Which plant-based fiber is described as absorbent and durable but wrinkles and shrinks?

Which plant-based fiber is described as absorbent and durable but wrinkles and shrinks?

• A. Linen
• B. Silk
• C. Polyester
• D. Cotton

Answer: (D)

Cotton is the plant-based fiber that matches this description. It’s highly absorbent because its natural cellulose fibers can hold a lot of moisture, which is why cotton fabrics feel comfortable and dry quickly. It’s also durable; the fiber structure holds up well through many wash cycles. But cotton’s elasticity is limited, so fabrics tend to wrinkle easily. When cotton fibers are saturated and then exposed to heat, they relax and can shrink unless the fabric is preshrunk or washed in cooler water. Linen is also absorbent and durable but wrinkles more, while silk is animal-based and polyester is synthetic, so they don’t fit the plant-based, wrinkle-and-shrink combination as well.

Cotton is the plant-based fiber that matches this description. It’s highly absorbent because its natural cellulose fibers can hold a lot of moisture, which is why cotton fabrics feel comfortable and dry quickly. It’s also durable; the fiber structure holds up well through many wash cycles. But cotton’s elasticity is limited, so fabrics tend to wrinkle easily. When cotton fibers are saturated and then exposed to heat, they relax and can shrink unless the fabric is preshrunk or washed in cooler water. Linen is also absorbent and durable but wrinkles more, while silk is animal-based and polyester is synthetic, so they don’t fit the plant-based, wrinkle-and-shrink combination as well.