Pima Cotton Vs. Egyptian Cotton

Cotton sheet

Different types of cotton are available on the market and are graded according to the length of the fiber used and the number of threads per square inch. Two types of cotton available are Pima and Egyptian.

History

Cotton was first cultivated in Mexico 8000 years ago. Pima cotton was first produced by the Pima Indians of Arizona in 1900 and Egyptian cotton production began in the 19th century.

Growing Conditions

Cotton grows best in tropical to subtropical weather with moderate rainfall, a long growing season and moderately heavy soil. Egyptian cotton is grown along the Nile River and has access to all these conditions. The American Southwest has the warmth, soil, and growing season for Pima but requires irrigation.

Fiber Length

Premium growing conditions for Egyptian cotton results in a very long fiber: 1 1/2 inches to 2 1/4 inches. Pima cotton has a somewhat shorter fiber: 1 1/4 inches to 1 1/2 inches.

Rating

Egyptian cotton is held to be the best quality cotton. An exclusive variety of Pima cotton, Supima, is rated the second best. Generic Pima, which is grown not only in the U.S. but also in Peru, takes third. This rating by the cotton industry is based on fiber length, color and fineness of thread.

Thread Count

Thread count is based on the number of warp and weft threads found in a square inch of cloth. Warp and weft are the horizontal and vertical threads of fabric. Egyptian cotton is 200 to 500 threads per square inch and Pima cotton has a top rating of 350 threads per square inch.

Uses

Both Egyptian and Pima cotton are widely used in the bedding industry for sheets. They are also used to make towels, clothing, and printed and dyed yardage.

References

• CottonInc.com: Demystifying Thread Count
• TourEgypt.net: Buying Egyptian Cotton
• Supima.com: History of Pima Cotton