Pima is a species of cotton plant known for its long, smooth fibers. It is a type of extra-long staple cotton, or ELS. The quality is comparable to Egyptian cotton, but with slightly shorter fibers. Pima grows best in warm, humid climates. It's considered to be one of the finest cottons available.
Species
Pima cotton belongs to the species Gossypium barbadense.
History
In the early 20th century, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) worked to cultivate a new type of cotton by blending varieties of Egyptian cotton with ELP cotton species from Peru. They named the new plant after the Pima Native American workers who labored on the USDA farm in Arizona.
Geography
Pima is grown in the southwestern U.S. and Australia.
Features
Pima cotton fabric is known for its strength, softness, durability and absorbency.
Uses
Pima cotton is a popular fabric for towels, sheets and clothing.
