Pima vs. Egyptian vs. Regular Cotton: What the Labels Tell You

Cotton, Pima, Egyptian cotton, Peruvian Pima, Supima: all are cotton, but not all are the same. The name often identifies the type of plant (and thereby fiber length) and where it was grown.

Cotton by any other name may be a little different

Cotton labels mix three kinds of information: the plant, the place it grew and, sometimes, a brand name. "Pima", "Egyptian", "Supima" and plain "cotton" each answer a different one of those questions. No wonder they get confused.

What's the difference?

• Cotton comes from Gossypium hirsutum and is often called upland cotton. The most widely grown cotton in the world, it produces a short fiber.
• Egyptian cotton often refers to Gossypium barbadense and is (obviously) grown in Egypt. Egyptian cotton has a long fiber.
• Organic cotton only identifies how the cotton was grown. It can include any type of cotton plant, producing any fiber length.
• Pima cotton comes from Gossypium barbadense, which produces an extra-long staple cotton. It grows in several regions, including the American Southwest and Peru.
• Supima is also Gossypium barbadense. It is a licensed trademark for Pima cotton grown in the United States.

What does "staple" mean?

Staple refers to the length of a single cotton fiber. Upland cotton fibers are usually about an inch long. Extra-long staple cotton, like Pima, starts at about one and three-eighths inches long.

It doesn't sound like much, but this small amount adds up to a big difference. The longer fibers twist together to form yarn with fewer loose ends, making the yarn finer and smoother at the same strength. Long staple yarn makes fabric that feels softer and pills less.

Pima vs. Egyptian cotton, which is better?

As mentioned, both Pima and Egyptian cotton come from the Gossypium barbadense plant. So they start out, at the (long staple) fiber level, equal. Any quality divergence happens after harvest. How the yarn is spun and how the fabric is knitted or woven will impact the finished product.

Both Pima and Egyptian cotton can make wonderful products. The most important thing is the purity. Check the tag and make sure it says 100% Pima or Egyptian cotton. Avoid products that say "blend." "Pima cotton blend" or "Egyptian cotton blend" mean you might be getting short changed. (Or short fibered.)

Since Egyptian cotton is best known in bedding, where it is often sold by thread count, and Peruvian Pima is widely used in fine knitwear, you can enjoy them both.

Does thread count, count?

Thread count identifies the number of threads per square inch of woven fabric. It applies to sheets and woven shirts. It is rarely referenced for sleepwear or other garments, where the fabric weight and the fit tell you more.

Even for sheets, a higher thread count is only part of the story. Thread count can be pushed up with thin, twisted-together threads, so the fiber still matters as much as the count.

Check the label before you buy

1. Fiber content. Look for the percentage. "100% Pima cotton" is what you want.
2. Origin. "Peruvian Pima", "American Pima" or "Supima", and "Egyptian" each tell you where the cotton grew.
3. Care instructions. Don't ignore these. Long-staple cotton still shrinks in heat. Cold water and drying flat are the simplest way to care for your garment.

Why we choose Peruvian Pima for our sleepwear

Comfort is a big part of a good night's sleep, and soft, smooth, breathable sleepwear is a great place to start. Pajama necklines and cuffs can be particularly susceptible to wear and pilling, but with gentle care our Peruvian Pima holds its softness and shape wash after wash.

Ready to give Peruvian Pima a try? Browse our collection. Or, visit our Pima care page to see how easy it is to care for Pima pajamas.