Cotton that absorbs moisture from the air is called breathable cotton. This type of cotton is used in clothing and other products where high air circulation is necessary to prevent the body heat from keeping the air cool and dry. Surgical cotton is cotton that has been processed into fibers with a minimum diameter of 6.5 microns or larger. These fibers are strong and durable and will not dissolve in water like linen or hemp fibers do. Surgical-quality cotton is used by itself or blended with other fibers to produce fabrics for apparel such as gowns, blankets, and sheets. It can also be used to make towels, drapes, and umbrellas. Breathable cotton includes both staple fiber and filament fiber. Staple fiber is the part of the cotton plant that grows above ground; it consists of a stem about one half inch in diameter with three branches attached at right angles to each other. The fibers are usually 1/8 inch or less in diameter. Breathable cotton can also be referred to as loose-fill cotton because the stalks allow air to flow through them.