Final answer:
It is false that short staple cotton was preferred over long staple cotton prior to the invention of the cotton gin. Long staple cotton was actually more prized for its longer and finer fibers, which were easier to work with by hand.
Step-by-step explanation:
For proper client protection, linens and cloth materials should be used to ensure hygiene and comfort. The question regarding short staple cotton's preference over long staple cotton before the invention of the cotton gin is False. Short staple cotton fibers were harder to process by hand due to their length, which made them less desired. The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793, made it easier to separate the seeds from short staple cotton, which greatly increased its use and demand. Conversely, long staple cotton was valued for its longer and finer fibers, even before the cotton gin made processing easier.