Pima Cotton
Key Characteristics and Advantages of Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is highly regarded as the “Cashmere of Cotton” or the “Aristocrat of Cotton.” It is a high-quality type of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton.
1. Rarity and Premium Status
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Low Yield: Pima cotton requires specific, demanding growing conditions, including long periods of sunlight and high cultivation costs. Consequently, it only accounts for about 3% of the world’s total cotton production, making it very precious.
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Main Production Areas: Primarily grown in the Southwestern United States (such as California and Texas), Peru, and small amounts from Egypt and Australia. Supima is the registered trademark specifically for the top-tier Pima cotton grown in the USA, representing a higher standard of quality.
2. Extra-Long Fibers and Superior Feel
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Extra-Long Staple: Pima cotton fibers are typically $34mm$ or longer, about $35\%$ longer than regular cotton.
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Silky Softness: The longer the fiber, the finer and denser the yarn produced. Therefore, Pima cotton products possess a silky smooth hand-feel and a lustrous shine, positioning it as a top choice for fabric materials.
3. High Strength and Durability
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Strong and Durable: Pima cotton fibers are about $45\%$ stronger than regular cotton, making them less prone to breakage, wear, or pilling.
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Resists Fading and Shrinking: Due to its high fiber density and excellent dye absorption, the colors in the fabric remain vibrant and long-lasting. It resists shrinking or fading even after multiple washes, making it significantly more durable than regular cotton.
4. Breathable, Skin-Friendly, and Moisture-Wicking
- Comfortably Dry: Featuring a porous, helical structure, it allows for excellent air circulation, resulting in superior breathability.
- Suitable for Sensitive Skin: It has outstanding moisture absorption and heat dissipation properties, quickly wicking away sweat and regulating body temperature to keep you cool and dry. Its gentle, skin-friendly nature makes it a preferred choice for sensitive skin.
