After joining the USDA in 1953, chemist Ruth Benerito helped develop wrinkle-resistant cotton that made clothes easier to wash and wear without ironing

Ruth Benerito transformed the cotton industry with her innovative work on wrinkle prevention and fabric durability. Her breakthroughs led to the creation of stain-resistant and flame-retardant cotton used widely in various sectors. Overcoming numerous challenges post her scientific journey, she also made vital contributions to medical advancements during the Korean War, leaving a lasting legacy that still shapes contemporary fabric technology and clothing today.