Cotton is everywhere! This natural fiber is one of the most widely used materials in the textile industry, showing up in everything from clothing to home goods.
But not all cotton is created equal. Pima cotton is a premium variety known for its extra-long staple (ELS) fibers. This gives it superior qualities like softness, strength, and durability, making it a favorite for luxury items.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of what is Pima cotton. We’ll explore its history, how it’s produced, its unique characteristics, its many uses, and how it stacks up against other types of cotton.
What is Pima cotton?
Pima cotton is a type of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. That means that the individual fibers are longer than 34 millimeters—longer than most other kinds of cotton.
What makes Pima cotton so desirable? It’s exceptionally soft and smooth. Pima cotton fabrics are also known for their durability and resistance to pilling. They have a silky texture and a natural sheen that makes them look luxurious.
Pima cotton comes from the Gossypium barbadense plant.
Where does Pima cotton come from?
Pima cotton comes from a specific type of cotton plant called Gossypium barbadense. Researchers have found evidence from as far back as 3,000 BC that people in South America and the West Indies were cultivating this plant.
In the early 1900s, the USDA started a pilot project to grow G. barbadense in the United States. The Pima Indians of Arizona played a key role in growing and developing this special type of cotton, which eventually became known as Pima cotton.
Francis Levett also deserves credit as an early sea island cotton planter, helping to establish the foundations for Pima cotton’s success.
Where does Pima cotton come from?
Pima cotton thrives in tropical climates, so it’s grown in specific regions around the world that offer the right combination of sun, heat, and moisture. Many Pima cotton growers also use sustainable farming practices to protect the environment.
Pima cotton is often harvested by hand rather than by machine. Although harvesting by hand is less efficient, it preserves the extra-long staple fibers that give Pima cotton its luxurious feel.
The invention of the cotton gin revolutionized cotton production, making it possible to separate the cotton fibers from the seeds much more quickly and efficiently. Before the cotton gin, this process had to be done by hand, which was incredibly time-consuming.
Today, Pima cotton is grown in the U.S., Peru, Israel, and Australia, but China and India are the major exporters/producers.
What’s so great about Pima cotton?
Pima cotton is prized for its exceptional qualities. Here’s a quick rundown of its benefits:
Superior softness and smoothness
Pima cotton has a silky, luxurious texture that feels wonderful against the skin.
Exceptional durability and longevity
Pima cotton resists pilling, so it looks newer longer than other types of cotton.
Breathability and moisture-wicking properties
Pima cotton is highly breathable and wicks away moisture, keeping you comfortable.
Hypoallergenic
Pima cotton is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
High-end clothing and apparel
Because of its luxurious feel and long lifespan, Pima cotton is often used in high-end clothing.
Home textiles
You’ll find Pima cotton in bedsheets and towels, where its softness and durability are a real plus.
Pima cotton vs. traditional cotton
Pima cotton and traditional cotton are both made from the fluffy fibers that surround the seeds of cotton plants. But there are a few differences between them.
Fiber length
Pima cotton is made of extra-long staple fibers, which makes it feel different from traditional cotton.
Quality and performance
Pima cotton feels softer than traditional cotton, and it lasts longer because it’s more durable and resists pilling. It also has a lovely luster that gives it a bit of a sheen.
Cost and availability
Because of its qualities, Pima cotton is more expensive than traditional cotton. Traditional cotton is also easier to find and is available in a wider array of products.
Pima cotton vs. Egyptian cotton
Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton are similar in a lot of ways. Both are considered “extra-long staple” (ELS) cottons, which means that each individual fiber is longer than standard cotton. This results in a softer, more durable fabric.
However, there are some key differences. Pima cotton was originally cultivated in the American Southwest, while Egyptian cotton, as the name suggests, comes from Egypt.
There are also differences in production volume. Pima cotton accounts for approximately 40% of the world’s extra-long staple cotton production. Egyptian cotton, on the other hand, makes up less than 5% of the annual global extra-long staple cotton crop.
Types and certifications of Pima cotton
Not all Pima cotton is created equal. Here’s a look at some of the different varieties and what certifications to look for.
Supima cotton
Supima cotton is a high-end version of Pima cotton grown in the United States under strict controls. Because of its superior quality, Supima cotton can be three times the price of regular cotton.
Other related cotton types
Sea Island cotton is an older variety of cotton that’s considered a historical precursor to Pima cotton.
Certifications
If you’re looking for Pima cotton grown according to certain standards, look for certifications from organizations like the ASA (American Supima Association) or the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) for organic cotton.
Does Pima cotton production hurt the environment?
All cotton production uses water and pesticides, which can have environmental consequences. However, some Pima cotton growers are working to reduce their impact.
Some farms use organic and chemical-free production methods. Some are finding ways to use less water and fewer pesticides. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your clothing and textiles, you can look for sustainably produced Pima cotton.
You might also consider buying Pima cotton grown in the United States. This can help ensure quality and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
To sum it up, Pima cotton is known for its unparalleled softness, exceptional durability, and overall superior quality compared to other types of cotton.
Because of its unique properties, Pima cotton is a versatile choice for a wide range of textile applications. You’ll find it in high-end apparel, luxurious bedding, and other home textiles where comfort and longevity are highly valued.
When you’re shopping for clothing and home goods, consider Pima cotton for its luxurious feel, long-lasting quality, and potential to be produced in a more sustainable way.