Cotton is one of the most prized fabrics in the world and has a long history of market trade, playing a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution in Britain and throughout much of the United States' existence.
While all cotton fibers possess notable softness and fluffiness, not all kinds of cottonare created equal. Peruvian Pima cotton is a luxurious natural fiber, highly valued in the global market, and held above all others in quality.
A Brief History
Classified scientifically asGossypiumbarbadense, Pima cotton gained its name from the Pima Indians, the first to harvest the fibers in the United States. In the early1900s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture set up an experimental farm in hopes to cultivate this species of cotton.
But this cotton had a long history before the Pima Indians. Cotton had been cultivated in South America, namely Peru, for centuries, if not whole millennia. To Peruvians, the fiber was known as “gamuza,” which is Spanish for “suede.” Archaeologists have found Pima cotton fragments in Peru that date as far back as 3100 B.C.
The Incas also cultivated and wove Pima cotton to great effect in both practical and artistic pursuits. The Spanish Conquistadors were impressed by the Incas’ weaving techniques and quality of textiles, but many of these techniques were lost during Spain’s conquest of South America, unfortunately.
Set Apart from the Rest
Cotton is naturally comfortable, absorbent, and strong. However, like coffee or fine wine, the quality of cotton varies greatly depending on numerous factors.
Pima cotton is heralded as the best for three reasons:
- Optimal growing conditions:MostPima cotton is grown along the northern coastal valleys of Peru, though some small acreages exist in California, West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Peru is Pima cotton’s ideal setting, known for its nearly perfect temperatures all year round and a rich soil that naturally soaks up just the right amount of moisture for the cotton plants. These impeccable conditions result in a beautiful, silky luster and soft texture
- Extra long staple:As it turns out, length matters. With cotton—or any natural fiber—the longer and smoother the filament, the softer the fiber. The average cotton fiber measures between half an inch to three-quarters of an inch. PeruvianPima cottonfiber is about twice the length of normal cotton, measuring an inch and three-eighths. This adds to the fiber’s durability and makes it highly resistant to pilling.
- Harvested by hand: Most commercial cotton is harvested by machines, but these machines often lead to scratchy impurities, disturbing the fiber’s smoothness and creating an unattractive yellow cast. PeruvianPima cotton is picked entirely by hand, which leads to fewer imperfections and a smoother finish. Handpicking also results in a pure white shade that takes beautifully to dyes. Harvesting by hand is also more environmentally friendly.
Brands we carry such asSAYA have optedto use it as themain fabric to produce all kinds of high-quality pieces.
Click here to take a look at some of them!
These factors result in cotton that is softer, stronger, and more absorbent than other kinds of cotton. Pima cotton is generally hypoallergenic, making it a better choice for those with sensitive skin. Many tout that products made of Pima cotton will last 50 percent longer than products made from other forms of cotton.
Pima cotton is used most often in shirts and tops for the fiber’s superior warmth and light weight. It is also the perfect material for sleepwear! Feel free to take a look at our Pima cotton sleepwear section to find plenty of different styles of pajamas.
Similarities to Egyptian Cotton
Pima cotton bears some similarities to forms of Egyptian cotton, which is more frequently used in bed sheets and towels. Egyptian cotton has a much finer weave than other types of cotton, which is optimal for towels due to the softness and absorbency of the fibers.
Like Pima cotton, Egyptian cotton is a form of extra-long staple cotton. While Pima cotton is slightly shorter, it yields a thread that can be woven into fabrics multiple times to create a fabric that is both durable and soft.
Pima cotton clothing feels luxurious on the skin while remaining light and breathable. It comes in a wide array of vibrant colors and is a versatile, long-lasting closet staple.
We hope you find this information helpful! Below you'll find some of the items I mentioned before. You can also check out this section tofind morePeruvian Pima cotton items!
If you have any questions or want to know more about a certain product, feel free to contact us at[emailprotected]
We will do our best to help you with your Pima cottonneeds!
FAQs
Peruvian Pima cotton is picked entirely by hand, which leads to fewer imperfections and a smoother finish. Handpicking also results in a pure white shade that takes beautifully to dyes. Harvesting by hand is also more environmentally friendly.
Is Peru Pima cotton good? ›
Pima cotton is native to Peru, and is recognized for its high-end look and feel. Thanks to ideal growing conditions and an extra-long staple length, Peruvian pima cotton is considered to be the world's finest, prized for its exceptional benefits.
