinks. It is caused by the tension applied to yarns and fabrics during construction. The tension is released when the fabric is washed or steam pressed, causing it to shrink to its natural size. Most cotton fabric shrinkage occurs during the first wash. Where does corduroy come from? Corduroy, a pile fabric with a plain or twill weave and lengthwise ribs--called "wales"--alternating with valleys, known as "races," made its debut back in the 1600's during the reigns of the Kings Louis' of France. Because the sturdy and durable material was frequently worn by outdoor servants at the royal palace, it was dubbed "cord du roi" or "cloth of the king." It remained associated with livery and the work clothes of agricultural laborers up until the 9th century, when it became the fabric of choice for men's breeches, coats and hunting attire. By the 20th century, corduroy was being used primarily for casual sportswear. What is wrinkle-resistant cotton? This innovative fabric treatment works by strengthening the molecular "bridges" that connect cellulose molecules in a cotton fiber. The special process stabilizes the hydrogen bridges. This permits the fabric to retain its smooth surface, even after numerous washings. The finish does not alter cotton's durability, color clarity or natural absorbency. Can wearing cotton socks help prevent athelete's foot? The fungus that causes athletes foot infection incubates best in a dark, moist environment, so the most important thing is to keep the foot dry. Bulky synthetic socks contribute to feet perspiring more, creating the ideal state for fungi to thrive. Nylon and rayon prevent evaporation. Cotton actually absorbs wetness within the structure of the fiber. Water is drawn up through the interior of the fiber, between its various layers or walls. How can you pack cotton clothes so that they won't get all rumpled? Cotton knit sweaters and tee-shirts can be rolled and placed in your suitcase to prevent wrinkling. Garments made from woven cotton fabrics such as button-down shirts and trousers should first be folded along their natural creases. Then drape each garment across the suitcase so that the ends hang over the sides. Alternate putting the top of each garment on the right and left side so that the thickness remains uniform. Next, fold each item around the other, alternating the overhang from right and left sides. By following the "inter-folding" method of packing, your clothes cushion each other and are less likely to get crumpled. Are khakis and chinos the same thing?Once upon a time both chino and khaki were fabrics used in military uniforms; today these words are used interchangeably to refer to the tan-colored pants inspired by military looks. Khaki is derived from a Hindu word that means "dust color." Originally, khaki referred to a dull yellow-ish brown cotton or wool uniform fabric used for its camouflage effect by the armed forces of England, France and the U.S. since the mid 19th century; in World War I, a green tint was added. Khaki work pants and jackets were adapted for sports by men and women in the 1950s and 60s. Chino has its roots in World War I when the U.S. army purchased this durable cotton twill from China for use by soldiers in the Philippines. In the late 1950s it was adapted by men and boys for school and general wear, particularly for pants. What does "regular and long rise" mean? Trousers are usually sold in two different "rise" measurements, regular and long. The long rise is also referred to as "Tall sizes". The rise is the length from the crotch to waist. This allows the waist band to reach your naval. A man 6' or taller would probably prefer a long rise for a more comfortable fit. Where on the waist should khaki's be worn? Khaki's/Jeans, should be worn around the waist, across the navel. You read that right, ACROSS YOUR NAVEL!! Why there? Simple, it'll make you look slimmer, drape better and your pockets won't stick out. Plus, it'll keep the pleats from puffing out, thus creating another unwanted affect!! What's the proper length of a pair of khaki's? The length of your khaki's should break slightly on the front part of your shoe. The hem should be slanted on an angle and break where the heel and the sole meet. Cuffs, should be a straight line, just sliding over the instep.