Cotton is a soft, breathable textile created from the nearly pure cellulose fibers of cotton plants. Laser processing of cotton can be performed using either a 9.3 or 10.6 micron CO₂ laser without a noticeable difference in process quality. Laser processing of cotton using a 1.06 micron fiber laser is not recommended as this wavelength is not readily absorbed by this material. Laser cutting of cotton with a CO₂ laser produces a clean cut with minimal discoloration. Laser marking of cotton with a CO₂ laser will produce an indelible surface mark with no depth which can be either lighter or darker depending upon the material processed. Laser engraving of cotton will produce both depth and contrast, depending upon the material processed and is limited to the material thickness.