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Extra-Long-Staple Cotton: A Peruvian Dream
Accounting for less than 10% of global cotton production, extra-long staple cotton (ELS) is a rare and exceptional material. Among all varieties, Peruvian extra-long staple cotton stands above the rest — coveted for its unmatched softness, strength, and longevity.
Where It’s Grown: The Microclimates of Coastal Peru
High atop remote, Andean coastal plateaus, the cotton used in The Lanam Shop’s garments is cultivated in one of the most unique environments on Earth. These high-altitude coastal regions offer:
- Rising saltwater air from the Pacific Ocean
- Descending freshwater from untouched Andean springs
- Warm updrafts and cool downdrafts that create ideal cotton-growing conditions
Each farm — and sometimes each field — has its own distinct microclimate, contributing to a superior cotton fiber cultivated through generations of craftsmanship.
What Is Extra-Long Staple Cotton?
To qualify as extra-long staple, cotton fibers must naturally grow beyond 1⅜ inches. In contrast, common Upland cotton grows only up to ¾ of an inch. The longer staple length allows for:
- Stronger yarn with better resistance to pilling
- Tighter spinning, which extends durability and retains structure
- A softer hand feel that improves over time with wear and washing
Peruvian Pima Cotton often exceeds two inches in staple length — some of the longest in the world.
A Time-Honored Harvesting Process
What sets Peruvian cotton apart is not just the environment, but also the meticulous, hands-on harvesting process:
- Cotton is hand-picked to prevent damage and preserve fiber length
- Fibers are carefully unwound from the flower rather than torn
- Hand-operated carding machines align fibers without harsh mechanical stress
- Fibers are then spun and dyed by hand, preserving softness and authenticity
These traditional methods reduce fiber breakage and maintain the natural luster and texture of the cotton.
The Lanam Shop Advantage
At The Lanam Shop, we use Peruvian extra-long staple Pima Cotton across our men’s polos, t-shirts, sweaters, and loungewear. The result is:
- Garments that become softer with time as tiny filaments lift from the yarn’s surface
- A subtle, rich patina that enhances color and texture
- Products that withstand frequent wear and still feel luxurious season after season
Explore Our Pima Cotton Collection
Why It Matters
Extra-long staple cotton isn’t just about luxury — it’s about longevity. With fewer weak points, garments made from this fiber resist fraying, fading, and thinning. They feel cooler in warm weather, and layer comfortably in the cold.
If you haven’t tried it yet, experience the softness, breathability, and durability of Peruvian ELS cotton — a fiber truly worth celebrating.