shortstaple

Shortstaple cotton refers to cotton fiber whose staple length is shorter than that of long-staple varieties such as Egyptian or Pima cotton. In practice, short-staple cotton is the dominant category in many regions and has historically been important in the United States.

Characteristics include fibers that produce yarns that are generally coarser and more prone to lint and pilling. Yarns from short-staple cotton are often carded rather than combed, and fabrics can be less smooth or strong unless blended with other fibers or processed with specific spinning techniques.

Common uses are broad, covering many everyday textiles such as denim, towels, and cotton broadcloth. Short-staple cotton is typically easier to grow in a wider range of climates and may offer higher yields in some conditions, contributing to its widespread production.

Processing involves standard cotton ginning, carding, and spinning steps; the shorter fibers can require different handling to maximize yield and fabric quality.

Historically, the distinction between short-staple and long-staple cotton arose with the development of the global cotton industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, and short-staple cotton became the backbone of several major cotton-producing regions.

Today, staple length remains a key quality parameter in cotton breeding and trade. Standards and tests, such as High Volume Instrument measurements, classify fibers into short-, medium-, and long-staple groups to guide selection and pricing.