First …What Is Pima Cotton?
Pima cotton is an ultra-soft fabric that incorporates long cotton fibers. Most types of cotton use relatively short fibers, but Pima is one of a few kinds of cotton that are considered to be extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, which means that they are composed of fibers that are longer than 34 millimeters.
Along with the other varieties of ELS cotton, Pima fabric is made from a specific type of cotton plant called Gossypium barbadense. This type of cotton is only found in tropical areas, and it is highly susceptible to frost damage. It grows as a small tree with bright yellow flowers that yields unusually long cotton fibers.
ELS cotton fabrics, such as Pima fabric, that are derived from G. barbadense are sometimes referred to as "sea island cotton." This name was given because this type of cotton was originally grown by Westerners on tropical islands like Barbados, but there is radiocarbon evidence suggesting that G. barbadense cotton has been grown in South America and in the West Indies since at least 3,000 BC.
Within south America, the better country for harvest is Peru. Peruvian Pima cotton is known for its exceptional quality, luxurious texture, and durability. It is often used in the production of high-end clothing, including t-shirts. Pima cotton originated in Peru but is also grown in the United States.
Pima cotton is one of the two distinct species of cotton that end up on store shelves. The most common type is Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), comprising nearly 90% of all cotton produced around the world. The remaining 10% is made up of two higher-quality cottons — Egyptian cotton and pima cotton. Both of these cottons are actually the same species of “extra-long staple cotton” (Gossypium barbadense), with longer, silkier individual cotton fibers for a premium fabric that is both luxuriously soft and incredibly strong. While Egyptian cotton, when it’s authentic, is a premium fabric that originates in the Nile River Valley, pima cotton has a decidedly American story.
5 Things that make Peruvian Pima Cotton stand apart from ordinary cotton
- It is softer and more absorbent as compared to other kinds of cotton.
- It grows in coastal Peru that creates the best quality Pima cotton in the world.
- Its extra-long staple length makes Peruvian Pima cotton soft, durable, and highly resistant to pilling.
- Eco-friendly hand-harvesting results in brilliant white fibers that dye beautifully and are free from scratchy impurities.
- Hyperallergic, It is perfect for people who suffer from allergies or those with sensitive skin.
Durability
The longer and smoother the filament of natural fiber, the softer the hand is. Peruvian Pima cotton’s exceptionally long, 1-3/8" staple length makes it exceptionally soft and extremely durable and highly resistant to pilling. It is hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for people with skin allergies.
Ideal growing conditions
In order to grow an exceptional quality crop, one needs exceptional growing conditions. Peruvian Pima cotton grows in abundance along the northern coastal valleys of Peru. There, the soil soaks up the right amount of moisture at pretty perfect equatorial temperatures. The result is cotton with a silky luster and an amazingly soft hand.
Harvested entirely by hand
Unlike other cotton crops, Peruvian Pima cotton is harvested completely by hand. Not only is harvesting by hand more environmentally-friendly, but it’s better for the cotton crop itself. Whereas, industrial harvesting tears the cotton fibers, giving it a yellowed tone and creates a scratchy texture that affects the softness of the final product. The careful hand harvesting of Peruvian Pima cotton, however, results in a brilliant white color of the whole cotton, which dyes wonderfully and feels smooth and soft against the skin.
Durability
The longer and smoother the filament of natural fiber, the softer the hand is. Peruvian Pima cotton’s exceptionally long, 1-3/8" staple length makes it exceptionally soft and extremely durable and highly resistant to pilling. It is hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for people with skin allergies.
Sources; https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/pima-cotton-fabric, https://www.pimacott.com/blog/where-does-pima-cotton-come-from, https://rb.gy/3h2en