Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is considered to be one of the superior blends of cotton, and is extremely durable and absorbent. Pima cotton is named after the Pima Native Americans who first cultivated the plant in the US, but its origins date back to its cultivation in Egypt.

Egyptian cotton is frequently used in towels and sheets. When woven it has long fibrous threads that means one can have a higher thread count within each piece of the fabric. In other words, a piece of Egyptian cotton has a much more extensive weave than other types of cotton. Towels made from Egyptian cotton are particularly desirable because they are very soft and help absorb water from the body quickly.

Since Egyptian cotton was so desirable, the US decided to try growing a type of it in the Southwest, which is a somewhat similar climate to Egypt. The resultant cotton was a mix of Egyptian and other types of cotton. Pima cotton is a little shorter than Egyptian cotton but still yields a thread that can be woven multiple times into a piece of fabric to create a dense, soft fabric.

One of the advantages of pima cotton is that the thickness of the cloth it weaves creates a very durable fabric. Those who market this cotton claim their products can last up to 50% longer than fabrics made from other forms of cotton.

Pima cotton is a generic name for extra-long staple (ELS) cotton that is known for its strength and uniformity. The name is found on apparel and home textiles that are made with this premium cotton and has become synonymous with luxurious feel, appearance and durability.

Egypt is one of the largest producers of ELS cotton in the world, however much of it is reserved for production in Egypt and is not available for export. Canaren, with its facilities in Egypt, has been able to secure the best of the best in producing a Pima line of knitwear for its customers.

When you want a high-end knitwear, think Pima, think Canaren.