Imagine wearing a shirt as soft as silk and as durable as your favorite jeans, while embracing a legacy. At BYMS, we believe true sustainability means creating a classic shirt that stands the test of time. That’s why we chose to craft our shirt from one of the most luxurious cottons in the world: Sea Island cotton.
We set out to design a shirt that would be truly cherished, and our journey led us to Sea Island cotton. There’s cotton, and then there’s Sea Island cotton—one of the rarest, finest, and most luxurious textiles in existence. Scientifically known as Gossypium barbadense, or “black seed,” this cotton is renowned for its exceptional strength, unmatched softness, and luxurious feel. This is where our journey for the classic shirt began, with a fabric that embodies elegance and longevity.
The Origins of Sea Island Cotton Throughout History
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The earliest evidence of cotton use in the Old World dates back to 5500 BC, preserved in copper beads found at the Neolithic site of Mehrgarh, located in ancient Pakistan.
In 1793, American inventor Eli Whitney revolutionized cotton production with the creation of a modern mechanical cotton gin. This innovative device uses a combination of wire mesh and small wire hooks to efficiently pull cotton, while brushes work tirelessly to remove loose cotton lint, preventing clogs and significantly speeding up the process.
Finally, the harvesting and sale of Sea Island Cotton was one of the most significant economic forces in the southeastern United States from 1790 until just before the American Civil War.
Why is Sea Island Cotton One of the Rarest in the World?
Sea Island Cotton is known for its long staple, fine texture, silky sheen, and high strength. Its long history intertwined with the cultural and economic development of the American South, its key characteristics, and its applications in luxury textiles have made it a symbol of elegance and quality worldwide.
Sea Island Cotton stands out for its remarkably long fiber length, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Its exceptionally fine fibers give it a smooth, silky texture and a radiant appearance, similar to silk. Despite its fineness, the fibers are strong, making the fabric durable and long-lasting. The uniform length and thickness of the fibers result in a smooth and homogeneous yarn with fewer imperfections. Unlike most cottons, which are white, Sea Island Cotton has a natural, creamy hue, lending elegance to untreated fabrics. It also has high absorbency, making it ideal for hot climates, as it effectively wicks moisture away from the skin.
As the rarest and most precious available, approximately 110 million bales of cotton are grown worldwide each year, of which 2 million have extra-long staple fibers. While this is valued, it remains entirely incomparable to the mere 150 bales of Sea Island Cotton produced annually. It represents just 0.0004% of global cotton production.
Today, genuine Sea Island Cotton is grown in the Caribbean, primarily in Jamaica and Barbados. The warm climate and perfect balance of sun, wind, and rain provide ideal growing conditions.
Why Sea Island Cotton is the Gold Standard for Luxury Clothing
Sea Island Cotton is known for its fine texture and strength, making it a preferred material in top-tier luxury products. Its exceptional quality has led to its continued use in creating luxury fabrics that possess a silky touch and high sheen, highly sought after in the fashion industry for elegant and refined textiles.
The luxurious qualities of Sea Island Cotton make it a favorite for high-quality shirts, blouses, and underwear, offering unmatched comfort and durability that ensures garments maintain their elegance and shape over time. The combination of softness and durability also makes it ideal for bedding, towels, and quality accessories, offering lasting quality that discerning consumers appreciate.
Additionally, its long fibers are perfect for producing fine and strong yarns, making it a top choice for luxury products and high-quality tailoring, where strength and softness are paramount.
The BYMS Classic Shirt
Would you like to be part of our story? At BYMS, sustainability is at the heart of everything we create. We strive to use the most ethical materials, but we believe true sustainability lies in creating pieces that last a lifetime. Our mission is to find the most natural and extraordinary materials, crafting a classic wardrobe that endures through the years. This commitment is why we chose Sea Island Cotton over merely organic options.
Sea Island Cotton, known for its excellence in quality, is a rare fabric, preferred by luxury brands for their finest products. Widely considered the best cotton for shirts, it represents the pinnacle of textile craftsmanship. At BYMS, we value this exceptional material for its unmatched quality, comfort, and rich heritage.
Introducing our latest creation, the Classic Shirt, made from Sea Island Cotton. This masterpiece embodies strength, luxury, and the art of shirt-making. More than just clothing, it is a piece that touches the spirit. Every thread carries the legacy of a cotton so rare and exquisite that it was once the choice of royalty, symbolizing authenticity and timeless elegance.
The Classic Shirt is a true work of art, a moment in history, and a testament to the belief that a shirt can be meaningful, enduring, resilient, and elegant. Every stitch tells a unique story. Discover the Classic Shirt at BYMS, where tradition and innovation intertwine seamlessly.
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