Supima / Pima Cotton

Pima is an extra-long-staple (ELS) cotton whose longer fibers spin into smoother, stronger, more lustrous yarn than standard upland cotton. "Supima" is the trademark for pima grown in the United States, licensed and traceable — so the word carries a sourcing claim, not just a quality one. ELS cotton pills less and holds softness through more washes, which supports a real cost-per-wear case at a higher price. The caveat is verification: "pima" is loosely used, while Supima licensing is auditable, so the trademark is the firmer signal of the two.