The main types of cotton are Egyptian, Pima, Supima, Sea Island, Upland, Asian, organic and naturally coloured. They differ above all in fibre length: the longer the fibre, the softer, smoother and stronger the fabric. Egyptian, Pima, Supima and Sea Island cotton have long or extra-long fibres; Upland, the most widespread in the world, has medium fibres.
Cotton types compared
| Type | Fibre | Where it is grown | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egyptian | Long / extra long | Nile Valley | Softness and fine yarn |
| Pima | Long / extra long | USA, Peru, Australia | Strength and sheen |
| Supima | Extra long | USA only (certified American Pima) | Controlled quality, long-lasting colours |
| Sea Island | Extra long | Caribbean | The rarest and most prized |
| Upland | Medium | Worldwide (about 90% of production) | Value for money, versatility |
| Asian (Desi) | Short | India, Pakistan | Hardy, suited to thick fabrics |
| Organic | Depends on the variety | Various countries | Grown without synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilisers |
| Naturally coloured | Short / medium | Various countries | Natural colour without dyeing |
Cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics in the world thanks to its softness, breathability and versatility. Below you will find the characteristics of each variety, to help you choose the right fabric. Also discover the streetwear collection on the official Horda Brand website.
1. Egyptian cotton
Characteristics of Egyptian cotton
Egyptian cotton is often considered the king of cottons. Grown along the banks of the Nile, it is famous for its long, silky fibres, which make finer yarns and soft, durable fabrics possible.
Benefits of Egyptian cotton
- Softness: very soft to the touch, ideal for bed linen and high-end clothing.
- Durability: thanks to its long fibres it keeps its quality over time.
- Breathability: lets air circulate well and keeps you cool and dry.
2. Pima cotton
Characteristics of Pima cotton
Pima cotton is a high-quality variety grown mainly in the United States, Peru and Australia. Like Egyptian cotton, it has long, smooth fibres that produce soft and durable fabrics.
Benefits of Pima cotton
- Softness and sheen: it has a natural sheen that gives it an elegant look.
- Strength: it stands up well to wear and frequent washing.
- Vivid colours: it absorbs dye well and keeps colours bright for a long time.
Heavy cotton is perfect for garments like cotton boxy fit t-shirts.
3. Supima cotton
Characteristics of Supima cotton
Supima is the trademark that certifies Pima cotton grown exclusively in the United States. The name combines "superior" and "Pima", indicating a superior-quality selection.
Benefits of Supima cotton
- Softness: it offers a high level of comfort.
- Durability: its long, strong fibres make it one of the most resistant cottons.
- Colour retention: it keeps colours bright longer than other cottons.
Discover our cotton boxy fit sweatshirts.
4. Organic cotton
Characteristics of organic cotton
Organic cotton is not a variety but a growing method: it is grown without chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilisers or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), according to certified standards.
Benefits of organic cotton
- Controlled cultivation: it follows precise rules on the use of chemicals, checked by certification bodies.
- Sensitive skin: it is often preferred by people with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Quality: softness depends on the variety grown, not on the organic method itself.
5. Upland cotton
Characteristics of Upland cotton
Upland cotton is the most widely grown in the world: it accounts for about 90% of global production. Its fibres are shorter than those of Egyptian or Pima cotton, but it is very widespread thanks to its high yield.
Benefits of Upland cotton
- Price: cheaper than long-staple varieties.
- Versatility: used for jeans, t-shirts and household linen.
- Strength: suited to everyday use.
6. Sea Island cotton
Characteristics of Sea Island cotton
Sea Island cotton is one of the rarest and most prized varieties, grown mainly in the Caribbean. It is known for its extremely long and fine fibres.
Benefits of Sea Island cotton
- Prestige: considered one of the finest cottons in the world.
- Strength: its long fibres make it very durable.
- Breathability: ideal for hot and humid climates.
7. Asian cotton (Desi)
Characteristics of Asian cotton
Asian cotton, also called Desi, includes the species native to India and Pakistan. It has short, coarse fibres and is less widespread today than the American varieties.
Benefits of Asian cotton
- Hardiness: the plants cope well with drought and pests.
- Cost: generally cheaper than long-staple varieties.
- Uses: suited to thick fabrics, denim and padding.
8. Naturally coloured cotton
Characteristics of naturally coloured cotton
Naturally coloured cotton grows already in shades such as brown, green and pink, with no need for dyeing.
Benefits of naturally coloured cotton
- No dyeing: the colour is that of the fibre itself.
- Sensitive skin: suitable for people allergic to certain dyes.
- Unique shades: each batch may show slight colour variations.
Which type of cotton to choose
For maximum softness, choose Egyptian or Supima cotton. If you prefer cotton grown without synthetic chemicals, look for certified organic. For everyday use, Upland offers a good balance between quality and price. For streetwear t-shirts and sweatshirts the fabric weight matters too: read heavy cotton vs light cotton.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cotton?
Among the most prized are Sea Island, Supima and Egyptian cotton, thanks to extra-long fibres that make the fabric softer and stronger.
What is the difference between Pima and Supima cotton?
Supima is the trademark that certifies Pima cotton grown in the United States. All Supima is Pima, but not all Pima is Supima.
What is the most common cotton?
Upland, which accounts for about 90% of world production.