Easy care cotton fabrics are now common. Much of the research in developing processes that led to and improved the quality of durable press fabrics was carried out at the Southern Regional Research Center in New Orleans. Scientists at this U.S. Department of Agriculture facility have provided the understanding of the mechanisms that impart durable press to cotton. At the same time, SRRC researchers have made significant strides in developing durable flame retardant finishes for cotton fabrics.

The American Chemical Society designated the evolution of durable press and flame retardant cotton a National Historic Chemical Landmark in New Orleans, Louisiana, on May 14, 2004.