History of Sea Island Cotton

How does one justify the claim that 100% Sea Island Cotton is the luxury cotton when there are so many who make similar claims…

Pima or Egyptian principally?

It all starts in beautiful Barbados and Jamaica with the seed- its properties, and the climate in which it flourishes best. First of all, the Sea Island seed Gossypium Barbadense, better known, as the black seed, is a totally distinct strain from all other cotton varieties. I t produces extremely long staple length fiber of over two inches, about 50% longer than the other fine cotton varieties…. This combination of length, uniformity and fineness results in a unique combination of great strength, silky luster; and incredible unduplicated touch.

The fact that it requires a longer growing season, with only moderate temperature variation, and greater rainfall, limits its current potential growth area to Barbados and the eastern Caribbean region which in turn limits the potential for production. Add t these elements, that it is best when hand-harvested, further limits the supply, making it yet more costly.

The temptation by those who are able to access this rarity it to blend the product with other cottons to get greater yields and maximize their profit by masquerading under the aura of Sea Island Cotton.