Supima Vs. Pima Cotton
Cotton has been used to make clothing for centuries. It is a very popular fabric due to being soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear. New varieties of cotton have been developed that only improve the qualities of the fabric itself. Pima and Supima cotton are two of these varieties. But what is the difference between the two?
Both Pima and Supima cotton are higher-end versions of cotton fabric that have better qualities than traditional cotton. Clothing made with either of these two fabrics is softer and more durable than traditional cotton clothing.
Since Supima cotton is only grown in the United States and represents such a small percentage of cotton grown, the name ‘Supima’ is the name for the specific type of cotton. It is also a registered trademark and is known as the finest type of cotton in the world. If you find a product labeled as Supima cotton, you can be assured that it was grown and harvested in the United States and is of the highest quality.
Like Pima cotton, Supima has extra-long fibers, which give it softness, durability, and strength. If you were to hold a piece of clothing made with traditional cotton and one made with Supima cotton, you would be able to tell which was which even if they weren’t labeled. Of course, since Supima cotton is grown in only one place in the world, that does mean that it is expensive as well.
Pima and Supima cotton are very similar in their qualities. This chart will compare some of the qualities that people look for when choosing fabric and how those qualities are expressed in both Pima and Supima cotton.
| PIMA COTTON | SUPIMA COTTON | |||
| Breathability | Very breathable | Very breathable | ||
| Durability | More durable than regular cotton | The most durable cotton fabric | ||
| Softness | Softer and more silky than regular cotton | The softest and silkiest type of cotton, with a fluffy feel as well | ||
| Ease of Care | Avoid high heat, wash with warm or cool water and dry on low heat | Avoid high heat, wash with warm or cool water and dry on low heat | ||
| Cost | More expensive than traditional cotton | Costs about twice as much as Pima cotton | ||
| Uses | Clothing, household fabrics such as towels | Clothing, household fabrics such as towels | ||
| Where It’s Grown | Australia, Peru, United States | United States only |
