What is Long-Staple Cotton?
Nearly everybody knows and loves the feel of quality cotton. Whether it’s a soft towel after a hot shower or the silky surface of that cotton pillow case, almost nothing matches the elegant touchability of cotton. But not all cotton is created equal. Among the many features that make each yield of cotton crop unique, one of the most important factors is the length of the fiber, or staple.
Staple length is directly correlated to strength and softness in a finished cotton garment. Today’s consumers can be scrupulous in their demands for quality, long-lasting products. As a result, staple length has recently come into greater focus, and long-staple cotton products are a hot item among consumers looking for sustainable textiles.
So, what is long-staple cotton? Does it really feel all that different from regular cotton? Let’s take a look.
What is Long-Staple Cotton?
The fluffy white seed head of the cotton plant, known as the boll, contains immense numbers of staples. This is what makes cotton so widespread.
We can divide cotton staples into three different lengths: short, long, and extra long. The long staple features a length between 1.13 and 1.28 inches. Anything longer is considered an extra-long staple, while anything shorter than this is considered a short-staple.
When dealing with such small fiber lengths, the difference between staple sizes may seem trivial. However, staple length greatly impacts the quality and application of cotton textiles.
Short-staple cotton is favored for everyday products, such as t-shirts, socks, and denim. On the other hand, you can find long-staple in items that require a softer finish. Products like natural cotton sheets, blankets, and towels are best made using long-staple cotton.
Benefits of Long-Staple Cotton
There are plenty of long-staple cotton benefits that make this material worth the price tag. Due to its length, its fibers can be spun and woven to produce textiles with a smoother surface, more durable weave, and fewer exposed fiber ends. This results in a silkier overall texture–one that gets softer wash after wash.
Longer fiber equals stronger fiber, so cotton products, made from long-staple, are more resistant to wear, tear, and pilling (a fancy word for the frilling and tangling of the fibers). This means long-staple textiles tend to have a longer useful life than short-staple products, which in turn makes them a more sustainable, eco-friendly choice.
How to Identify and Choose Long-Staple Cotton Products
The benefits of long-staple cotton are clear, but identifying these products might not be, as a lack of regulation can lead to products that are misleading. Here are a few things you can do to be sure you are getting a quality you deserve.
- Check the label. Egyptian and Pima cotton are two recognizable types of long-staple cotton. A product that is 100% Egyptian or Pima Cotton will guarantee that you’re getting the good stuff.
- Check the price. 100% long-staple products aren’t cheap. While these products tend to be more expensive, they are worth it in the long run. They will surely last longer than other cotton products and are the more eco-friendly choice.
- It’s all in the feel. Long-staple products feature a much smoother, softer finish. Get your hands on a few of each, and you’ll probably be able to tell the difference with your eyes closed.
Our Take on It
When searching for the best cotton products for your family, you’ll want to take a look at cotton products made with long-staple. The softness and durability are unmatched in the world of cotton textiles, meaning you can buy these products less often and enjoy them for years to come.
Next time you have your eyes on a new beach towel or an organic cotton blanket, be sure to check the label. Long-staple is definitely the type of cotton you can feel good about.
Image by JUAN PABLO GONZALES DELGADO from Pixabay
