In the realm of cotton, not all fibers are the same. Cotton plants produce bolls that are filled with cotton fibers, each containing about 250,000! Fibers are also called "staples." Different types of cotton plants yield different lengths of staples. Whether you are shopping for textiles or creating your own, staple lengths should be considered.

The most common type of cotton is Upland cotton. If a label reads "100% cotton," chances are Upland cotton has been used. Upland cotton has a short staple length measuring up to 1?". Most of the cotton produced in the world is of this type. Upland cotton is easier to grow than the plants that yield longer staples. It is soft, strong, and low-maintenance. Many of the fabrics we come into contact with every day are made from short-staple cotton. It's often used for towels, sheets, and clothing.

Long-staple cotton ranges from 1?" to 1¼". When compared to short staples, long staples are softer, silkier, and stronger. Long staples have fewer exposed fiber ends. They are durable. They keep their shape longer and wear better. Longer staples are less prone to pilling and may actually soften over time. Even better is extra-long staple cotton. Their fibers range in length from 1?" to 2". Extra-long staple cotton has superior strength and unbelievable softness. Both long staple cotton and extra-long staple cotton are much more difficult to grow than standard short staple cotton. Not only must they be grown in climates with hot days and cold nights, they require intensive crop management. Even when a good crop is harvested, the yield may be significantly less than it would if short staple cotton had been planted. These factors add to the price tag of items made from long staple and extra-long staple cotton. In some applications, however, paying the extra price will make all the difference.

Thread created from long and extra-long staples run smoothly through machinery. Their length makes them less prone to tangling or breaking. Little to no lint will develop when these long fibers are used. It's no wonder why they're the choice for luxury sheets and bath towels. Hand-quilters who tug their thread throughout their projects appreciate the strength of these staples. Their quality and texture are optimal for a variety of high-end garments.

Consumers should be cautious when purchasing products made from long and extra-long staples. Since it is a business that is difficult to regulate, fraud exists. Many shopping for these products look for Pima cotton or Egyptian cotton, as they are two types of cotton plants that produce long staples. Unfortunately, the labels do not always disclose the truth. For example, labels reading "100% Egyptian" may only mean that the cotton was grown in the country of Egypt. When shopping, also look for the type of weave and thread count a product has. Both can affect several characteristics of the fabric including its texture and breathability. Likewise, it will be impacted by laundering. Often long-staple cotton will soften over time, but using products like bleach, fabric softener, and dryer sheets may have an adverse effect. Selecting the right cotton product may seem easy at the store but know that it may change once it's home.