Cotton is one of the oldest forms of fabric used for clothing and bedding. From the Indus valley civilization in India to remnants of fabrics in Peru, South America, we have heard of cotton cultivation in many forms. Cotton has been highly valued since the ancient period due to their high breathability, versatility and lightness. There is no doubt that cotton fabrics are one of the toughest fabrics available today. The soft and durable nature of the fabric makes it a great choice in the fashion industry. Cotton is the preferred choice for clothing, bedding, bath linens and medical supplies. Each strain of cotton is unique in its own way. 

Successful cultivation of cotton requires a long frost-free period, plenty of sunshine, and a moderate rainfall, usually from 60 to 120 cm. In general, these conditions are met within the seasonally dry tropics and subtropics in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, but a large proportion of the cotton grown today is cultivated in areas with less rainfall that obtain the water from irrigation. So based on the region it is grown and its natural terrain and weather conditions there are different types of cotton. Each of these varieties have unique features which distinguish them from other varieties. 

Different types of cotton plant varieties available

Cotton varieties are mainly differentiated by the length of their staples and the texture of the fiber. Some may be long strands but thick in diameter, some maybe short but thin. So based on the staple length and the thickness of the fiber they are used for different purposes.One type of cotton that is commonly used in the bedding industry is hybrid cotton, which is produced by crossbreeding different varieties of cotton plants. Most popular hybrid cotton varieties used in bedding, include Pima cotton, Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton, and Upland cotton.

Let us now see some of the famous cotton varieties of the world.

Pima/Supima cotton

Pima cotton is a luxurious fabric that is cultivated in the United States. It is known for its extra long staple (ELS) fibers, which makes it stronger and softer than regular cotton fabrics. This makes Pima cotton ideal for creating garments of superior quality and comfort. The longer and extra strong fibers make the fabric more resistant to abrasion, tearing, fading and wrinkling. They are twice as strong as any other regular cotton fabrics. These characteristics make it perfect for use in clothing and bedding. Supima cotton is a superior blend of Pima and American-grown cotton, offering a softer and more luxurious fabric. This fabric is strictly monitored for purity by the American Supima Association and meets stringent requirements in order to guarantee its superior quality. 

So if you’re looking for luxurious and comfortable fabrics, then look no further than Pima or Supima cotton fabrics!

 

Picture courtesy ( https://supima.com/)

Egyptian cotton

Egyptian cotton is renowned for its superior quality, softness and vibrancy. It is a type of extra long staple cotton which makes it finer and thinner in comparison to other types of cottons. This unique characteristic gives it an even finish, which is why Egyptian cotton is highly sought after by manufacturers of luxury bedding and clothing.

Grown only in Egypt, the production process involves handpicking the cotton fibers carefully in order to maintain the highest level of quality. This attention to detail has made Egyptian cotton known for its performance – it can last longer than other kinds of fabrics and it doesn’t lose its color or shape easily.  No matter how many times you wash it Egyptian cotton stays stronger and longer.

Sea Island cotton

Sea island cotton is a luxurious type of cotton that has been harvested in parts of the Caribbean and South America for centuries. It is highly valued for its luscious texture, softness, and strength.  Sea Island cotton is also known as Extra long staple cotton due to their longest fibers. It is one of the rarest and most expensive fabrics in the world due to its extra long fibers which measure greater than 35mm long. Having its native in South America, this high-quality cotton is cultivated on the small sea islands off the coasts of countries like Belize, Guatemala and Honduras and is exported to various countries across the globe.  Its unique properties make it unparalleled in terms of luxury and comfort. It accounts for about only 8% of the total world’s cotton production. Despite its limited availability, sea island cotton continues to be one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world today.

Courtesy ( https://www.beaufort.com/the-history-of-sea-island-cotton/)

Giza Cotton

Giza cotton is a special type of cotton available and is known as the finest cotton available on earth. It is stronger, longer and softer than any type of cotton available. Giza is a special type of high quality Egyptian cotton. In order for the cotton to receive the best rating , the fiber must be longer and smaller in diameter. Giza cotton is renowned for its strength, softness and comfort. Giza cotton is grown near the Nile river delta in Egypt. Giza cotton is carefully handpicked to retain the quality of fibers. Their dye holding capacity makes them the most sought out cotton variety that can be manufactured in various colors. They also retain the same vibrancy even after several washes. 

Find maps of giza – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giza 

Suvin Gold cotton

Suvin Gold Cotton is a rare and premium cotton variety which accounts for only 0.003% of the cotton produced. They are carefully grown in the farms of south India and traditional hand picking of the cotton is followed to ensure long fibers. Suvin is a hybrid cotton which is got by combining an Indian variety called “Sujata” and a sea island cotton “St.Vincent”. Suvin requires special care as it is both rare and expensive. Gossypium herbaceum is the most likely ancestor of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, two key cotton fiber producers.

Due to their strength and durability they are a preferred choice for high end clothing. Suvin cotton gives a soft, luxurious feel and is also very comfortable to wear.

Courtesy – https://www.englishfinecottons.co.uk/journal/textiles/suvin-gold-our-hidden-gem/

Upland Cotton

Upland cotton or Mexican cotton is grown in South America, Central America and Florida. They are one of the widely available varieties and constitute for up to 90% of the world’s total cotton production. The cotton seed oil obtained from this variety is also used as cooking oils and margarine. Upland cotton is the first short staple (ss) variety that we have seen so far. Upland cotton is affordable but is not as luxurious when compared to the other varieties that are previously mentioned. Upland is ideal for making high-quality, affordable products for everyday use. The short staple cotton is somewhat rough and uneven, which makes it the best choice for weaving fashionable denims that we are fond of. Apart from textiles and clothing, Gossypium hirsutum is also used in the making of cotton seed oil.

Summary of Cotton Fabric types

 

Types of Fabrics	Features	Uses
Short staple cotton	– Coarser & weaker – Low quality – Quicker to grow  – Cheaper  – Suitable for everyday use – Fiber length <25mm	Clothing & making of denims
Long staple cotton	– Softer & stronger – Durable – Luxurious than SS  – High quality – Durable  – Fiber length 28 – 33mm	Bedding, towels and high quality clothing
Extra long staple cotton	– Most luxurious – More durable – Breathable and skin friendly – Soft – Long lasting & vibrant – Fiber length >34mm	Luxurious bed linens, towels
Egyptian cotton	– Grown in Egypt – Luxurious fabrics – Breathable & skin friendly – Finer & softer – Vibrant – Long lasting & improves with age – Extra long staple fibers (>34mm)	Premium bedding sets

 

Cotton is an exclusive fabric that gives you the utmost comfort which also is sustainable and environmentally friendly. So before buying a cotton fabric it is important to know your cotton. Follow our blog to know more about cotton fabrics and enjoy the luxury linens from Weddingly.