FabricIQ
Reading the label…
Pima Cotton
B
Extra-long staple cotton known for exceptional softness, durability, and luster. Grown primarily in Peru and the American Southwest.
Material Score Breakdown
Material-quality rubric (6 axes), not a garment verdict — see disclosure below. Sustainability is a separate Eco score, shown apart.
78/100
DurabilityAbove-average75
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
ComfortStrong90
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
BreathabilityStrong85
Air flow and ventilation
WarmthWeak45
Heat retention and insulation
Moisture WickingWeak42
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Care EaseAbove-average72
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Sustainability (separate Eco score)
SustainabilityTypical55
Environmental impact of production and disposal
Brands using pima cotton
3 brands have products in our catalog whose composition contains pima cotton. Sorted by how many garments they offer with this fiber.
Brand grade = average overall score across all of their products containing pima cotton.
Products with pima cotton
See all →Top-scored garments in our catalog whose composition contains pima cotton. Click through for the full quality + health + eco breakdown.
Club MonacoB
Brushed Pima Tee
100% Pima Cotton
$68
LululemonB
Love Long-Sleeve Shirt
94% Pima Cotton, 6% Elastane
$58
LululemonB
Love Tank Top
94% Pima Cotton, 6% Elastane
LululemonB
Love V-Neck T-Shirt
94% Pima Cotton, 6% Elastane
Club MonacoC
Long-Sleeve Brushed Cotton Polo
100% Pima Cotton Straight Fit
$89
JöttnarC
Glasir Premium Cotton T-Shirt
60% Pima Cotton, 35% Polyester
$65
Club MonacoC
Leary Tee
100% Pima Cotton For All-day
$19
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from pima cotton. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same pima cotton feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
👕Everyday Casual
ExcellentExcellent comfort (90) and easy care (72) for daily wear
👔Formal/Office
ExcellentExcellent durability (75) and comfort (90) for office wear
😴Sleepwear
ExcellentExcellent comfort (90) and breathability (85) for sleeping
🩲Underwear
ExcellentExcellent breathability (85) and comfort (90) for undergarments
⛰️Outdoor/Hiking
GoodGood durability (75) and breathability (85) for outdoor activities
Detailed Use Case Scores
everyday90
underwear85
formal75
Pros
- ✓ Exceptionally soft
- ✓ More durable than regular cotton
- ✓ Resists pilling
- ✓ Beautiful drape
Cons
- ✗ Expensive
- ✗ Still absorbs moisture
- ✗ Requires careful washing
- ✗ Limited production regions
Better alternatives
Higher-scored natural materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
VicuñaA
+14 vs Pima Cotton · 92/100
BiodegradableThe rarest and most expensive animal fiber in the world, from the vicuña of the Andes. Finer than cashmere, incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. A single coat yields only 250g of usable fiber every 2-3 years.
Merino WoolA
+8 vs Pima Cotton · 86/100
BiodegradableUltra-fine wool from Merino sheep. Softer and less itchy than regular wool, with excellent temperature regulation and moisture management.
Sea Island CottonB
+4 vs Pima Cotton · 82/100
BiodegradableExtra-long-staple cotton historically grown in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina. Among the rarest commercial fibers on earth — staple length up to 2.5", silky hand feel, intense color saturation when dyed. Used in heritage luxury shirting and bespoke menswear.
Care Guide
Washwarm (40°C)
Cycledelicate
Detergentregular
BleachOxygen only
Drytumble medium
Ironmedium
Dry Cleanavoid
SoftenerOK
Special Notes
• Extra-long staple fibers benefit from gentle handling
Additional Care Tips
- • Machine wash cold (30°C/85°F) on gentle cycle to preserve long-staple fibers
- • Tumble dry on low heat or line dry — avoid high heat to prevent shrinkage
- • Iron on low-medium heat with steam for a crisp finish
- • Avoid bleach — it weakens the premium fibers over time
- • Wash inside out to reduce surface friction and pilling
- • Store folded or on wide hangers to maintain shape
Cost
$$$$$
Premium
Shrinkage
May shrink 2-5% — wash cold
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives