Pima cotton, also known as extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, is a type of cotton known for its exceptional softness, strength, and durability.
The distinguishing feature of Pima cotton is its fiber length, which is longer than that of conventional cotton varieties. This longer staple length makes Pima cotton fibers smoother, stronger, and more lustrous, resulting in fabric that feels luxuriously soft and has a silky sheen.
Pima cotton is often used in high-quality textile products such as bed sheets, towels, and clothing items like t-shirts, shirts, and dresses. Due to its premium qualities, products made from Pima cotton are typically more expensive than those made from regular cotton.
One of the most well-known types of Pima cotton is Supima cotton, which stands for “superior Pima.” Supima cotton is a trademarked term used to designate Pima cotton that meets certain quality standards established by the Supima Association, ensuring consumers are getting genuine high-quality Pima cotton products.