Supima 101
A closer look at the world’s finest cotton
Cotton is everywhere – but not all cotton is created equal. Supima cotton represents less than 1% of all cotton grown globally, and it’s prized for its unmatched softness, lasting durability, and premium sheeny-finish. We use it thoughtfully — in garments where those qualities matter most, like our regular-weight Cotton T-Shirts and High-Necks, where a smoother hand-feel and elevated look make all the difference.
In other pieces – like our more rugged Extra Heavy T-Shirts, or the sport-inspired Pique Polo Shirt – that signature Supima sheen doesn’t quite fit. Instead, we opt for 100% organic cotton: still fully aligned with our values, but at a more accessible price point.
We often hear from curious customers who want to learn more about this extraordinary fabric. So, with the launch of Notes – our new storytelling hub (and where you’re reading this) – we thought it was the perfect time to dive deeper. Let’s get into it.
What is cotton?
Cotton is a fiber grown as a protective case around the seed of the cotton plant. Known to be the most popular natural fiber in the world, it is soft and fluffy to the touch and is usually off-white in color. Cotton is lightweight and durable, remaining strong and in shape even when wet. It’s also breathable and wearable all year round. It dyes very well, but can discolor if overwashed.
What is Supima cotton?
Put simply, Supima is the best cotton on earth. Made from the Gossypium barbadense plant, its fibers measure at least 34mm in length – around 35% longer than regular cotton, which translates to superior softness, strength, and resistance to pilling.
While many premium cottons exist, Supima is unique in that it is grown mostly in the United States – across California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas – by almost 500 family-owned farms. The name itself is a blend of 'Superior' and 'Pima,' a reference to the Pima people, who played a role in early American cotton cultivation. The American Supima Association (ASA), established in 1954, ensures that only 100% American-grown extra long staple cotton earns the Supima label.
A smarter way to farm
Supima is farmed using practices that prioritize both land and labor. Many farms use precision agriculture tools like GPS-guided tractors and satellite mapping to reduce resource use. For example, these tools help farmers rotate crops effectively – an important practice that supports soil health by balancing nutrients and reducing compaction. They also improve water efficiency by targeting irrigation only where it's needed.
In drought-prone states like California, these practices make a real difference. And nothing goes to waste: the cotton fibers become fabric, the seeds are processed into oil or animal feed, and leftover plant material is used as bedding on local farms.
I was lucky enough to visit a California-based Supima cotton plant last year to experience the inimitable softness myself…
Why Supima – for us, and for you
We choose to work with Supima because we know you’ll appreciate the difference:
Supima cotton is more than just a fiber — it’s a commitment to quality, longevity, and care at every stage, from seed to seam. Whether you’re discovering Supima for the first time or already have a favorite T-shirt in rotation, we hope this gives you a deeper appreciation for what’s behind the fabric – and why it matters.
Further Reading
