Cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibers in textiles and clothing globally. While most cotton is considered a commodity crop, some rare and high-quality cottons stand out as incredibly luxurious options. From extra long staple lengths to hand harvesting and processing methods, certain cottons are prized for their exceptional softness, durability, and luster.
What makes a cotton luxurious?
There are a few key factors that set luxurious cottons apart:
- Extra long staple length – The longer the fiber or staple length, the finer and more luxurious the cotton. Luxury cottons have staple lengths over 34mm compared to more standard 25-32mm lengths.
- Hand picking and processing – Many luxury cottons are picked and processed by hand rather than by machine. Hand picking prevents damage to the fibers, while hand ginning and spinning preserve the length and strength.
- Fineness – The fineness or diameter of the cotton fibers also affects luxury. Extra fine fibers, under 1.5 denier, have a smoother and silkier feel.
- Durability – Luxury cottons are bred for strength and resilience. They can be woven into finer yarns and withstand repeated wear and laundering.
- Luster – A luminous sheen is another hallmark of quality cotton. The natural wax content and smoothness create a soft glow and luster.
- Scarcity – Supply and demand contributes to luxury status. Many high-end cottons have tightly controlled production and limited yields.
With these attributes in mind, let’s look at some of the most luxurious, highest quality cottons in the world.
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is one of the most widely recognized luxury cottons. Grown primarily in the Southwestern United States, Pima gets its name from the Pima Indians who first cultivated the extra-long staple cotton. Key features include:
- Staple length of 28-36mm, with an average of 32mm
- Extremely fine fibers, around 1.3 denier
- High strength – woven tightly without tearing
- Natural sheen and luster
- Silky soft, lightweight feel
Pima cotton is rare, making up less than 5% of global cotton production. The lengthy fibers produce durable, smooth fabrics prized for high-end clothing and bedding. From sheets with a buttery handfeel to luxurious woven shirts, Pima cotton is synonymous with quality and comfort.
Egyptian Cotton
Hailed as one of the world’s finest cottons, extra long staple Egyptian cotton has been cultivated along the Nile River Valley since ancient times. Notable features include:
- Signature long staple length of 30-36mm
- Handpicked and hand-combed for purity
- Cool and breathable, ideal for warm climates
- Smooth luster and sheen
- Strong, flexible, durable fibers
The combination of hot days and cool nights along the Nile produce the optimal growing conditions for Egyptian cotton’s long, strong fibers. Due to its scarcity, Egyptian cotton can cost up to twice as much as standard cotton. Products made with the luxurious fiber include bed sheets, towels, dresses and men’s dress shirts.
Sea Island Cotton
Known as the “World’s Finest Cotton”, extra-long staple Sea Island cotton originates from the Sea Islands off the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia. It boasts the following attributes:
- The longest staple length of any cotton at 35-40mm
- Thinnest fibers with a silk-like fineness of 1.0-1.2 denier
- Naturally bright white color
- Strong and durable despite fineness
- Distinctive satin sheen
The tropical climate and sandy, well-drained soil of the Sea Islands lend to the fiber’s fineness and luster. Sea Island cotton makes up less than 1% of global cotton production, adding to its exclusive appeal. Its rarity and labor-intensive production come at a price – Sea Island cotton can cost up to 10 times more than standard cotton. Products fashioned from the world’s finest cotton include luxurious bed linens, undergarments, and dress shirts.
Mashriq Cotton
Mashriq cotton is handpicked in the fertile regions along the Nile in Egypt and Sudan. Characteristics include:
- Staple length of 28-32mm
- Hand picked and hand combed
- Soft, breathable feel
- Naturally robust, durable fibers
- Versatile and color absorbent
As a hand harvested and processed cotton, Mashriq retains its strength and silky texture through minimal mechanical handling. The time-honored production creates one of Egypt’s most sought-after cottons, marketed as the country’s finest. Mashriq cotton is made into luxury bed linens, towels, apparel, and baby products.
Supima Cotton
A branded fiber made with extra long staple American Pima cotton, Supima is consistently ranked among the world’s superior cottons. Features include:
- 28-33mm staple length
- Thin, smooth fibers
- High durability and strength
- Resistant to pilling or fraying
- Natural softness and luster
As a trademarked fiber, only the top 6% of American Pima cotton meets the criteria to become Supima cotton. The strict standards result in a very fine, strong fiber ideal for knit and woven apparel, bedding, and towels. Products made with Supima cotton command a premium price for their exceptional softness and performance.
Peruvian Pima Cotton
Like its American namesake, Peruvian Pima cotton is an extra long staple cotton celebrated for its luxury qualities, including:
- Staple length of 27-30mm
- Smooth, lustrous appearance
- Lightweight, breathable feel
- Superb strength and durability
- Ideal for blending with other luxury fibers
The combination of hot desert conditions and cool coastal breezes in Peru create ideal growing conditions for Pima cotton’s long fibers. Peruvian Pima cotton is handpicked to preserve quality. The harvest is small but highly prized for its silkiness and versatility. The fiber is blended with fabrics like silk and cashmere, or used solo for knits, wovens, and terry clothing and home goods.
