Core Fabrics
Not all cottons are created equal...
Supima cotton is a superior type of cotton grown in the USA. It represents less than 1% of cotton grown in the world. What makes Supima unique to other cottons is the extra-long staple fiber that gives the cotton its premium properties: Strength, Softness and Color retention. Supima’s finer fibers absorb dye better with a deeper, long-lasting penetration. The result is a product that retains color much better than regular cottons. This means that Supima products keep their brilliance wash after wash giving you many years of use and fit better with each wear.
Supima and regular cotton are in fact two different and distinct species of cotton. The most common type of cotton grown around the world typically has a fiber length of only about 1 inch, whereas Supima cotton’s fiber averages 1.5 inches. Shorter fibers produce yarns that are rougher and subject to pilling on the surface of the product, while longer fibers contribute to the strength and softness of the fabric, ensuring that they are more comfortable, retain color longer and resist pilling over time.
So what's the difference between Pima and Supima?
Pima is a generic term for “better” cotton, but it does not necessarily mean it is made with an extra-long staple cotton. Supima® is the trademark used to promote American-grown, extra-long staple cotton. To bear the Supima® trademark, products must be sourced through a licensed supplier and tested for purity.