Naturally pigmented cotton is not new. It has grown in earthy shades of green, brown, and red for thousands of years. The cultivars can be grown using organic or conventional farming methods, but both offer ecological advantages since chemical dyeing is unnecessary. Naturally colored cotton can offer unique attributes and selective advantages over common white varieties. Some colored fibers are shorter, weaker, and finer than white cotton. These characteristics contribute to their unique appearance, unusual softness, flexibility, and luster. Shortcomings of the fibers may include color variation, cost, and limitations associated with processing and performance. Government researchers are presently developing patented and proprietary methods to convert existing colored fibers into superior yarns and fabrics. The outcome of this research could be applicable to inferior grades of white cotton with broad economic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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