What is Pima Cotton

Not all cottons are created equal. Like coffee, cashmere or fine wine, the quality of cotton can vary greatly. Thanks to ideal growing conditions, extra-long staple length and hand harvesting, Peruvian pima cotton is the world's finest pima, prized for its exceptional softness and brilliant luster, as well as its durability. One touch is all it takes to show you just how luxurious 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. 

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.

Click here to see our collection of Pima Cotton