Prismatic Cotton

A common cloth with reflective properties that is used in most pieces of outerwear clothing for the sake of visibility.

Properties

Material Characteristics

The material at its essence is a slightly reflective cotton, with an initial silver colour that takes on the colour of the light shining on it, or objects around it.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The material is slightly stiff when new, and gradually softens over time. One side of it tends to feel rougher and looks less reflective than the other, and is used as the reverse side of the fabric.

Origin & Source

Prismatic cotton is made out of a hybrid of regular cotton that is interspersed with threads of Tica fibres throughout.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Prismatic cotton is used mostly in clothing production amongst the dark.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Prismatic cotton is used in most cultures as a form of identification and visibility amongst the people. Some cultures will decorate buildings or waystones on paths as a way of boundary marking.
There are varying opinions per culture about how much prismatic cotton is appropriate in an outfit. In some cultures wearing little in the way of reflective items means you are seen as a shady individual, someone who prefers not to be seen. However, reflecting too much gives the air of being attention seeking or narcissistic.

Refinement

Prismatic cotton needs to be made before it can be used as such, and that is through weaving cotton fibres and treated tica fibres together. The material then soaks in water for 12 hours at minimum and dries out before being ready to use.

Distribution

Trade & Market

While it was once a rarity, prismatic cotton is now common in larger towns and is frequently exported to smaller and more isolated areas.

Type

Textile

Value

Relatively cheap per meter. The price varies between quality of the cotton.

Rarity

Common

Color

The material reflects the colour of the light and objects around it, although in its natural state is a neutral silver colour.