Egyptian Cotton vs Pima vs Supima — The Honest Difference

Egyptian cotton and Pima are the two names you’ll see on premium cotton. They’re close cousins — here’s what actually separates them.

In short. Both Egyptian (Giza) cotton and Pima are extra-long-staple fibres, a tier above ordinary cotton. The difference is origin: Giza grows in Egypt’s Nile Delta, Pima in the US (and Peru/Australia). Supima is a trademark guaranteeing 100% American Pima. At the very top, Giza 45 is often rated the finest fibre in the world.

They’re the same class of fibre

Both are extra-long-staple (ELS) cottons — fibres around 35 mm versus ~22–28 mm for ordinary upland cotton. That length is why both feel softer, resist pilling and last longer. If a label says Egyptian or Pima, you’re in the premium tier — assuming it’s genuine.

The difference is origin and guarantee

Giza cotton is the Egyptian ELS family, grown in the Nile Delta. Pima is the American ELS variety (also grown in Peru and Australia). Supima isn’t a different cotton — it’s a certification mark for fabric made from 100% American-grown Pima, which guarantees the origin.

Quality-wise they’re peers. Pima is more consistent and available; the top Giza grades — especially Giza 45 — are rarer and often rated the finest of all.

Which to choose

For everyday premium basics, either is excellent. For the absolute finest hand, genuine extra-long-staple Egyptian Giza — with traceable origin — is the connoisseur’s pick. That’s what Giza Mills knits with.

Common questions

Is Egyptian cotton better than Pima?

They’re peers, both extra-long-staple. Giza 45 is often rated the single finest fibre; Supima (American Pima) is the comparable, more consistent grade.

Is Supima the same as Pima?

Supima is a trademark guaranteeing 100% American Pima. All Supima is Pima, but not all Pima is certified Supima.

Feel it for yourself — the collection is pure long-staple Egyptian Giza cotton, knit by hand in Egypt.