Pima vs Supima vs Egyptian cotton: what's the difference?

Most cotton is short or medium staple, meaning its individual fibers are relatively short. Pima, Supima, Egyptian and Sea Island are all extra-long staple (ELS) cottons, mostly from the species Gossypium barbadense. Longer fibers spin into finer, smoother, stronger yarn, which is why these names show up on premium T-shirts, shirting and sheets. The names differ in what they guarantee.

Pima cotton

Pima is a generic name for ELS cotton grown mainly in the US Southwest (Arizona, California, New Mexico and far west Texas) and in Peru, where the plant is native. The name honors the Pima people, who helped grow it in the early US crop. Because “Pima” isn't a trademark, a Pima label tells you the type of cotton, not exactly where it was grown or how it was checked.

Supima cotton

Supima is a trademark for 100% American-grown Pima cotton, licensed by the Supima association (founded in 1954) to brands that can show their supply chain uses genuine American Pima. All Supima is Pima; not all Pima is Supima. It is a small share of US cotton, which is part of why it costs more.

Egyptian cotton

Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt, with varieties named “Giza” plus a number. Some Giza varieties are extra-long staple and some are long staple, so “Egyptian” on its own doesn't guarantee ELS. Look for the official Egyptian Cotton logo (a cotton boll in a triangle), licensed by the Cotton Egypt Association, which uses testing to fight widespread mislabeling.

Sea Island cotton

Sea Island is a very rare ELS cotton grown in the West Indies, certified by the West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association. It is produced in tiny quantities and is mostly used for luxury shirting and T-shirts.

Which should you buy?

For everyday tees and basics, the difference you'll feel is mostly between ELS cotton and ordinary cotton, and in how the fabric is knit or woven. If origin matters to you, prefer the trademarked names (Supima, the Egyptian Cotton logo, Sea Island) over generic claims. And if you want organic, check for GOTS separately: none of these names say anything about how the cotton was farmed. See our guide to clothing labels.

Browse Pima and Supima cotton brands, all cotton listings or organic cotton.