What is Supima Cotton? Uses, How It is Made

Here are some useful details about Supima cotton that will help you understand why we adore using it in our homes and why it is so highly sought-after.

Consider using SUPIMA cotton if you want to upgrade your clothing and home furnishings. SUPIMA Cotton is a form of cotton only grown in the United States, one which is a fraction of the total cotton supply chain but remains superior in quality and longevity nonetheless.

In this blog, we will tell you everything about Supima cotton.

What is Supima Cotton Fabric?

Supima cotton is a high-quality type of cotton that is made from Gossypium barbadense. Supima cotton is produced and certified using various techniques that are distinct from those used for Pima cotton. It is one of the strongest and softest types of cotton in the world.

The cotton fibers that are derived from the Gossypium barbadense plant are considered to be the extra-long staple (They are at least 34 millimeters long because they are made of ELS) cotton. For comparison, most types of cotton fibers are 20 millimeters long or less, and this extra length makes Gossypium barbadense cotton fibers more tensile and easier to form into high-quality yarn.

How is Supima Cotton Fabric Made?

Many aspects of Supima cotton production are still done by hand, despite the fact that the majority of cotton producers opt to use as much automation as possible in their manufacturing processes. Even if they use automated processes, most Gossypium barbadense cotton producers begin the manufacturing process by handpicking cotton seeds.

Afterward, the fibers are removed from these seeds and compressed into bales. The bales are then brought to a huge production facility, opened, and the fibers are transferred to a mixing machine.

After the Gossypium barbadense fibers are mixed, they are carded, which is the process by which these fibers are formed into a web of rope-like strands. Carding can be done either by hand or with a machine, but most producers perform the next step, combing, with automated processes.

Cotton strands are combined to remove impurities before being loaded onto bobbin-shaped spools. The strands are then spun into yarn and prepared for weaving into fabric.

Most Supima cotton growers do their best to cultivate their crops using non-toxic, organic, and sustainable methods. Another reason why consumers favor Supima cotton over Pima cotton or other high-end varieties of this textile is that it makes sense to put forth the effort necessary to do things the right way when you’re creating a luxury product with a name to protect.

Uses of Supima Cotton Fabric

High-end consumer apparel and home textiles like sheets are typically made with this type of cotton. Supima cannot be used in commercial settings despite its high tensile strength due to cost reasons.

Popular Supima clothing items include t-shirts, dress shirts, underwear, nightgowns, and pajamas. This type of cotton is so soft that it is often used as a substitute for silk; practically any type of garment or accessory that is commonly made from silk can also be made from Supima cotton. Even if they don’t completely substitute Supima for silk, many manufacturers choose to mix these two luxury fabrics together.

How Do You Care for Supima Cotton Garments?

You should take the same steps to maintain SUPIMA Cotton products as you would other cotton clothing if you decide to buy any. This distinctive trademarked fabric gets better with use because it is special.

However, SUPIMA Cotton actually improves with use and washing, unlike most generic cotton products, which tend to deteriorate over time. In order to feel how the softness improves over time, you can toss them in the washing machine after wearing them for the day.

Read More: Does Supima Cotton Wrinkle? Methods to Make It Unwrinkle

What is the Difference Between Supima Cotton and Regular Cotton?

There are different kinds of cotton sheets and other luxury bedding. In actuality, Supima and regular cotton are two different and distinct species of cotton. The type and length of the fiber are what distinguish the various varieties of cotton from one another. Supima cotton typically has 1.5-inch fibers, compared to the average inch of regular cotton.

The rougher the yarns and threads, which result from shorter cotton fibers, the more pilling will appear on the surface of items like sheets. Supima cotton’s longer fibers contribute to the softness and toughness of bedroom products.

Supima Vs Egyptian Cotton

When referring to luxury bedding options, you may have also heard the term Egyptian cotton. Supima and Egyptian cotton are entirely different even though they are occasionally confused. The phrase “Egyptian cotton” refers only to the country of origin of the cotton and says nothing whatsoever about the caliber of the sheets and fine bedding.

Long-staple or even regular cotton varieties make up the majority of Egyptian cotton. To ensure that the cotton used was indeed premium, extra-long-staple cotton, all products marketed as Supima cotton are, however, marked as such.

Supima Vs Pima Cotton

Pima is yet another name for a material found in high-end sheets and bedding. Although it sounds much like another luxury cotton used for sheets, Pima is actually just a generic term meaning a better quality of cotton. This does not, however, indicate that the product is made with high-quality extra-long staple cotton.

Extra-long staple cotton that is grown in America and used to make luxury linens is known as Supima cotton. The licensed trademark for premium cotton linens is Supima. A licensed supply chain must have been used to properly source the fabric in order for sheets to bear the Supima name.

What Makes Supima Cotton So Unique?

The distinctive, extra-long staple fiber that gives Supima cotton its desirable qualities, such as strength, softness, and natural sheen, sets it apart from other varieties of cotton. The extra-long staples also enable it to be spun into a delicate but strong single-ply thread.

This is what makes Supima sheets a softer, more durable, and breathable luxury sheet. Luxury Supima sheets may cost a little bit more than other types of cotton sheets, but they provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort, making the extra cost well worth it for someone looking for high-end, luxurious sheets and bedding.

Conclusion: Supima Cotton

SUPIMA cotton is more expensive than regular cotton because of the well-maintained supply chain and farming techniques. Compared to other types of cotton, there is a limited supply because it is only grown in a few places in the United States and the plants are rare.

Supima sheets are easy to care for and you may be surprised to find that they do not require any special care at all! Simply wash these premium sheets like you would your regular cotton sheets, and you’ll be ready for a restful night’s sleep. These superior sheets don’t require the usual special laundering requirements as other fine bed linens.

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