Raddis celebrates first regenerative extra-long staple cotton
Raddis Cotton has presented its first extra-long staple (ELS) cotton grown under regenerative practices in response to brand demand.
While long staple cotton fibres measure 29–31 mm, ELS cotton fibres can reach up to 35 mm in length. Longer fibres can be spun into finer, smoother, and stronger yarns, creating fabrics that feel soft and resist pilling.
Only 5% of the world’s cotton qualifies as ELS, according to Raddis. In the US, it’s known as Pima cotton, in Egypt it is known as Egyptian cotton.
The Raddis team worked with farmers in India’s Western Ghats, who were already growing ELS cotton, but helped them to convert to regenerative practices, adding natural fertilisers, managing pests with botanical products and using intercrops such as coconut, banana and marigold.
“What’s most inspiring is that these changes aren’t happening in isolation. Farmers are learning, experimenting, and sharing what works best within their communities. What began as a small shift in practice is now becoming a shared movement of learning and adaptation,” said a Raddis spokesperson.
