What is Pima Cotton?

Pima cotton is a luxurious and durable type of cotton that is prized for its softness, strength, and long fibers. In this blog post, we'll explore what Pima cotton is, how it's grown, and why it's a popular choice for clothing and bedding.

What is Pima Cotton?

Pima cotton is a type of extra-long-staple cotton.  This means its fibers are between 13/8”-2” long.  Pima cotton is grown primarily in the United States, Peru, and Australia. It is named after the Pima Indians, who first cultivated the crop in the southwestern United States.

Pima cotton is known for its softness, strength, and lustrous appearance. It has a longer fiber length than other types of cotton, which makes it more durable and resistant to pilling. Pima cotton is also hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.

How is Pima Cotton Grown?

Pima cotton can be grown using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods. It is typically grown in hot and dry climates, where the cotton plants can receive ample sunlight and heat.

To grow Pima cotton, farmers plant the seeds in rows and carefully manage the irrigation and fertilization of the plants. They also use natural pest control methods, such as introducing natural predators and using crop rotation to prevent pests from building up in the soil.

Once the cotton plants are fully grown, the cotton bolls are harvested and sent to a processing facility, where they are cleaned and spun into yarn.

Why is Pima Cotton Popular?

Pima cotton is a popular choice for clothing and bedding for several reasons:

1. Softness: Pima cotton is known for its softness, which makes it a comfortable and luxurious choice for clothing and bedding.
2. Strength: Pima cotton has longer fibers than other types of cotton, which makes it stronger and more durable.
3. Shiny Appearance: Pima cotton has an almost satin-like appearance that gives it a high-end look and feel.
4. Hypoallergenic: Pima cotton is hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
5. Sustainable: Pima cotton is grown using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods, which makes it a responsible choice for those who are concerned about the environment.  This is why I prefer to use Pima cotton when I can.

Conclusion

Pima cotton is a luxurious and durable type of cotton that is prized for its softness, strength, and long fibers. It is grown using sustainable and environmentally friendly methods and is a popular choice for clothing and bedding due to its softness, strength, lustrous appearance, hypoallergenic properties, and sustainability. By choosing products made from Pima cotton, you can enjoy the comfort and quality of this premium cotton while also supporting sustainable and responsible farming practices.

Joining Yarns offers scrunchies made from Pima cotton.  The soft fibers are perfect for hair ties because they don't break the hair.  Find scrunchies here.