Pima cotton fabric? What is that even? That is a common question among customers and sellers. So please do not get caught out not knowing what it is.
Luckily for you we are here with loads of info on this fabric. I’ll tell you what it is, how it’s made, some advantages, and some disadvantages.
You also understand the different variants that clothing manufacturers use and their impact on the environment. In the end, you will be armed with the right information to leapfrog your competition. Earn more sales.
Let’s jump in immediately.
Table of Contents
What Is Pima Cotton Fabric?
Pima Cotton Isn’t a marketing name. It differs from your run-of-the-mill cotton by having longer fibers. This fabric is one of the very few variants that are known as extra-long staple fiber (ELS) cotton.
What that translates to is that the fabric has fibers that are longer than 34 millimeters. Pima Cotton is a product of a plant called Gossypium barbadense. The plant is also used to manufacture other ELS fibers.
You might sometimes find ELS fibers being called sea island cotton. Early foreigners named it so because the cotton was grown on tropical islands like Barbados.
However, there is plenty of evidence that ancient Peruvians developed Pima. The fabric was named after the Pima American Indians. That is after it was discovered and cultivated in the US.
How Is Pima Cotton Fabric Made?
Cotton growing
G. Barbados Is grown in a variety of tropical and subtropical regions. This tree is grown for its fluffy white seeds like other regular cotton forms.
Cotton picking
Once the cotton seeds are formed, they are harvested. This is either done using hands. However, hand picking cotton is slow and arduous.
The cotton gin has made this cotton harvesting process faster and more efficient. The name is basically a short form for a cotton engine.
And it is an industrial machine designed for mass harvesting cotton. However, it lowers the quality of the products.
As a result, most Pima Cotton producers like using hand-picked cotton.
Condensing
The cotton is then condensed together into a thick bale. The resulting product is hauled to a factory floor. Manufacturers then leave it in an area called the opening room.
From here, they use an automated machine to pull the raw cotton fibers out. The created fibers are then put in a mixing machine. The machine mixes them.
Carding
The mixed cotton fiber is then carded. That means the fibers are pulled into parallel alignment to create a web. You end up with rope-like strands of cotton, which are then combed for impurities.
Loading and Spinning
Manufacturers then load the cotton ropes into bobbins. Here, they are wound up into spools. The ropes are then spun into yarns and finally woven into the Pima cotton fabrics that you know.
Bleaching/cleaning
This step is not necessary as not all cottons need it. However, some people will use bleach and other caustic substances on the fabric to clean it.
Expert tip: The best quality and superior type of Pima Fabric uses organic cotton. It should also be handpicked, manufactured, spun, and processed with no chemicals. So always check with your manufacturer.
Muhammad Ahmad, Textiles Engineer
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pima Cotton Fabric
Advantages
Softness and Comfort
Pima cotton fabric rivals some of the most luxurious materials out there. Because of the extra-long staple fiber on each clothing. The unique structure feels super nice on the skin.
High durability
The cool texture and fiber length of this cotton fabric make it extra strong. It is able to last for many years and after multiple washes unlike regular cotton fiber. It allows for extensive wear although it is not on the same level as Twill Fabric or Plain Weave Fabric.
Breathability
Pima fabric is airy and has a lightweight feel, making it great for high-end clothing. That results in it also being absorbent and having moisture-wicking properties.
Vibrant appearance
The material has a silky and natural shine to it. Produces an attractive and vibrant appearance with high color retention.
Disadvantages of Pima Cotton
Wrinkles Easily
The fabric is like a crinkle magnet. It should be stored while hanging to avoid unnecessary wrinkling.
Prone shrinkage
This pima cotton fabric is not perfect, as it will reduce in size after the first wash. The typical shrinkage is between 3 and 4% of its original size. The right wash guidelines can help mitigate this.
How Is Pima Cotton Fabric Used?
Everyday wear
Manufacturers use this type of fabric as a higher-quality substitute for cotton. So, you will find it in everyday garments like dress shirts, dresses, custom hoodies and T-shirts.
Luxury items
Pima cotton fabric is heralded for being softer than other cotton textiles. These premium properties make it desirable in the luxury industry like Modal Fabric. You will find loungewear, bath robes, and nightgowns. People just like its smooth surface.
Home textiles
The material is more breathable, moisture-wicking, wicking, and comfortable than other fabrics. That makes it commonplace in household textiles and bedding. These include covers, bed sheets, towels, and pillow casings.
Pro tip: Some manufacturers don’t use the normal process of making Pima fabrics and Supima. So, always insist on Pima fabric made normally. It has higher quality control. You always get exceptional quality and unparalleled softness. – Debby Yu, Merchandising Manager
What Different Types of Pima Cotton Fabric Are There?
Supima cotton
Think of this as just a high-quality version of Pima. This fabric is virtually identical to Pima Cotton in every meaningful sense. However, a key differentiating factor is that it is exposed to more strict guidelines.
It is also mainly made in America. Supima is a branding endeavor meant to differentiate this type of fabric from others. It captures the mythos and magic of American Pima Made in other countries.
An organization called the American Supima Association (ASA) ensures this. So, Supima cotton garments with the ASA symbol have the same quality of cotton that the Pima Indians developed.
Sea island cotton
This refers to a type of Pima Cotton that is slowly fading into obscurity. It is drawn from G. barbadense and is no longer mass-produced. However, it was centered in modern Pima history.
In the colonial era, it fetched the highest price among cotton varieties. People would often mix it with silk because it was very soft. The reduced popularity of curtain variety is attributed to the cotton gin.
