Did you know that Sweden’s cotton imports were valued at $30.4 million in 2023? This means cotton is widely used in Sweden, just like the US.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that cotton has a monopoly in the fabric industry, and we don’t mind calling it a fiber of democracy. It can be humble or extravagant, depending on the occasion, and it’s equally enjoyable for the rich and poor. This is possible because there are different types of cotton, and we are sharing the best types of cotton in this article.
What is Cotton?
Cotton is basically a cellulosic fiber, derived from the seeds of a cotton plant. It is extremely smooth, cool, absorbent, crisp, and, on top of all, strong. The quality and strength of cotton depend on the regularity and closeness of the weave, along with the kind of cotton plant used for extracting the fiber.
The cotton plant used also determines the fineness, color, shine, and strength of the fabric. For example, long staple cotton is much less prone to lint and fabric pilling as compared to the one with staples of shorter length.
Typically, long cotton staple is 1⅛ inches, and the extra-long is 1⅜ inches. It is an important consideration because the longer the staple, the better (and usually more expensive) the cotton fabric is. This will also impact your cotton fabric care regime in a significant manner.
Best Types of Cotton
Cotton is known for its soft and breathable characteristics, making it extremely favorable for the production of garments and textiles. However, there are different types of cotton, which we are explaining below.
Sea Island Cotton
Sea Island cotton is known for its softness and produces some of the finest cotton fabrics in the world. Its comfort, durability, and smooth feel on the skin make it a coveted material. In fact, Sea Island cotton is so smooth that Queen Victoria once mistook it for silk.
This is all because of its staple length. As an “extra-long staple cotton,” its fibers are longer than those of other cotton varieties. This longer staple length results in fewer fiber ends exposed to the skin, which leads to smoother and more durable fabrics.
Keep in mind that to qualify as an extra-long staple, cotton must have a staple length exceeding 34mm. Sea Island cotton has a staple length that can reach up to 50mm.
In addition to its fiber length, Sea Island cotton’s cultivation methods also help with its luxurious qualities. Today, it is grown in the Caribbean, where the weather conditions are ideal for its production.
The farmers who cultivate Sea Island cotton are experts in its delicate nature and they use sustainable practices that minimize the use of chemicals. This approach not only protects the environment but also ensures that the cotton remains undamaged. Lastly, Sea Island cotton is handpicked and processed using traditional methods, preserving its unique softness.
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is famous for its exceptional softness and durability. Unlike most types of cotton, which use short fibers, Pima cotton is named the extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, which means its fibers are longer than 34 millimeters. This longer staple length contributes to its superior qualities.
In the current age, Pima cotton is popular for its luxurious feel and resistance to fabric pilling. However, if you notice some lint or bobbles on your clothing made of Pima cotton, simply use a fabric care Re-Tergent like BIORESTORE cotton to revive its original texture and appearance in one home laundry wash.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, where its cultivation thrived in the fertile lands along the Nile River. Now, Egyptian cotton has become the gold standard as it’s celebrated for its exceptional qualities. It has long staple fibers, reaching up to 2 inches. They lead to a more refined and smoother weave, which results in comfortable and soft fabrics.
In addition to its luxurious feel, Egyptian cotton has durability. The lengthy fibers contribute to its strength, so it can withstand repeated washing and use without pilling or losing its integrity. If you are someone who wants their cotton textiles to sustain their shape and texture for years to come, Egyptian cotton is your best choice.
Upland Cotton
Upland cotton is the most commonly grown cotton species worldwide, as it accounts for approximately 90% of global cotton production. It is native to Mexico, the West Indies, northern South America, and Central America.
It is characterized by its relatively short fibers compared to other cotton varieties. For this reason, upland cotton is used in consumer products due to its quality and purity as an all-natural fiber. In the United States, upland cotton constitutes about 95% of all cotton production.
The cultivation of upland cotton dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence from Mexico suggesting its use as early as 3,500 BC. Over time, different cultivars have been developed with different fiber lengths and tolerances to growing conditions. The longer fiber varieties are known as “long staple upland,” and they are cultivated for commercial purposes.
Combed Cotton
Combed cotton is a type of cotton that has undergone an extra processing step called combing. This process is all about brushing the cotton fibers to align them and remove impurities before spinning them into yarn. This additional step results in a higher quality cotton fiber that is softer, smoother, and stronger than regular or carded cotton.
Combed cotton feels softer and smoother against the skin due to the removal of shorter fibers. In addition, the consistent and strong fibers make combed cotton more durable and long-lasting. The combination of softness and durability makes combed cotton ideal for comfortable clothing and home goods that need minimal fabric care.
