Pima and Supima both describe extra-long-staple cotton, and the names are often used as if they mean the same thing. They don't. Supima is the licensed, traceable top tier of American Pima. Here is how to tell them apart when you buy a t-shirt or polo.
All Supima is Pima, but not all Pima is Supima. Supima, short for "Superior Pima", is a trademark for 100% American-grown Pima cotton that is licensed and can be traced. "Pima" on its own is a generic term with no guarantee behind it.
What is Pima cotton?
Pima is a type of extra-long-staple cotton, named after the Pima people of the American Southwest, where it was developed. It is grown in the USA and in other countries, and the word on a label does not say where it came from or how long its fibres are.
What makes cotton Supima?
- It is American Pima cotton grown in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.
- It is extra-long staple, which makes a smoother, stronger yarn.
- The Supima name can only be used under licence, so a brand using it can be checked.
Supima vs Pima cotton compared
| Factor | Supima | Generic Pima |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | USA only | USA, Peru, Australia and others |
| Staple length | Extra-long, to a licensed standard | Varies, often unverified |
| Traceability | Licensed growers and supply chain | Not always auditable |
| On the label | A trademark brands must be licensed to use | A generic word anyone can print |
| Price | Higher, because the yarn costs more | Anything from premium to budget |
How to read a "Pima" or "Supima" label
- Look for the full word Supima and an exact percentage, such as "100% Supima cotton".
- Check the fabric weight (GSM) and knit. Fibre alone does not make a good tee.
- Be wary of "Pima" at a budget price. The yarn cost has to show up somewhere.
What Abraca uses
Every Abraca tee is made from USA-grown Supima. Gutmann polos are 100% Supima in a 240 GSM interlock, and Lokee round necks are 95% Supima with 5% elastane in 180 GSM jersey.
Supima vs Pima: more questions
Is Pima cotton the same as Supima cotton?
No. Supima is a licensed brand of American Pima cotton. Pima on its own is a generic term.
Is Pima cotton good quality?
Genuine extra-long-staple Pima is good cotton. The problem is that the word alone does not prove the fibre length or origin.
Why is Supima more expensive than Pima?
Supima is grown only in the USA, makes up under 1% of the world's cotton, and runs through a licensed, traceable supply chain.
Is Supima better than Egyptian cotton?
Both are extra-long-staple. Read Supima vs Egyptian cotton for the differences.