What is the difference between Peruvian and Pima cotton? ›
Peruvian Pima cotton vs American Pima cotton
Both American and Peruvian Pima cotton are high-quality options. The main difference between them is the way they are harvested and the geographical factor. Peruvian Pima cotton grows in abundance along the northern coastal valleys of Peru.
Is Pima cotton better than 100% cotton? ›
Being 30% stronger has a multiplier effect on clothing. Meaning clothing made from Pima cotton should last well more than 30% longer than clothing made from common cotton. If you follow care instructions (no hot water or hot dry), Pima cotton clothing can endure. beautifully for literally several years.
Is Pima cotton luxury? ›
Pima Cotton Origins and History
Originally grown in Peru, it found its way to the American soil, where ideal climatic conditions allowed for its flourishing growth. This long-staple cotton, known for its lengthier fibers, has been a symbol of quality and luxury for decades.
What is so special about Pima cotton? ›
Durability: It's highly resistant to pilling, tearing, and stretching, which means it will last longer than other types of cotton. Breathability: Highly breathable and absorbent, it's also hypoallergenic, with great temperature regulating properties to keep you cool and comfortable in warm weather.
What's better than Pima cotton? ›
Egyptian cotton fibers are longer in staple length in comparison to other types of cotton fibers which results in them being more durable and resistant to stress.
Why is Pima cotton so expensive? ›
Pima cotton will only grow in mild, warm, and dry climates, so US farming is isolated to California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Only about 3% of the cotton grown in the United States is Pima cotton, making it rare and far more expensive than standard cotton.
Does Peruvian Pima cotton shrink? ›
Due to the nature of this incredibly soft cotton, you should expect some shrinkage upon washing. We add extra length to our clothing to allow for this, but please follow the care instructions. Pima cotton is delicate but it can absolutely go into the washing machine. Select a gentle cycle and wash with similar colors.
Which is better Pima or Supima cotton? ›
In conclusion. Pima and Supima cotton epitomize the pinnacle of textile luxury. While both trace their origins to the Pima Native Americans and boast extra-long fibers for superior quality, Supima stands out with its rigorous American certification, guaranteeing unparalleled quality.
Pima Cotton
Pima is considered the finest cotton on earth. As an extra-long staple (ESL) cotton, its long fibers make it extra soft and extra strong. The result? Luxuriously smooth fabric that is resistant to fraying, tearing, pilling, wrinkling, and fading.
Is Pima cotton more expensive than cotton? ›
How Much Does Pima Cotton Fabric Cost? Pima cotton is significantly more expensive than other types of cotton. While prices of textiles vary depending on the country of manufacture and the processes used, this type of cotton generally costs twice as much as short-staple cotton.
What is the most luxurious cotton fabric? ›
The Sea Island Cotton is considered the most valuable (and expensive) cotton in the world. Depending on the provenience of cotton there are considerable differences in color: the cotton varies from nearly white (American varieties) to yellowish (Egyptian varieties) to the reddish-brown (Chinese varieties).
What is luxury cotton? ›
The fibres used in luxury cotton are carefully selected to ensure only the finest quality is used. The extra-long staple fibres result in a smoother, stronger, and more resistant fabric. These fibres also contribute to the exceptional softness and breathability of premium cotton.
Does Pima cotton breathe? ›
The material is soft, breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. And due to its long and silky fibers, Pima is considered the highest quality type available. The breathable fabric will absorb sweat from your body and allow it to evaporate into the air, effectively keeping you cool in the hot weather.
What is Peruvian Pima cotton? ›
Peruvian Pima cotton is the world's finest, thanks to ideal growing conditions in the northern coastal valleys of Peru, an extra-long staple length that allows for the soft hand and hand harvesting, making it also environmentally sounder.
What is 100% Peruvian Pima cotton? ›
Pima cotton fabric is a premium cotton fabric known for its long fibers that weave into an ultra-soft, durable fabric. It was first cultivated by the Peruvians, who would harvest it by hand and weave it to make clothing and bedsheets. But it was only recognized and named in the 1700s when the Americans discovered it.
Is Peruvian cotton better than Egyptian cotton? ›
Pima cotton comes from Peru and has a silky soft texture. Pima cotton is considered a luxury material but slightly more affordable than Egyptian cotton. Because Pima tends to have a higher price point, it often contains a percentage of inferior materials to bring the price down (just like in Egyptian cotton sheets.)
