What is Pima cotton?
 

did you know ? The term Egyptian cotton is usually applied to the extra long staple cotton produced in Egypt and favored for the luxury and upmarket brands worldwide. In fact, the cotton species which produces extra long staple "Egyptian" cotton is the native American species Gossypium barbadense that is Peruvian PIMA COTTON   What is pima cotton? Pima cotton from Peru is renowned for its softness, brilliant luster and strong staple, characteristics that classify it as a luxury fiber. It is the length of a fiber’s staple that determines the softness, smoothness and durability of the yarn and finished garment. Peruvian pima cotton has a longer staple than other cotton, which accounts for its superior quality and gives it its luxury status. Each precious boll is carefully harvested by hand in order to winnow out the scratchy impurities which affect the smoothness and luster of the yarn. The hand-harvesting method results in brilliant white bolls that absorb dye deeply, permitting a wide range of vibrant color choices. Grown in the northern coastal valley, where the soil and weather offer optimal growing conditions, this finest of cottons has been cultivated for thousands of years and is prized throughout the world. Luxurious, yet practical, pima cotton garments wear well, grow softer over time, and are easy to care for. PIMA:  Peruvian Pima Cotton: the king of luxury cottons. Not all cottons are created equal. As with coffee or cashmere or fine wine, grades and qualities of cotton vary. Peruvian pima cotton is prized the world over for its exceptional softness and brilliant luster. It is the world's finest pima. This sought after fiber is a delight to the senses: one touch will change your perception of how a cotton can be. The silky luster and buttery soft hand of Peruvian pima result from the ideal growing conditions in the northern coastal valleys where it is cultivated. There, the rich soil soaks up just the right amount of moisture at a near perfect equatorial temperature. The harvesting of Peruvian pima cotton is done by hand—another important distinction. Industrial harvesting leaves in scratchy impurities which affect smoothness and create a yellowish cast. The careful hand harvesting of Peruvian pima cotton results in a brilliant white shade which takes beautifully to dyes. With any natural fiber, the longer and smoother the filament, the softer the hand. Because of its exceptional 1-3/8" staple length (ordinary cotton fibers measure 1/2" to 3/4"), Peruvian pima cotton is silky soft, durable, and highly resistant to pilling. Though luxurious, Peruvian pima cotton is a hard-wearing fiber that's easy to maintain and will serve you well for years to come.   Why Buy Peruvian Pima Cotton? Peruvian Pima cotton is prized all around the world as a luxury fiber and is called 'gamuza' by the Peruvians, meaning suede in Spanish because of its silky soft feel and brilliant luster. The silky soft feel is a result of the excellent growing conditions in the northern coastal valleys of Peru where it is cultivated. Harvested by hand Peruvian pima cotton is harvested by hand, resulting in a brilliant white shade that can be easily dyed. Cotton harvested industrially leaves scratchy impurities, which affect smoothness and creates a yellowish color to the fiber. This fiber is classified as luxury because of its 1 3/8" length, ordinary cottons measure half to three quarters as much in length. Easy care This fabric can be easily machine washed (gentle) or dry cleaned, is practical and easy to maintain and will last through many years of use. PERUVIAN POMA COTTON IS HIGH QUALITY COTTON RECOGNIZED BY DESIGNERS.