PPB September 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015 • PPB • 17
COTTON APPAREL
Soft, Softer, Softest
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STAPLE
E VER WONDER WHY SOME cotton fabrics are softer than others? It all
depends on the length of the fiber (known as the staple), which is affected by the
climate and soil in which it’s grown. Longer staples mean softer fabrics because
they can be spun into a finer-textured thread with more tensile strength, and therefore woven
into a softer fabric. Here’s how the most commercially significant cotton fabrics relate in
terms of touch, from soft to dreamy.
Asiatic – Grown primarily in China, India and Pakistan, Asiatic cotton has short, coarse
fibers. It is used primarily in blankets, padding, filters and coarse cloth.
American Upland – Used for more than 95 percent of U.S. production, it’s the most com-
mon cotton in t-shirts and denim. The shorter strands (7⁄
8 to 15 ⁄
16 inch) may mean that it’s
not as soft as Pima or Egyptian, but it’s breathable, comfortable, keeps it shape and is
durable. It’s the workhorse of cotton.
Pima – With origins in South
America, Pima cotton denotes
longer staples (1 ¼ to 1 9⁄
16 inches)
and is the generic name for extra-
long staple (ELS) cotton. Once
called American-Egyptian cotton
since it is of the same species as
Egyptian cotton, it was renamed
to honor the Pima Indians who
were growing cotton in Sacaton,
Arizona. Supima is the brand
name for 100-percent American-
grown Pima cotton. Its longer sta-
ple means the final product is
softer than American Upland cot-
ton and it makes up the balance
of U.S. production.
Egyptian – Cotton grown near the Nile River has the longest fiber lengths, allowing for
smoother weaving and the softest feel. It’s also pricey. Worldwide, Egyptian cotton
accounts for only seven percent of global ELS exports but it might be what you sleep on if
you like extremely soft and luxurious sheets.
Sea Island – Cultivated in the tidewater areas of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida
until a boll weevil infestation decimated the entire crop, Sea Island cotton is one of the
world’s highest quality cottons based on its long staple and silk-like quality. While it’s no
longer produced in the U.S., it is still grown in small batches in the West Indies. Because
of its slow growth, low yields and small bolls (the protective pods housing growing cotton
fibers), it’s expensive.
Sources: ,
Cool Cotton Pant
Made from 3.6-ounce cotton sheeting, these
unisex pants are lightweight, comfortable and
available in adult sizes XS-XXL. Boxercraft
UPIC: BOXER