Giza Cotton
Hailed as the world’s softest cotton, extra long staple Giza cotton is grown exclusively in Egypt’s fertile Giza region. Key characteristics include:
- Premium staple length of 28-34mm
- Delicate, silky, lightweight feel
- Smooth, bright white appearance
- Superb breathability in hot climates
- Highly absorbent
The dry desert climate, irrigation from the Nile Delta, and unique soil composition give Giza cotton its signature softness and luster. Due to its global reputation for luxury, only the finest Giza cotton is exported as “Giza 45.” This designation means the cotton has a staple length exceeding 1.5 inches. Giza 45 cotton is made into products like bed sheets, apparel, undergarments and medical products.
Cotton Grades and Quality
In addition to fiber length, cotton is graded on a universal quality scale from lowest to highest:
| Cotton Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Below Grade | Shortest. Less than 3/4″ staple length. |
| Low Middling | 3/4″ to 7/8″ staple length. |
| Middling | 7/8″ to 1-1/8″ staple length. |
| Strict Middling | 1-1/8″ to 1-1/4″ staple length. |
| Good Middling | 1-1/4″ to 1-3/8″ staple length. |
| Strict Good Middling | 1-3/8″ to 1-1/2″ staple length. |
| Middling Fair | 1-1/2″ to 1-9/16″ staple length. |
| Strict Good Ordinary | 1-9/16″ to 1-3/4″ staple length. |
| Good Ordinary | 1-3/4″ to 1-13/32″ staple length. |
| Strict Low Middling | 1-13/32″ to 1-27/32″ staple length. |
| Low Middling Light Spotted | 1-27/32″ to 2-3/32″ staple length. |
| Strict Good Middling Spotted | 2-3/32″ to 2-1/4″ staple length. |
| Good Middling Spotted | 2-1/4″ to 2-3/8″ staple length. |
| Middling Spotted | Over 2-3/8″ staple length. |
The highest quality cotton grades have longer staple lengths, which indicate finer, softer fibers. Luxury cottons like Egyptian, Pima and Supima rank as extra long staple cottons, in the top tier of cotton quality and value.
Prices of Luxury Cottons
The exceptional qualities of luxury cottons come at a premium price. Here’s a look at approximate prices for some of the most luxurious cotton fibers:
| Cotton Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Upland Cotton (standard) | $0.70 – $0.90 per pound |
| Pima Cotton | $1.25 – $1.75 per pound |
| Egyptian Cotton | $1.80 – $2.20 per pound |
| Sea Island Cotton | $3.00 – $4.00 per pound |
| Mashriq Cotton | $2.00 – $2.50 per pound |
These prices relate to the raw cotton fibers. Products made from luxury cottons like clothing, bedding and towels command a further premium at retail.
Supply and Production
The limited global supply of luxury cottons adds to their value and prestige. Here is a look at annual worldwide production of some top-tier cottons:
| Cotton | Annual Global Production |
|---|---|
| Pima | Less than 5% of cotton, or about 750,000 bales |
| Supima | Less than 1% of American cotton |
| Sea Island | Less than 1,000 bales annually |
| Egyptian | Less than 2% of global cotton, majority used domestically |
Total worldwide cotton production is approximately 100 million bales per year. The limited supply of these luxury cottons, along with high demand, means they are highly valued and priced accordingly.
Uses and Products
Luxury cottons are woven and knitted into a variety of high-end, premium products, including:
- Bed sheets and linens
- Towels and robes
- Undergarments and loungewear
- Woven dress shirts and blouses
- Knit t-shirts and polos
- Denim jeans
- Dresses and skirts
- Suits, sport coats and trousers
- Baby clothes and cloth diapers
- Home furnishings and upholstery
Garments and goods made from luxury cottons are investments, lasting for years and getting softer over time. The breathability and comfort also make these cottons ideal for sheets, warm weather clothing, and items worn against the skin.
How to Identify Real Luxury Cottons
With luxury cottons commanding premium prices, identifying real high-end cotton can be tricky for shoppers. Here are some tips for recognizing genuine luxury cotton fabrics and garments:
- Check labels for certifications like “Pima,” “Supima®,” or “Egyptian ELS.”
- Look for country of origin like Egypt, Peru, USA for American Pima.
- Buy from reputable brands known for quality materials.
- Inspect weave and knit – luxury cottons have a smooth, consistent appearance.
- Assess handfeel – real luxury cottons feel extremely soft and smooth.
- Check durability – quality cottons resist tearing, wrinkling and pilling.
- Learn to recognize luster and sheen.
- Consider thread count for sheets and linens.
By looking for certifications, checking quality characteristics, and assessing durability, shoppers can identify authentic luxury grade cottons.
Conclusion
When only the best will do, luxury cottons surpass the rest in quality and performance. With their extraordinary length and fineness, these rare fibers create garments and goods of exceptional softness, comfort and durability. Counted among the world’s finest are prized cottons like Egyptian, Pima, Supima, Sea Island and Mashriq. Demand outpaces the limited global supply, making true luxury cottons highly coveted and priced accordingly. The result – a transcendent, peerless experience unmatched by everyday cottons.