About the Materials: Pima Cotton

About the Materials: Pima Cotton

The Lanam Shop is truly fortunate to have a dedicated and informed customer base. Over time, customers have asked questions, shared knowledge and experiences, and helped shape our seasonal collections with their feedback. We have found that the more we can share with our customers about the exceptional materials, diligent crafting process, and pertinent characteristics of all our garments, a natural distinction between our products and others emerges. Moreover, we wish to share this knowledge with those merely interested in the materials and time-honored techniques used to bring to life our garments. We want to dedicate some time to Pima Cotton. Often confused and/or conflated with other kinds of specialty cottons, Pima Cotton is a distinct classification, and a product worth wearing!

 What is Pima Cotton?

Pima cotton is a specialty cotton comprising less than ten-percent of all cotton grown, refined, and finished into products around the world. Exceptionally soft and with remarkable breathability, Pima Cotton is a variety of Extra-Long Staple Cotton (ELS or ELS cotton). The two main types of ELS cotton are Pima Cotton and Egyptian cotton: it is worth noting that both Pima Cotton and Egyptian Cotton are the same species (Gossypium barbadense), though they are grown in geographically different regions and because of the different microclimates, affording them different properties. Pima’s first planting in the United States was in the late 1700’s on Sea Island, South Carolina. Throughout the 19th century, farmers hybridized the Sea Island Pima Cotton varietal with Egyptian Cotton varietals, resulting in stronger and more resilient cotton plants. This is the “grandfather” stock of Supima Cotton®, which is a registered trademark held by American growers of ELS cotton. Only American grown ELS cotton can be classified as Supima Cotton®.

The name “Pima” is derived from the Pima Tribe of Native Americans who helped early American settlers grow the first crop of Pima Cotton plants in North America. Previous settlers and Native Americans had planted more ubiquitous varieties of cotton, such as Upland Cotton, prior to the popularization of Pima. Coastal plains and sea air have a wonderful effect on Pima Cotton plants. No place is this more evident than the coastal plains of high-altitude Peruvian plateaus. Peruvian Pima cotton is highly prized. The air, water, altitude, sunshine, and warmth come together to produce one of the finest varieties of ELS cotton in the world. We use only hypoallergenic Peruvian Pima Cotton.

Where is Pima Cotton from?

It is hard to pinpoint exactly where Pima cotton was first grown, but the success of the plant can be attributed to Native Americans and early European settlers. From its North American debut on Sea Island, the Pima Cotton fixation of global farmers grew. Pima is a carefully protected classification and does not face the same counterfeiting and mislabeling attempts that Egyptian cotton does. With American farmers, Egyptian farmers, and Peruvian farmers all growing variations on extra-long staple Pima cotton, it is hard to say who did it first. Moreover, constant hybridization and growing plants in new or changing microclimates further changes the cotton plant. Our Pima Cotton hails from coastal farms in Peru. 

How does Pima Cotton differ from “similar” materials?

Not all extra-long staple cotton is equal. Since most cotton has a staple length of ½ inch to ¾ inch, to be considered extra-long staple cotton, a cotton plant must naturally produce fibers with a staple length in excess of 1 ⅜ inches. Peruvian Pima Cotton can grow substantially longer than this, depending on the season and microclimate. The additional length of ELS fibers allows it to be wound into tighter yarn and knitted more loosely, without compromising on durability.

What is the refining process for Pima Cotton?

First, all cotton has to be picked. Since some cotton plants can re-bloom, this is a delicate process. Cotton can be hand-picked or harvested by a machine, though the latter usually results in damage to the plant. In Peru, cotton is traditionally hand-picked. Once harvested, the cotton fiber is removed from its flower and the raw fiber is then carded. This can be done by a machine or by hand, though the former is usually more thorough and efficient for large-scale operations. The ‘carding’ stage helps to untangle the fiber and neatly organizes the cotton so the fibers are arranged in a single direction. This helps when the fiber is to be spun into yarn. At this point one of two things can happen: either the cotton is dyed then spun or it is spun then dyed. Local tradition may dictate for small-batch production but factory set-up determines which happens first for larger operations. Dying prior to spinning allows for the dye to penetrate deep into the individual fiber, producing better, stronger color. Colored fibers that have been dyed first, prior to spinning are usually immune to the damaging effects of chlorine bleach; though we never recommend that you bleach colors. Near-immunity to chlorine bleach is also dependent on the elements comprising the formula of the dye compound; organic vs. inorganic.

