Organic Pima Cotton
Peruvian Pima cotton (gossypium barbadense) is considered one of the softest and finest types of cotton in the world. It comes from the rain-rich coastal areas of Peru – here, ideal growing conditions exist in terms of soil quality, rainfall, and temperatures.
Noticeably soft
Refreshing
Sustainable
carefully crafted
durable
fine & hard-wearing
Beautiful
What makes Organic Pima Cotton from Peru special
Pima cotton is one of the finest types of cotton in the world. Its extra-long-staple fibres give the fabric exceptional softness, natural suppleness and a subtle sheen.
Due to its exceptional fineness, Pima cotton is often referred to as the «silk of South America». It has a long textile tradition, particularly in Peru, and is still prized today for high-quality textiles.
Combined with certified organic cultivation, the result is a material that combines comfort, quality and a more conscious use of resources.
Pima cotton is a type of extra-long-staple cotton (ELS) and is considered to be of particularly high quality due to its fine, long fibres. It is mainly grown in Peru, where the climate and soil provide ideal conditions for cotton cultivation.
The history of Pima cotton stretches back many centuries. In Peru, cotton cultivation has a long textile tradition that can be traced back to early pre-Columbian cultures.
Today, Pima cotton is used in particular for high-quality textiles, as its long fibres allow for smoother, softer and more durable yarns than conventional cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).
The exceptional quality of Pima cotton stems from its extra-long fibres. Compared to conventional cotton, these fibres can be spun into yarns that are both finer and more durable.
This results in fabrics that:
- are exceptionally soft against the skin
- are durable and retain their shape
- have a smooth, high-quality finish
- are breathable and comfortable to wear
- are less prone to pilling
Not all Pima cotton is automatically organically grown. Whilst «Pima» describes the quality and length of the cotton fibre, «organic» refers to the method of cultivation.
Our organic Pima cotton comes from certified organic cultivation. This involves avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.
Certified organic cotton farming pursues the following objectives:
- protecting the soil in the long term
- reducing the use of harmful chemicals
- using water more responsibly
- promoting natural cycles
Certifications such as GOTS define clear environmental and social standards throughout the supply chain.
The quality of a cotton fabric is determined not only by the fibre itself, but also by the harvesting, processing and finishing stages.
Depending on its origin and processing methods, Pima cotton can be harvested by hand or by machine. Careful processing and high standards throughout the entire supply chain are key to ensuring quality.
Cotton Fibre Comparison
gossypium barbadense
Fibre length: Extra-long staple
Fibre feel: Very soft, smooth and silky
Tear resistance: Higher, as longer fibres allow for more stable yarns
Pilling tendency: Lower, as long fibres protrude less
Yarn appearance: Smoother, finer and more uniform
Fabric feel: Higher-quality, more luxurious and refined to the touch
Typical uses: Premium T-shirts, shirts, bed linen and luxury basics
Cultivation: Limited cultivation, e.g. in the coastal regions of Peru
Advantages: Softness, durability and premium quality
gossypium hirsutum
Fibre length: Short to medium
Fibre feel: Soft depending on quality, but generally less fine
Tear resistance: Good, but shorter fibres break more easily
Pilling tendency: Higher, particularly with shorter fibres
Yarn appearance: Slightly uneven, with more fibre ends
Fabric characteristics: Suitable for everyday wear, robust and more attractively priced
Typical uses: T-shirts, basics, denim and home textiles
Cultivation: Widely grown worldwide
Advantages: Price, availability and wide range of applications
