Cotton fiber | Describe different types of cotton fiber

Cotton fiber

This ancient crop has been used as the basis for textile products for many centuries. There are about 50 species of cotton that are cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. However, in the case of clothing, the quality of the cotton variety is far from equal. The value of cotton is largely determined by its fiber length. The longer the fiber, the higher the quality of the cotton. Some types of cotton fibers have short fibers while others have long or even extra-long staple fibers (ELS). Yarn made from extra-long fibers produces more durable and softer fabrics. High-street clothing uses mostly cotton fibers that are short or medium length. And expensive luxury designer brands sometimes use ELS as premium cotton for clothing like T-shirts. But this is not always the case. A high price does not mean that high-quality cotton is always used.

How about extra-long-staple cotton fiber?

This variety of cotton fiber was discovered in the British West Indies in the early 18th century. It grows in medium-sized trees that are tropical, frost-sensitive, perennial, and require plenty of sun heat, high humidity, and rainfall. To be classified as extra-long staple Cotton Fiber, the average length of the fiber must be more than 35mm. As a result of ELS's long and strong fibers, fabrics, and T-shirts are generally softer, more durable, and ultimately longer lasting than conventional cotton varieties.

Different types of cotton fiber

Pima cotton

Pima cotton is part of the Extra Long Staple Cotton family. It is considered one of the best cotton varieties in the world. Nowadays, Pima cotton is mainly grown in the United States, Australia, Peru, and Israel. As Extra Long Staple Cotton, its fibers are long and it makes the fabric significantly softer and stronger. In terms of clothing, it has luxury smooth fabrics that are resistant to tearing, peeling, wrinkles, and fading. It is not surprising that many garments are claimed to be made from pure Pima. However, the discovery of Pima poses some challenges: Recent studies have shown that most Pima products are not genuine and are often mixed with inferior-quality fibers.

Supima Cotton

Certified Supima Cotton is guaranteed to be 100% American Pima without any substandard cotton as part of the Weave. It differs from Pima, which is often interwoven with low-quality cotton. The name Supima is actually a trademark that must have been awarded in 1954 by the Supima Company founded in El Paso, Texas. The trademark describes purity and quality. However, this does not mean that Supima is a species of cotton different from American Pima.

Sea Island cotton

Authentic Sea Island cotton is considered by many to be extra-premium. These cotton luxury brands are widely used in the manufacture of garments. For this, Sea Island cotton is definitely one of the rarest species in the world. Production is limited but its quality and quality make Sea Island cotton so desirable to the customer. Extra Long Staple Length, Remarkable Fiber Strength, Uniform and Bright Laser. Sea Island cotton fans say that its durability, uniformity, and lasciviousness make Sea Island cotton so desirable to the customer. It is worth mentioning that not all species of Sea Island cotton are seen as of the same quality. Barbados, Jamaica, and Antigua are the main producers of this rare cotton. However, Sea Island cotton produced in Barbados is generally considered to be the finest.

Egyptian cotton

Original Egyptian ELS cotton is technically derived from cotton of the same cotton species as other ELS cotton varieties such as Pima or Sea Island. However, it has become the case that Egyptian cotton refers primarily to its source, not its quality. It is called Egyptian cotton because it is found in Egypt. Most of the cotton produced in Egypt can rightly be called Egyptian cotton, it is only long staples, but not extra-long staples or ELS, meaning that the fibers are shorter, weaker, and thicker than ELS cotton. Experts in the textile industry further said that you do not know what you are getting when buying Egyptian cotton.

A 2016 study found that 83% of 100% of Egyptian ELS-labeled tested garment products were made entirely from other types of cotton. However, if you look for the “real” Egyptian ELS yarn, you can enjoy a delicate and soft material on the side of the Supima. The most well-known varieties of Egyptian ELS cotton are Giza 45 and Giza 70, which are mostly used to make fine yarns and tear-wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Since the average fiber length of the widely used Giza 90 is slightly below 35mm, it is considered a long staple and is certainly not an ELS.

Upland cotton

This species of cotton is commonly known as Highland Cotton or Upland. Gossypium hirsutum accounts for more than 80% of the world's cotton production. This type of cotton originally came from America. But now this variety is often cultivated all over the world. This species is the main supplier of cotton fiber shots in the global market. The height of the plant is 1.5 m and 2 m. The flowers are white to yellow in color and reddish in the dry state. Fiber shots are usually 20 to 30 mm. Due to the low cost of cotton of this variety, its yarn is usually used in "fast fashion" garments.

Asian short-staple cotton

In terms of global market share, the second most important cotton is Gossypium herbasium which is commonly known as Asian short-staple cotton. It is from Southwest Asia that this variety originates. This cotton variety is mainly cultivated in China, India, and Pakistan. Its fibers are short and thick and so this fiber is inferior. This plant grows up to 150 cm in length. Its flower petals are yellow in color and have reddish spots at the base.

Organic cotton

Organic cotton itself is not a species of cotton but distinguishes itself by growing organically through processes with less environmental impact. Plants cannot be genetically modified in any way and only natural methods are used during harvesting. According to the theory, most cotton varieties can grow organically without the need for fertilizer pesticides. However, due to the limited use of machinery and chemicals, raising organic cotton is laborious. India (51%), China (19%), Kyrgyzstan (7%), Turkey, developing countries that produce virtually all organic cotton (7%), and Tajikistan (7%) worldwide due to rising labor costs.

As a result, organic cotton is usually of significantly lower quality than mid or short staples and extra-long or ELS cotton. This ultimately results in less durable, more disposable clothing - raising the question of whether using organic cotton contributes to more sustainability in the fashion industry.