Cotton Inc's Seal of Cotton turns 50

25/07/2023
Cotton Inc's Seal of Cotton turns 50
Cotton Incorporated is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Seal of Cotton trademark, which was unveiled in 1973 as a "symbol of trust", and was designed by Susan Landor Keegin, daughter of Walter Landor who founded branding firm Landor Associates. 

She was inspired by the cotton plant’s rigid stem and soft boll growing in the fields, which led her to incorporate the natural elements of cotton by having the word appear as if it were growing from the roots. 

She said: “The assignment was to find a way to stand up against synthetics.”

Nearly 8 in 10 consumers have awareness for the seal, according to Cotton Inc’s research. Over 80% of consumers say that they can rely on a brand and its product when it features the seal, while 90% prefer the fabric because of its comfort and versatility.

Kim Kitchings, senior vice-president of consumer marketing for Cotton Inc, said: “The 50th anniversary is a celebration of a highly-recognizable icon that brings consumers emotional and physical comfort and familiarity.”

An advertising campaign will highlight 50 years of the seal in 50 seconds. The campaign focuses on the power of nostalgia, reminding consumers how powerful memories and fashion styles over the decades have one common thread: cotton. 

The Seal of Cotton is used by over 950 brands in 70 countries.