Men’s Supima Cotton Shirts Guide

When it comes to luxury shirts for men, Supima cotton is one of the most desirable fabric choices. But what sets Supima apart from other types of cotton? Why should you consider adding a Supima shirt to your wardrobe? In this guide we explain everything you need to know about this exceptional fabric.

What Is Supima Cotton?

Supima cotton is a type of extra-long staple cotton which is only grown in the United States. The term extra-long staple refers to fibres that are longer and finer than usual. On average Supima cotton fibres are 35% longer than regular cotton fibres. This results in a luxurious woven fabric that is extra soft, incredibly strong and excellent at retaining colour.

Where Does Apposta’s Supima Cotton Shirt Fabric Come From?

The Supima cotton that we use to make our Italian custom shirts comes from the fabric suppliers: Thomas Mason, David & John Anderson and Albini. All yarns used to create Supima cotton fabrics originate in the USA. You can browse our Supima cotton fabrics and create your perfect-fit shirt from scratch.

What Are the Benefits of a Supima Cotton Shirt?

Soft

Supima fibres create an extremely smooth surface when woven together because of their increased length. This softness increases over time.

Strong

Supima cotton is twice as strong as regular cotton due to longer fibres. This creates a fabric which is resistant to wear and tear, with greater longevity.

Colour Retention

The fineness of Supima fibres enables deep dye absorption. This enhances coloured dye's vibrance and longevity.

Lightweight

The fineness of Supima yarns mean that shirts made from this fabric are extremely lightweight.

Breathable

As Supima cotton is a natural fibre, it is extremely breathable and will keep its wearer cool in hot weather.

Pill-Resistant

The length of Supima fibres makes the woven fabric less prone to pilling.

Where Is Supima Cotton Grown?

Supima cotton is only grown in specific American states. The majority (93%) is grown in San Joaquin Valley, California. 3% is grown in Arizona, 2% is grown in New Mexico and 2% is grown in Texas. There are approximately 500 family-owned farms which grow Supima cotton.

How Is Supima Cotton Made?

Cotton farmers use cutting-edge technology to grow high-quality Supima while minimising environmental impact. Soil health is preserved by using laser levelling to ensure efficient water use. The subsequent method of irrigation used to grow Supima plants varies according to appropriateness. Drip irrigation is a method used to directly nourish plants. Flood irrigation is an alternative method which replenishes groundwater, enhances soil quality and supports wildlife. Supima crops are rotated annually to further maintain soil fertility and minimise tilling.

When Should I Wear a Supima Cotton Shirt?

Though Supima cotton is considered to be a luxury fabric, it is versatile enough to be suitable for a wide range of occasions:

For Formal Occasions

For a special occasion such as a wedding, a Supima cotton shirt will make an elegant choice. Try a white Supima cotton shirt with a weave such as royal Oxford, twill or satin. Shirts created using these weaves will add subtle yet luxurious texture to enhance your tailoring.

For Work

Consider a plain weave Supima cotton shirt if you need a work shirt with greater longevity. A white or pale blue Supima cotton shirt can be used as part of varied outfits across all seasons.

For Casual Occasions

We have many Oxford Supima fabrics in our inventory. You can use such a fabric to create a shirt that’s appropriate to wear with jeans on the weekend.

How to Take Care of a Supima Cotton Shirt

• Wash at 30 degrees
• Hang or flat dry to preserve the shirt’s fibres
• Iron inside out while the shirt is slightly damp

Did You Know?

• Supima cotton represents less than 1% of the cotton produced in the world.
• Supima cotton is twice as strong as regular cotton.
• Supima cotton fibres are an average of 1.4 inches long. Regular cotton fibres are on average 1 inch long.
• California’s San Joaquin valley produces the vast majority of all Supima cotton.