What styles are available in Pima Cotton?

The Lanam Shop offers a comprehensive assortment of styles, each available in a wide variety of colors. Options abound when it comes to men’s Pima cotton polo shirts. We offer solid and striped polos with knit collars, a long-sleeve and short-sleeve polo with a functional breast pocket, and polos with self-collars. Moreover, we also offer jersey stitch and pique stitch polos. Similarly, our Pima Cotton t-shirt comes in a pique or jersey finish; the latter is available in crew neck, V-neck, or crew neck with a pocket. We offer a range of Pima sweaters including all the basics; V-neck Pima Cotton sweater, crew neck Pima Cotton sweater, and V-neck Pima Cotton vest. Contemporary fit available!

When fall weather approaches, do not forget about our mock and traditional roll collar turtleneck styles. Our interlocking stitch Pima Cotton sweatpants, sweatshirt, and quarter-zip make for comfortable loungewear, or durable exercise clothes.

What are the advantages of wearing Pima Cotton?

The extra-long staple nature of Pima Cotton allows the material to wick moisture away from the skin and through the fabric, quickly evaporating. Moisture is naturally drawn into the super-absorbent cotton fibers. Because ELS cotton produces far stronger yarns, the shirt stitches can be looser, without compromising on durability or wearability. The looseness of the stitch enhances airflow across and through the surface of the material. Therefore moisture is naturally able to diffuse into the environment. Moreover, since the moisture often is absorbed through the yarn fibers, the cooling sensation of evaporation will not only cool the wearer but will also help regulate the internal temperature of the cotton yarns. The result is a naturally cool polo shirt.

How is The Lanam Shops Pima Cotton Collection unique?

What makes The Lanam Shop’s collection of Pima Cotton truly unique is our unmatched selection of styles, colors, knits, and patterns. Pair this with the unmistakable quality of both our raw materials and our craftsmanship, there simply is no comparison. We hope that you enjoy our selection of men’s Pima Cotton products. They are easy to care for and provide seasons of comfortable wearability… perfect!

Index of Terms:

Egyptian Cotton: a type of extra-long staple cotton grown on the banks of the Nile River, in Egypt.

Extra-Long Staple Cotton (ELS or ELS cotton): having a naturally occurring cotton fiber length of more than 1 ⅜ inches. It is a quantifiable classification, protected by trade organizations.

Gossypium barbadense: the species of cotton commonly referred to as Pima Cotton or Egyptian Cotton. It is a fortified variety of extra-long staple cotton.

Hybridize: when two different varieties or species of an organism are bred, producing offspring with characteristics of both original organisms. This can be done naturally, or artificially (either in-the-field, or in a lab)

Microclimate: a distinct sub-climate that exists when a specified region experiences aberrant weather patterns. Often, micro climates form near the ocean, in valleys, or near mountains. Elevation and pressure changes cause these climactic deviations.

Peruvian Pima: Pima Cotton plants grown in Peru.

Pima Cotton: a coveted type of extra-long staple cotton, grown on several continents.

Sea Island: refers to both a place in South Carolina and a variety of cotton that is prized for its extra-long staple; believed to stem from the unique coastal microclimate of the area.

Staple: the length of bushy fibers found within the bloom of a cotton plant. The staple of the plant is measured once the cotton fibers have been removed from the cotton flower.

Varietals: different types of plants that are still within the same species of plant (species is determined by ability to cross-pollinate and produce fertile offspring.)