As an increasingly popular fabric, Pima cotton is gaining traction in the world of textiles. Innovations in Pima cotton production have led to different grades of the fabric becoming available. Pima cotton is the highest quality cotton fabric with a softer, silkier texture and higher fiber length. Many consumers find that the higher thread count produces long-lasting, durable clothing.
What are the defining characteristics of Pima cotton?
Pima cotton is renowned for its fine, finely woven fabric that is both strong and soft, with strong absorbency. It has a much larger fiber length than regular cotton and ranges from 25 to 50mm in length. This makes it both more durable and luxurious. It must have a two-ply count of least 80s to qualify as Pima cotton.
Pima cotton is also known for its superior color retention, meaning that it will not fade or lose its vibrancy over time. It is also resistant to pilling, which is when small balls of fabric form on the surface of the fabric due to wear and tear. This makes it an ideal choice for clothing that will be worn frequently.
What are the benefits of using Pima cotton?
Pima cotton is known for its softness, strength, and absorbency. Its luxurious properties make it perfect for sheets, baby clothes, and high-end clothing. It has a rich color palette and breathable, lightweight fabric that doesn’t easily lose its shape. Pima cotton also resists wrinkles, shrinking, and stretching.
Pima cotton is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It is also highly durable and can last for years with proper care. Additionally, Pima cotton is environmentally friendly, as it is grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a sustainable fabric.
How does Pima cotton compare to other fabrics?
While other fabrics such as silk and synthetic materials may appear similar in appearance, they are far different in their make-up and wearability. For example, while silk may be soft, it is not very durable. On the other hand, Pima cotton has a much longer fiber length, making it more durable and less prone to pilling or abrasion. It also doesn’t shrink or lose its shape easily like other fabrics.
In addition, Pima cotton is also known for its breathability and comfort. It is lightweight and absorbs moisture quickly, making it ideal for hot climates. It is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Furthermore, Pima cotton is also resistant to fading and staining, making it a great choice for those who want their clothing to last.
What is the history of Pima cotton?
The origins of Pima cotton originated with the Indigenous Pima tribes of the American Southwestern desert. The cotton was probably introduced to the US by English colonists in the late 1700s and was primarily cultivated by Hispanic settlers in Arizona and California in the 1800s. Once it caught on commercially, Pima cotton was rapidly adopted by major producers in other parts of the world.
Where is Pima cotton grown and produced?
Today, Peru is the leading producer of Pima cotton, with Egypt and the US also producing considerable amounts of this premium quality fabric. Peru’s dry climate makes it particularly ideal for growing long-staple cotton varieties such as Pima.
What factors determine the quality of Pima cotton?
The quality of Pima cotton is determined by a handful of factors such as fiber length, fiber strength, resistance to abrasion, color retention, and fabric softness. A two-ply thread count of at least 80s is needed to classify it as Pima cotton. This makes it higher in quality compared to regular cotton with its minimum thread count of 40s.
What are the different grades of Pima cotton?
The grades of Pima cotton range from extra-long staple (ELS) to regular staple (RS), with the fineness and quality of the fabric increasing with each grade. ELS Pima cotton has an even longer fiber length than regular Pima cotton and is of a much higher quality. The higher grade ELS Pima cotton is used largely in luxury clothing such as shirts, sweaters and even winter jackets.
How can you identify high-quality Pima cotton?
High-quality Pima cotton will have an extra-long staple (ELS) thread count of over 80s and have a thick feel and luxurious drape. It will typically be advertised as long staple or extra long staple depending on the grade and brand. Look out for inferior Pima cottons that use softening agents such as silicone to give a false idea of softness and quality.
What are the best uses for different grades of Pima cotton?
High thread count ELS Pima cotton is best used for garments such as sweaters, blazers, jeans and dress shirts which require a soft, luxurious feel and a thick drape to ensure a better fit and look. Regular staple Pima cottons are perfect for all types of clothing including pajamas, T-shirts, and leggings.