After the device was invented, a lot of planters transitioned to short-staple cotton fibers. It was first introduced in Barbados by a British immigrant named Francis Levett.
Egyptian cotton
This cotton, as the name suggests, is basically cotton fibers that have been made in Egypt. This is not always an indicator that it is real Pima cotton.
Some manufacturers of high-quality cotton fabrics will often label their garments Egyptian cotton. That is despite them not being made from G. barbadense.
The fibers are made from extra-long staple cotton, which makes it similar to Pima cotton. However, others are made from long-staple cotton. They do not match the softness or pile resistance of true G. barbadense cotton.
Varieties of ELS Egyptian cotton, Like Giza 45, have extremely high thread counts. That gives them a softness and luxurious feel, proving that not all Pima are created equal.
At JaceApparel you get a diverse range of premium materials to work with. These are handpicked from Pima cotton, Silk, microfiber, Calico, and so much more.
We also employ industry leading craftsmanship on each of our products. That combination gives you unbeatable quality, earning you repeat customers.
Comparison of Pima and Other Fabrics
| Feature | Pima Cotton | Silk | Percale |
| Origin | Extra-long staple cotton | Silkworm fibers | Usually cotton or cotton blend |
| Texture | Smooth, soft | Smooth, luxurious, shimmery | Crisp, cool |
| Breathability | High | High | High |
| Durability | Very durable | Moderate (delicate to abrasion) | Moderate |
| Feel | Soft, cozy | Silky, smooth, luxurious | Crisp, fresh |
| Cost | Moderate | Expensive | Affordable to Moderate |
| Best Uses | Everyday bedding, clothing | Luxury bedding, scarves, clothing | Everyday sheets, summer bedding. |
How Does Pima Fabric Impact the Environment?
The short answer is that Pima Cotton is generally green and an eco-friendly material. However, that is not always the case. Pima fabric has more sustainable practices than other types of cotton production.
That is because most Pima cotton is handpicked. Plus, the production doesn’t generally employ toxic chemicals.
Pima cotton made in the US must follow the stringent guidelines set by ASA and USDA. That means it is eco-friendly and does not follow questionable labor practices.
However, most Pima fabrics are made outside the US in countries like China and India. Some companies in these countries are extreme offenders when it comes to unethical production.
That’s because the countries are infamous for questionable labor and environmental practices. Despite all this, you have to go out of your way to make the production process harmful to the environment. Seek Pima cotton fibers with appropriate certifications to always be sure.
Rely on JaceApparel’s super stable supply chain. We have over 100 vetted raw materials suppliers. You also get a wide variety of shipping partners that range from DHL to FedEx.
You can also track your product when you order from us. Ensure people always get what they need, resulting in satisfied clients.
Maintaining Your Pima Cotton
Pima curtain garments should be washed with a mild detergent in cold water. It promotes color retention and texture. Using hot water will make your clothes shrink.
If you use a machine wash, it should always be set on a gentle cycle. But do not machine dry the fabrics. Too much heat can destroy the fabric. Only air driving is recommended.
If they must be ironed, set a cool setting. That will prevent distraction.
Expert tip: When crocheting or knitting Pima cotton, the yarn should be in a cool and dry place. Excessive sunlight can degrade the fibers over time, reducing their appeal.
Johnny Hsu, Buying & Merchandising Senior Manager
Pima Cotton Certifications
Supima cotton fabric Is certified by ASA. The Supima organization checks the fabric. And they offer guidelines on how to produce the cotton. It is the only recognized body certifying the fabric.
This type of fabric can be Certified for organic cotton By the USDA in America. An alternative certification in Europe is the EU’s organic agriculture agency.
With JaceApparel, you get certified products. If dealing with Pima cotton, you get ASA and USDA-certified fabrics. We also boast American and European certifications such as SEDEX-Smeta and much more.
Plus, our QC is always on point, making sure there are no mishaps. Establishes self as the best and earns word-of-mouth marketing and unwatched sales.
People Also Ask About Pima Cotton Fabric
1. How much does Pima cotton fabric cost?
Pima fetch a higher price in the market than typical forms of cotton. Generally, expect to pay about twice as much as normal short-staple cotton. Additionally, Supima cotton fabric will be one of the priciest cotton in the market.
2. Is Pima cotton good for sensitive skin?
Yes, Pima Cotton is very good on your skin. The clothing is hypoallergenic. So, it is very suitable for people with sensitive skin. The cotton fabric will not cause any irritation.
3. Can Pima cotton be used for crocheting, or is it just for knitting?
Yes. You can use Pima cotton in both knitting and crocheting. It is an excellent material in this use case. With it, you get garments. So, you can easily make luxurious and beautifully draping garments and accessories.
4. Why is Pima cotton more expensive than other cotton?
Pima garments fetch a premium. That is because of the material’s superior quality, long fibers, and organic appeal. Additionally, the fabric comes with a lot of growing and harvesting costs as it is not automated. The fabric’s supply and demand dynamics also influence its price.
What’s Next
Pima cotton is the epitome of cotton fabrics. JaceApparel knows just how to work with this fabric and who you need by your side.
They will help design a product, source the materials, and walk you all the way to the finish line. You also get stellar inventory management.
This comes with strategically located warehouses and reliable shipping. Streamline your business with us and enjoy better profitability. Hit us up today!
Sources:
Medcraveonline – Study on the properties of yarn produced by 100% Pima cotton fiber
Advancetextile – Pima cotton | History, Characteristics, Production
Ftc – Calling It Cotton: Labeling and Advertising Cotton Products