Why is Peruvian Pima Cotton considered a Luxurious Fabric?

Cotton is one of the most prized fabrics in the world and has a long history of market trade, playing a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution in Britain and throughout much of the United States' existence.

While all cotton fibers possess notable softness and fluffiness, not all kinds of cotton are created equal. Peruvian Pima cotton is a luxurious natural fiber, highly valued in the global market, and held above all others in quality. Continue reading to find out why.

A Brief History

Classified scientifically as Gossypium barbadense, Pima cotton gained its name from the Pima Indians, the first to harvest the fibers in the United States. In the early 1900s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture set up an experimental farm in hopes of cultivating this species of cotton.

But this cotton had a long history before the Pima Indians. Cotton had been cultivated in South America, namely Peru, for centuries, if not whole millennia. To Peruvians, the fiber was known as “gamuza,” which is Spanish for “suede.” Archaeologists have found Pima cotton fragments in Peru that date as far back as 3100 B.C.

The Incas also cultivated and wove Pima cotton to great effect in both practical and artistic pursuits. The Spanish Conquistadors were impressed by the Incas’ weaving techniques and quality of textiles.

Set Apart from the Rest

Cotton is naturally comfortable, absorbent, and strong. However, like coffee or fine wine, the quality of cotton varies greatly depending on numerous factors. 

• Optimal growing conditions: Most Pima cotton is grown along the northern coastal valleys of Peru, though some small acreages exist in California, West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Peru is Pima cotton’s ideal setting, known for its nearly perfect temperatures all year round and a rich soil that naturally soaks up just the right amount of moisture for the cotton plants. These impeccable conditions result in a beautiful, silky luster and soft texture.

• Extra long staple: As it turns out, length matters. With cotton or any natural fiber the longer and smoother the filament, the softer the fiber. The average cotton fiber measures between half an inch to three-quarters of an inch. Peruvian Pima cotton fiber is about twice the length of normal cotton, measuring an inch and three-eighths. This adds to the fiber’s durability and makes it highly resistant to pilling.

• Harvested by hand: Most commercial cotton is harvested by machines, but these machines often lead to scratchy impurities, disturbing the fiber’s smoothness and creating an unattractive yellow cast. Peruvian Pima cotton is picked entirely by hand, which leads to fewer imperfections and a smoother finish. Handpicking also results in a pure white shade that takes beautifully to dyes. Harvesting by hand is also more environmentally friendly.

Brands we carry such as SAYA have opted to use it as the main fabric to produce all kinds of high-quality pieces. Click here to take a look at some of them!

It is also the perfect material for sleepwear! Feel free to take a look at our Pima cotton sleepwear section to find plenty of different styles of pajamas.

To summarize

Pima cotton clothing feels luxurious on the skin while remaining light and breathable. It comes in a wide array of vibrant colors and is a versatile, long-lasting closet staple.

We hope you find this information helpful! Below you'll find some of the items I mentioned before. Check out this section to find more premium Peruvian Pima cotton items!

If you have any questions or want to know more about a certain product, feel free to contact us at [email protected]