Pima cotton is a type of cotton with a longer fibre than conventional cotton. That allows the production of a smooth fabric, softer to the touch, wrinkle-resistant, and ultra-durable. Manufacturers say that Pima cotton has a 50% longer life expectancy comparing to other cotton products.
The long fibres are the main question since most types of cotton use short fibres, making it less resistant. So, for cotton, an extra-long fibre determines the quality of the fabric. Therefore, the longer the thread, the fewer yarn ends appear on the surface of the material. That allows us to have a smoother, softer, less prone to pilling, and shredding fabric.
Where does Pima cotton grow?
Pima cotton comes from a plant called Gossypium barbadense, that provides another extra-long-staple cotton. The difference between them and Pima cotton is where the cotton is grown. The Gossypium barbadense plant requires a lot of sun, humidity, and rainfall to thrive.
Therefore, this type of cotton is only found in tropical areas, mostly because it is highly susceptible to frost damage. Pima cotton grows in three different areas:
- Peru
- The southwestern regions of the United States of America
- Australia
The benefits of Pima cotton
Some famous brands like Armani Exchange, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Guess, and Lacoste frequently work with Peruvian Pima cotton, due to its attributes. Clothes are lighter, they last longer and are very resistant to washing and using. It is lightweight yet warm, providing comfort so you can feel good all the time.
Pima cotton is originally white, which makes it easier to dye and obtain outfits with a major diversity of shades. So, you can have colourful pieces of clothes with so much quality.
Although it is a sensitive fabric, Pima cotton can be washed in the machine, with warm water and tumble dried.
Another good attribute of Pima cotton that consumers also appreciate is that this type of fabric is hypoallergenic, and so is perfect for sensitive skin.
How is Pima cotton used?
Pima cotton can be used in many and different applications, whether it is t-shirts, underwear, dresses, shirts, hoodies, and so many other types of clothing. Its unusual softness is the perfect reason for that. Also, Pima cotton is used to make luxury clothing items like nightgowns, bathrobes, loungewear. This fabric is also common in the making of bedsheets and towels.
On the other side, and though it is durable, Pima cotton is not a frequent presence in industrial settings. The reason for it is that this type of cotton is too expensive to justify its use in commercial applications.
How does Pima cotton impact the environment?
Pima cotton is harvested entirely by hand, which is better for the environment, and for the cotton itself, because industrial harvesting tears the cotton fibres, giving it a yellow colour and scratchy texture. Also, the production of Pima cotton has less impact on the environment than other types of cotton production, because machines do it.
This type of cotton is usually handpicked, a technic that helps retain the integrity of the cotton fibre. In consequence, it produced less waste, which lessens the environmental impact of its production.
Our products in Pima cotton
PrimaBerry draws inspiration from the tradition and culture of different countries to create patterns, designs, and styles of ever-growing collections of clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. We also privilege the use of materials that are eco-friendly and better for human use and human health.
Therefore, in our online shop, you can find t-shirts made with Pina cotton from Peru. It’s a perfect gift for you, but also to offer to someone special. So, if you have no idea of what to offer, here you have a unique and fantastic alternative.
We have three good options:
- A white t-shirt with a cat for women. The Portuguese Viana outfit inspires the design. The “traje de Viana” is a feminine, popular and rural costume, used in the villages around Viana do Castelo to represent local labourers. Nowadays, it is used to express pride in past generations.
- A white t-shirt with a different cat for men and women. The cat is dressed in blue, as a representation of nature’s colour for water and sky, which also reminds us of the travelling world, the discovery of new places, the pursuit of new adventures.
- A plain white t-shirt for men, for those who prefer a more minimalist look.
All t-shirts are available in sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL.
To check out our pima cotton shirts, click here.
