Pima cotton fabric is a premium cotton fabric known for its long fibers that weave into an ultra-soft, durable fabric.
It was first cultivated by the Peruvians, who would harvest it by hand and weave it to make clothing and bedsheets. But it was only recognized and named in the 1700s when the Americans discovered it.
The Pima cotton fabric is named after a group of American Indians called the Pima, who were the first to cultivate the plant in the United States.
What Is Pima Cotton Fabric?
The Pima cotton jersey is a premium cotton knit with long fibers. It is a premium cotton fabric that is ultra-soft, lightweight, and durable, making it the perfect fabric for casual and summer clothing.
What Is Pima Cotton Fabric Made Of?
Pima cotton fabrics are made from Pima cotton fibers that are more than 34 millimeters long. An American-grown variant is called Supima Cotton.
Pima cotton is an extra-long fiber (ELS) cotton fabric from the Gossypium barbadense that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant’s seeds are then harvested and made into Pima yarn to produce the cotton jersey fabric.
Other examples of long-fiber cotton are Sea Island Cotton and Egyptian Cotton.
What Are Pima Cotton Fabrics Used For?
Pima cotton fabrics are used for everyday clothing and are perfect for summer clothing. These types of clothing include:
T-Shirts
Grana Pima Cotton Tees
Pima cotton is a very durable fabric as its fibers are twice as strong as regular cotton fibers. Pima cotton T-shirts last longer than T-shirts made from normal cotton jersey fabric as it’s less resistant to tearing, piling, and breaking.
Dresses
Pima cotton dresses have a better drape because the fabric is lightweight. This is good for making summer dresses.
Undergarments
Yellowberry Pima Cotton Underwear
Pima cotton undergarments are very breathable. Thus, you won’t feel hot when your undergarments are made from Pima cotton.
Athletic Wear
Any sportswear that’s made from Pima cotton is recommended. Not only is the fabric durable, but it’s also absorbent.
Bedding
Due to it’s extra soft and luxurious feel, Pima cotton is popularly used to make bedsheets and pillowcases.
Is Pima Cotton Woven Fabric And Pima Cotton Jersey The Same?
Pima cotton woven fabric and Pima cotton jersey fabric come from the same plant.
The only difference is that Pima cotton woven fabric does not stretch, while Pima cotton jersey fabric, which are knitted, stretches.
The woven Pima cotton fabric is widely used for loungewear, nightgowns, and bedsheets.
On the other hand, the Pima cotton jersey fabric is used for casual clothing such as T-shirts, dresses, undergarments, and athletic wear.
Pros and Cons of Using Pima Cotton
Like every other fabric, Pima cotton textile has advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
The fabric is the best type available because of its softness, comfort, breathability, and durability, which is stronger than regular cotton.
Softness and Comfort
The fabric is an extra-long fiber (ELS) cotton with a fiber length of more than 34 millimeters long. Studies show that the longer the cotton fiber is, the softer the fabric will be.
Durability
Pima cotton fibers are stronger than regular cotton fibers. Because of its long fibers, it’s made to last long, even after many years.
Breathability
Pima cotton is lightweight, has good air permeability, and is absorbent. Thus, the Pima jersey fabric is the best choice for summer clothing.
Disadvantages
While this type of fabric is considered the best type of cotton fabric, it must be taken care of because of the following properties.
Wrinkles Easily
The fabric wrinkles easily. It is recommended that you hang it when storing it.
Can Shrink When Washed and Dried
A lot of people ask. ‘Does Pima cotton shrink?’ The answer to that is yes.
The fabric shrinks to 3-4% of its original size after the first wash. But, shrinking could be minimized by following its washing guidelines.
How Do You Care For Your Pima Cotton Clothing?
Hand Wash
Always use cold to warm water while washing your Pima cotton clothing. Do not use hot water to avoid shrinking.
Machine Wash
The washing machine should always be set to a gentle cycle. Use cold or warm water.
Drying
Pima cotton garments should be air-dried. If only a dryer is available, set it to the lowest heat setting.
Ironing
Use a cool setting when ironing the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Pima cotton and regular cotton?
Pima cotton is a more premium cotton type due to its softer and more durable fibers. In contrast, regular cotton is a common cotton that is not as durable as Pima cotton.
Are Pima cotton and Supima cotton the same?
Pima cotton and Supima cotton are different types of long-staple cotton fibers. Supima cotton is a type of cotton exclusively produced in the United States, while Pima cotton is found in various parts of the world.
Is Pima cotton the same as 100% cotton?
Pima cotton is not the same as 100% cotton. Pima cotton is a type of cotton, while “100% cotton” is a characteristic that says that a product is made of cotton.
Conclusion
Pima cotton is a premium cotton knit of high-quality texture and durability. It is softer, smoother, and stronger than regular cotton. Additionally, it has a silk-like luster that gives it a more luxurious feel.
Consider using this fabric if you are making casual or summer clothing.
