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ABOUT PIMA COTTON

Pima cotton is a generic name for extra-long staple (ELS) cotton grown in the U.S., Australia, Peru and in very limited production in a few other locations around the world. Pima is from the gossypium barbadense species, compared to gossypium hirsutum, to which upland cotton belongs. The primary differences between Pima (ELS growths) cotton and upland cotton are staple length, strength of the fiber and fineness of the fiber. In the U.S., cotton is considered to be ELS or American Pima if it is an inch and 3/8 or longer. Its strength and uniformity measurements are considerably higher than those of upland cotton.

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In order to grow exceptional cotton,you need exceptional growing conditions. Peruvian pima cotton grows lush and lovely along the northern coastal valleys of Peru. There, the rich soil soaks up just the right amount of moisture at near-perfect equatorial temperatures.
The result is cotton with a silky luster and an unbelievably soft hand.

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Unlike much commercial cotton, Peruvian pima cotton is harvested entirely by hand. Not only is harvesting by hand more environmentally sound, it’s better for the cotton itself. Industrial harvesting tears the cotton fibers, giving it a yellowed hue and creating a scratchy texture that affect the smoothness of the final
garment. The careful hand harvesting of Peruvian pima, however,results in a brilliant white shade of whole cotton, which dyes beautifully and feels soft and smooth against the skin.

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PIMA COTTON AT A GLANCE

  • Softer and more absorbent than other cottons.

  • Ideal growing conditions in coastal Peru create the best quality pima cotton in the world.

  • Due to its extra-long 1-3/8" staple length, Peruvian pima cotton is especially soft, durable, and highly resistant to pilling.

  • Environmentally friendly hand-harvesting results in brilliant white fibers which dye beautifully and are free from scratchy impurities.

  • Perfect for those who suffer from allergies or those with sensitive skin.

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