Pima cotton
Also known as: Pima, American Pima, Peruvian Pima
Extra-long staple (ELS) cotton of the Gossypium barbadense species; grown mainly in Peru and the southwestern USA.
Description
Pima cotton is an extra-long staple (ELS) cotton of the species Gossypium barbadense. The name "Pima" was officially adopted by the US government in 1970 for the ELS type grown in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California, in honour of the Pima Native American tribe that supported early cultivation. Main producing countries today are Peru (leading, Piura, Chira, Ica), USA ("American Pima"/Supima) and Israel.
Staple length is 34–42 mm (standard Upland cotton 22–28 mm). The fibre is very fine (2.6–3.4 micronaire), strong (30–35 cN/tex) and persistently smooth. This yields ring-spun yarns as fine as Nm 100+ with high tensile strength, producing soft, lustrous, durable fabrics.
Pima accounts for less than 5 % of world cotton output, explaining the price premium over standard cotton. Used in premium T-shirts, polos, shirts, bed linen and high-end sewing thread. In the USA "Supima®" is the licensed trademark for 100 % American Pima.
Properties
| Species | Gossypium barbadense (ELS) |
|---|---|
| Staple length | 34-42 mm |
| Fineness | 2.6-3.4 micronaire |
| Producing countries | Peru, USA, Israel, Australia |
| Trademarks | Supima (USA), Peruvian Pima |
| World share | under 5 % |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Pima cotton Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pima_cotton
- Wikipedia: Gossypium barbadense Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossypium_barbadense
