Source: by Amy Ramos June 04, 2018
Photo Source: Unsplash
We’re all about cotton around here, and for good reason. Breathable, durable, and oh-so cool to the touch, cotton makes for some crisp sheets that we just can’t get enough of. But what about Pima cotton sheets?
We make our sheets out of Supima cotton (for a lot of really good reasons), but Pima cotton gets a lot of curiosity.
What is Pima Cotton? Pima cotton is a higher-end type of cotton with a longer fiber than conventional cotton. It has a reputation for producing a smooth fabric that’s soft to the touch, wrinkle-resistant, and ultra-durable.
For those who like numbers, Pima cotton fibers measure between 1.4 to 2 inches in length, while conventional cotton fibers measure up to 1.1 inches long. Pima cotton fabric comes out softer and more durable than if it were made from a shorter staple cotton.
Manufacturers say that Pima cotton has a 50% longer life expectancy than other cotton products. It’s also great for people who have sensitive skin!
Staple (length and quality of Pima)
Where is Pima Cotton Grown?
Pima cotton is primarily grown in three different areas:
The southwestern regions of the United States
Australia
Peru
Pima cotton originated in Peru, but it gained its name after the Pima Indians, who helped raise the cotton in the United States.
How to Spot Pima Cotton
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with Pima cotton isn’t its quality, it’s that the market has been saturated with a TON of fakes. Similar to the issues with Egyptian cotton (90% of Egyptian cotton is fake), there are many instances in which manufacturers are saying something is Pima cotton, when in reality it’s maybe a 20% Pima cotton blend.
You pay a premium price, and you get the short end of the stick — Pima cotton sheets that aren’t really Pima cotton sheets.
Why We Love Supima
These issues with quality control in Pima cotton sheets are EXACTLY why we love Supima cotton. Supima cotton has a similar quality to Pima cotton, if not better, but it actually gets verified by a third party.
What’s even better is that all Supima cotton is grown right here in the US and verified by the Supima Association. This insanely luxe cotton produces a fiber that’s just as soft and durable as Pima cotton, but with no fillers allowed. Supima cotton sheets are crisp, cool, and the most luxe on the market.
The result? You get awesome sheets, with none of the finger-crossing, hoping and praying.
Supima Cotton Pros: Verified authentic by the Supima® Association
Makes insanely soft and cool sheets Grown ONLY in America
Consistent quality
The softest and most durable cotton available
Cons:More expensive than Egyptian cotton
Egyptian Cotton Pros: Very soft and durable (if it’s the real thing)
Smoother than cheaper sheets
Good quality (if you're getting the real thing — but there’s no way to know)
Cons:90% of Egyptian Cotton is fake
Grown in China or India more than Egypt
Expensive for cotton of questionable origin
You’re paying for the label, not necessarily quality
Pima Cotton Pros: Very soft and durable
Smoother than cheaper sheets
Generally good quality and often grown in USA
Cons:May be grown abroad
Not monitored by 3rd party organizations
Not as smooth as Supima cotton
May be blended with cheaper cotton.
This week we explore Pima Cotton because we know the projects you knit and crochet are priceless. When you knit or crochet one of our patterns, consider doing it with yarns that they will also come to treasure for years.
Source: Authenciity 50
Have you tried pima cotton before? What did you think? Why?
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