Sea Island cotton is one of the rarest and most precious types of cotton available in the market today. It is also known as “Gossypium Barbadense” and is an elevated category of cotton that has been used to create luxurious fabrics since the 18th century. Even today, it remains one of the most sought after and prized cotton varieties due to its unique properties, which include strong fibers and outstanding absorbency. Interested consumers may be wondering what it is exactly, why it makes such a difference and where they can get it. This article will cover all of the questions surrounding the mysterious Sea Island Cotton, offering an overview, its history, properties and benefits before giving a comprehensive look at its price and where to actually find it.
Overview of Sea Island Cotton
Sea Island Cotton is a special type of cotton derived from the Gossypium Barbadense plant species, commonly found in the Caribbean, Latin America and certain parts of the United States. It is an extremely fine variety of cotton, a fiber so fine that it was once widely used to create the finest linens for British royalty. The fibers tend to be long and pliable, creating fabrics with a softer texture than that of other types of cotton fibers.
History of Sea Island Cotton
The origins of Sea Island Cotton can be traced back to the 18th century, when the plant was first discovered in Barbados by British colonizers. From there, it spread throughout the British Empire, eventually finding its way to the United States where it became one of the most widely grown crops during the 19th century. Now, though it has since declined in popularity due to more resistant varieties of cotton becoming available, it still remains one of the few truly luxurious cottons still available.
Characteristics of Sea Island Cotton
The primary characteristic that sets Sea Island Cotton apart from other types of cotton is its fiber size. It has extremely long staple fibers, which measure at least 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) in length, compared to the average cotton fiber size which usually measures between 0.25 and 0.50 inches (0.6 – 1.3 cm). This long fiber length is what gives Sea Island Cotton its renowned silky texture and exceptional absorbency properties.
Uses of Sea Island Cotton
Sea Island Cotton is used to make high-end fabrics such as silk, linen, and velvet for luxury clothing items, handkerchieves and even sheets. Its long staple fibers make it ideal for creating lightweight and comfortable clothing that provides superior breathability, while its superior absorbency make it perfect for manufacturing towels. Its versatility makes it a high-demand material among top-tier fashion labels and consumers alike.
Benefits of Sea Island Cotton
The use of Sea Island Cotton not only provides reliable durability and breathability when used in the manufacturing of fabric, but its fine texture also adds a superior level of comfort. Its strong fibers provide superior resistance to wear and tear, while its absorbency properties offer strong moisture-wicking capabilities that keep wearers as dry as possible even in humid conditions.
Where to Find Sea Island Cotton
Since Sea Island Cotton is an elevated quality of cotton and quite rare compared to other varieties, its availability is limited, even in countries that export or produce it. For American buyers seeking to get their hands on this luxurious fabric, stores like Britex Fabrics or online shops like Fabric Guru may be reliable options. For international buyers, purchasing from suppliers like JHM Textiles or Fabric Solutions may provide a wider range of choices.
Price of Sea Island Cotton
Due to its rarity and luxurious properties, Sea Island Cotton is one of the more expensive types of natural cottons available on the market. A yard of plain weave Sea Island Cotton fabric can range anywhere from $50-$300 depending on its quality and origin. Pile weaves (e.g., velvet) can also be found for a higher price. Additionally, considering that most fabric retailers include shipping in their prices, buyers should factor in any additional costs associated.
Comparison Between Other Types of Cotton and Sea Island Cotton
When compared to other types of cottons like Egyptian or Supima cottons, Sea Island Cotton stands out due to its fineness, strength, absorbency and luxurious feel. It has a higher thread count which means more threads in each square inch (i.e., more fabric mass). Furthermore, since it takes significantly less time to pick sea island cotton when compared to other varieties (it requires less effort per pound), it is slightly cheaper to produce than other types of cottons.
Tips for Buying and Using Sea Island Cotton
When looking to purchase Sea Island Cotton fabric, buying from an authorized retailer or supplier who can provide certification from the International Fabric Evaluation and Standardization Institute (IFESI) should be a priority for buyers. Additionally, buyers should look for fabrics that retain their form even after extended usage or multiple washes to ensure the longevity of their purchase.
