Supima is one of the most talked-about cottons in menswear. Here is a plain-English explanation of what it is and what it means for a T-shirt.
What Supima actually is
Supima is a trademarked name for American-grown Pima cotton, a type of extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. Extra-long staple means the individual fibres are longer than those of standard cotton. Only a very small share of the world’s cotton is of this type.
Why fibre length matters
Longer fibres can be spun into smoother, stronger yarn with fewer loose ends. In a finished T-shirt that usually means:
- A softer, smoother hand feel
- Greater strength and less pilling than standard cotton
- Good colour and shape retention through repeated washes
Is it worth the extra cost?
For an everyday T-shirt you wear often, a better fibre is a reasonable place to spend a little more. Think of the cost per wear rather than the price tag alone. Fabric weight and stitching also matter, so judge the whole garment.
How to look after Supima
Wash gently, avoid bleach and avoid tumble drying. Our full routine is in How to Wash a Cotton T-Shirt So It Lasts.
Our Supima range
Our Supima Cotton T-Shirts are made in 100% Supima cotton and come in three colours. See the Supima T-shirt for men.