Supima, the luxury cotton brand renowned for its premium quality and sustainability, is celebrating its 2024 harvest season with a focus on both environmental stewardship and the challenges of modern cotton farming.
Supima represents less than 1% of global cotton production is Founded in 1954, , with the majority of its cotton grown in California’s desert regions. This year, Supima’s harvest is projected to fall from 450,000 bales to between 300,000-350,000 bales, a result of warmer weather and rising production costs.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its support for the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SIGMA), which regulates water use in California to ensure responsible resource management. As cotton is a water-intensive crop, efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation are essential to minimize water waste, especially given California’s water scarcity.
Supima cotton is known for its superior qualities, including extra-long staple (ELS) fibers that make the fabric stronger, softer, and more vibrant compared to regular cotton. These fibers also help the fabric retain its color longer, contributing to its luxury status in the textile industry. However, with rising costs and dwindling cotton acreage in California—down from 1 million acres to just a few hundred thousand—Supima faces ongoing challenges to balance sustainability with economic realities.
Despite these hurdles, Supima continues to prioritize both luxury and environmental responsibility, ensuring that its cotton remains a symbol of quality and sustainability in the textile world.