10 Key Differences Between Supima and Regular Cotton

Introduction

Cotton is one of the most commonly used natural fibers worldwide. There are many varieties of cotton fibers. Supima cotton is one of them. This article examines the key differences between Supima and regular cotton fibers. Supima fiber is a high-quality type fiber. It derives from Gossypium barbadense. This fiber is famous for its extra length. The genuineness of Supima fiber has been certified by ASA (American Supima Association). A group of farmers works under the ASA. A group of textile manufacturers also works under this association. They work together to produce high-quality Supima. The ASA only exists in the USA. Hence, if one wants to buy original Supima, they have to import from the USA. However, let’s come to learn the main key differences between Supima and regular cotton. After reading this article, one can easily understand why Supima is better than regular cotton fiber.

What is Supima Cotton?

Supima cotton is a premium quality fiber. It is mainly grown in the United States, especially in California’s San Joaquin Valley. But there are also a few Supima producers in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It belongs to the extra-long staple (ELS) cotton category. It is known for its excellent properties.

What is Regular Cotton?

Regular cotton refers to conventional cotton fiber. It is commonly grown around the world. Most of the regular cotton fiber belongs to the short or medium staple cotton category.

Differences Between Supima and Regular Cotton

1. Length
   • Supima: The fiber length is an extra-long-staple fiber. This fiber length >1.5 inches. Additionally, it is about 35% longer than regular cotton.
   • Regular: Typically, the length of regular cotton fiber is around 0.9-1.1 inches.
2. Strength
   • Supima: Owing to its extra-long staples, it gives up to 50% greater tensile strength. Supima organizations claim that supima is about twice as strong compared to regular cotton.
   • Regular cotton: It has lower strength than Supima.
3. Softness
   • Supima: It is finer and smoother.
   • Regular cotton: It is less fine and smoother.
4. Longevity
   • Supima: It is composed of extra-long staples and high tensile strength. Therefore, longevity is higher than regular cotton.
   • Regular cotton: Longevity is lower compared to Supima cotton.
5. Pilling resistance
   • Supima: It has greater resistance to pilling. Because the amount of short fiber is low. They don’t break off easily. Hence, the fabric surface remains intact and smooth.
   • Regular cotton: The amount of short fiber is higher in regular cotton fiber. So, Pilling resistance is lower compared to supima.
6. Color retention
   • Supima: It holds color better. Its yarns absorb dye more evenly and deeply owing to its good fineness properties.
   • Regular cotton: It can fuzz up and shed microfibers. Therefore, it becomes fading and dull appearance over time.
7. Breathability
   • Supima: It can be spun into higher thread count material, which allows good airflow as well as feeling light.
   • Regular cotton: Breathability is lower compared to supima.
8. Moisture absorption
   • Supima: It has about 50% higher moisture vapor transmission rate than regular cotton (12,000-15,000 g/m²/24 hour)
   • Regular cotton: The moisture absorption is comparatively low. It is about 8,000-10,000 g/m²/24 hours. (It is the standard value for cotton fiber)
9. Sustainability
   • Supima: It is cultivated in a environment friednly process. Example: precision irrigation, regenerative soil care.
   • Regular: It is not cultivated in a sustainable process.
10. Fabric appearance
    • Supima: Fabric is smooth and premium appearance.
    • Regular: Fabric is standard appearance.

Why Choose Supima Cotton?

From the above differences between supima and regular cotton, it is clear that the quality of supima is better than regular cotton. The quality of supima elevates the simplest design. Supima fiber is softer, breathable, high strength, less prone to pilling, and has good color retention. Additionally, it is a sustainable product. Because it is cultivated in standard conditions under ASA. They use sustainable practices, care for soil health, and reduced waste. Though it is costly, but its longevity is higher. After analyzing all the data, Supima is the first choice of popular clothing brands.  

Read more: Why Supima Cotton Fiber Is Better Than Regular Cotton

Conclusion

Supima and regular cotton are both important natural fibers. But there are some crucial differences between Supima and regular cotton. It gives greater softness, strength, durability, and color retention than regular cotton. Hence, top brands give first priority of supima over regular cotton. However, I tried to my best to present differences between supima and regular cotton simply.

FAQs

1. Is supima cotton better than regular cotton?
   • Yes, Supima is softer, stronger and more durable than regular cotton. So, we can say Supima is better than regular cotton.
2. Why is Supima cotton expensive?
   • Supima cotton fiber is expensive fiber than regular cotton. Because, it has extra-long staple fibers. Additionally, it is limited production, which increase its value. Hence, supima cotton is expensive.
3. Does supima cotton pill?
   • Supima cotton is less to pilling. Because it length is longer compare to regular cotton. This extra-long length of fiber makes more pilling resistance.