AMERICAN UPLAND COTTON

Making up about 90 percent of the world’s cotton, American Upland is the most common type of cotton grown. Its flowers are white, producing fibers up to 1 1/4 inches in length. American Upland cotton is made into a variety of bedding fabrics, including canvas.

EGYPTIAN COTTON

Egyptian cotton comes from Egypt, and is often preferred over other qualities of cotton. With its long fibers, Egyptian cotton is stronger and known for making very soft fabrics. Because of its limited supply and better hand, Egyptian cottons are often more expensive. Its quality and softness make it the preferred cotton for use in sheets.

PIMA COTTON

Pima cotton is also known as Extra Long Staple, or ELS cotton, and it is grown in the southwestern part of the United States as well as Australia and Peru. American Pima is a hybrid cotton plant derived from American Upland and Egyptian. It is the only long-fiber cotton plant grown in large amounts in the United States. Supima® is registered trade name for “superior pima” cotton made from 100 percent American Pima cotton.

ORGANIC COTTON

Organic cotton is grown using methods that don’t have an adverse impact on the environment. It is not treated with pesticides, and organic cotton farmers use beneficial insects and cultural practices to control pests. It is sold worldwide, and many apparel companies are using it to make clothing. Due to its restricted use of pesticides, organic cotton has limited growth and supply, making it a more expensive fabric type.