American
Sea Island Cotton
The Marvelous Cotton
Sea Island CottonThat Captivated the World
Revived After a Century
In the 1920s, changing economic conditions and devastating pest damage brought the cultivation of Sea Island cotton in the United States to an end.
Its revival in 2016, under the name American Sea Island Cotton, came after more than 100 years of absence. This achievement was made possible by a remarkable convergence of efforts, timing, and innovation.
For this reason, it has come to be known as the Marvelous cotton.
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The First Marvel:An Exceptional Environment for Sea Island Cotton
Today, the center of extra-long staple cotton cultivation in the United States has shifted from the traditional eastern Cotton Belt to regions such as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Within these areas, American Sea Island cotton has reemerged in locations that offer the optimal conditions for producing cotton of exceptional quality.
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Once grown along the coastal plains of South Carolina and Georgia, Sea Island cotton is now cultivated near the Texas–New Mexico border, in a fertile highland valley at an elevation of around 1,200 meters. This valley is formed by the Rio Grande, nourished by snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains.
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The region around El Paso benefits from more than 300 sunny days a year and approximately 3,700 hours of annual sunlight, typical of a desert climate. A long dry season and large day–night temperature differences give the fibers both remarkable softness and strength, resulting in world-class quality.
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While demanding for people, these natural conditions are ideal for cotton. They made possible the revival of Sea Island cotton in the United States after its long absence. In an environment worthy of being called extraordinary, our Marvelous cotton is cultivated.
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The Second Marvel: The Role of Research Institutions
Commercial cultivation of Sea Island cotton in the United States began in the 18th century but came to an end in the early 20th century due to pest damage and labor shortages.
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More than 100 years later, its return was made possible by collaboration with a research institution—New Mexico State University. Since the 1980s, the university has conducted advanced breeding and research on premium cotton varieties suited to the American climate and capable of stable yields.
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By providing Sea Island cotton seeds developed at our experimental farm, an industry–academia seed development program was launched. In 2013, cultivation of Sea Island cotton adapted to local conditions was successfully achieved.
This collaboration ultimately led to the revival of American Sea Island Cotton in 2016, marking the second great chapter in the story of this Marvelous cotton.
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The Third Marvel: A Partnership with Dedicated Growers
American Sea Island cotton is cultivated on family-owned farms, operated by the only growers in the United States dedicated to this rare cotton. For more than a decade, we have worked side by side with these farmers to refine cultivation methods and preserve this exceptional fiber.
Highly skilled and deeply committed, they take pride in growing Sea Island cotton and share our determination to sustain its future. Cultivation is carried out under exclusive contracts: all harvested cotton is purchased directly by us, never entering commodity markets, and delivered straight to our partners.
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Production in the United States follows advanced agricultural practices and complies with the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, ensuring responsible environmental and social standards.
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Fertile land, collaborative seed development with research institutions, and experienced growers—these three elements came together in the El Paso region. Through this rare alignment, the history of Sea Island cotton in America has begun to move forward once again, as a true Marvelous cotton.
U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
Environmental Responsibility and Advanced Agriculture
Sea Island cotton cultivation in the United States responds to growing consumer expectations for environmental responsibility.
All partner farms operate in accordance with the standards of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol (USCTP). Established in 2020 by the U.S. cotton industry, USCTP is a data-driven system designed to verify that American cotton is produced in an environmentally responsible and accountable manner.
USCTP promotes the adoption of advanced farming practices to improve six key sustainability metrics: greenhouse gas emissions, water use, soil erosion, soil carbon, pesticide use, and energy efficiency. By leveraging modern technology and data, resource consumption is reduced to the minimum necessary while maintaining high agricultural performance.
Trust Backed
by a Registered Trademark
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Products made with American Sea Island Cotton may carry a certification hangtag featuring a serialized hologram as proof of origin. The logo displayed on the hologram is a registered trademark in major global markets, reinforcing the authenticity and credibility of the product.
Trademark registrations
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Yarn Counts and Specifications
Our American Sea Island Cotton yarns are produced using 100% Sea Island cotton fiber. A wide range of yarn counts—from coarse to ultra-fine—is available, supporting diverse manufacturing needs.
Available yarn counts (English count):Ne 10/–, 20/–, 30/–, 40/–, 60/–, 80/–, 100/–, 120/–
In addition to single yarns, we offer plied yarns, three-ply twists, and gassing to meet specific performance and design requirements.
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Cool-Feeling Cotton Yarns
Alongside the standard counts, we also offer yarns with a natural cool-touch effect: 36/1S, 36/1Z, and 36/2 (#White).
These yarns achieve their cooling sensation without chemical treatments, relying instead on the inherent properties of Sea Island cotton. They combine exceptional softness with a refreshing feel against the skin.
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The cool-touch performance has been scientifically verified. For example, a 36/1SZ jersey fabric achieved a Q-max value of 0.268 W/cm², exceeding the industry benchmark of 0.20 W/cm² (tested by KAKEN Test Center).
