Pima Cotton
from Perú
The quality of cotton varies widely, much like that of coffee, cashmere, or wine. Pima cotton from Peru is the finest in the world and is regarded for its extraordinary durability, softness, and brilliant luster because of its optimal growth circumstances, extra-long staple length, and hand harvesting.
Ideal Growing Conditions
You need outstanding growing conditions in order to produce exceptional cotton. Peruvian Pima cotton grows lush and beautiful throughout the country's northern coastal lowlands. There, near-ideal equatorial temperatures allow the rich soil to absorb exactly the appropriate quantity of moisture. The end product is cotton that has an unbelievable amount of softness and a velvety shine.
Harvested With Care
Peruvian pima cotton, in contrast to most commercial cotton, is only ever harvested by hand. Hand picking cotton is better for the cotton itself and for the environment. Cotton fibers are torn during industrial harvesting, which results in a yellowed color and a scratchy texture that affects how smooth the finished product is. However, Peruvian pima's delicate hand harvesting yields a bright white shade of whole cotton that colors well and feels soft and silky against the skin.
Unmatched Quality
With any natural fiber, the longer and smoother the filament, the softer the hand. Because of its exceptionally long, 1-3/8" staple length—ordinary cotton fibers measure between 1/2" to 3/4"— Peruvian pima cotton has unparalleled softness, is extremely durable and highly resistant to pilling. And since it’s hypoallergenic, it’s an excellent choice for people with skin sensitivities.
The Full Story
One day, my cousin and I were talking about the political and economic state of the world, discussing the impact that being Peruvian had in our lives thus far. Having to network as part of my career, I came to the realization that brand image and identity is something that is appreciated across different realms of society, from sports shoes to designer brand t-shirts, in recreational activities and important life events such as graduation parties, marriages, etc.
In such social settings, I myself wore some well-known designer brand t-shirts of which the most affordable starts at $70. One good feature these overpriced shirts have, is that they feel at least well-made, and that's about it. Rarely do they have some of the features that RUNA t-shirts have, and when they do it's because they use Pima cotton. However, the Pima cotton used in name-brands is not even authentic. It's one purposedly grown in an environment where it is non-native in order to cut costs in countries such as India, China, and Pakistan.
RUNA t-shirts are made of 100% Peruvian Pima cotton. An extra-long staples cotton that grows only on the northern coast of Peru. Its fiber length, strength, and consistency, makes it the superior kind of cotton. Our tees are made in Peru in a family-owned factory owned by two-brothers who share the same ideas about quality as my cousin and I, using eco-friendly dyed cotton harvested by hand. The t-shirts are designed in the United States and use the highest quality material available. Because of the dream I'm pursuing now, you too can experience the world's softest tees at your fingertips.
