Introducing Our Sea Island Cotton Fabric
In the world of fine textiles, few fabrics hold the prestige of Sea Island Cotton. Prized for its unparalleled softness, strength, and lustrous finish, this rare cotton variety has long been synonymous with quiet luxury. For Jac + Jack, Sea Island Cotton reflects our commitment to craftsmanship and enduring style, as we remain dedicated to selecting materials that embody quality and longevity.
What is Sea Island Cotton and What Makes It Special?
Grown in the warm, humid climate of the Caribbean, Sea Island Cotton is one of the rarest cotton varieties in the world. Officially known as Gossypium Barbadense, or the "black seed," this cotton was first discovered in the early 18th century in the microclimate of the British West Indies. Today, it flourishes in select regions of the West Indies, mainly in Barbados and Jamaica, where conditions allow it to thrive. What sets Sea Island Cotton apart is its extraordinary staple length—often reaching up to 40mm—making it nearly double the length of conventional cotton. This remarkable characteristic results in an exceptionally smooth, strong, and pill-resistant fabric. Its unique combination of strength, silk-like sheen, and unparalleled softness creates a tactile experience unlike any other. The fibre's uniformity ensures durability while maintaining incredible lightness and breathability, making it the fabric of choice for those who appreciate luxury in its purest form.
A Storied Past
Sea Island Cotton dates back to the 18th century when it was cultivated on the barrier islands of South Carolina and Georgia before flourishing in the Caribbean. Because of its rarity, it quickly became the preferred cotton for European luxury houses, worn by royalty and aristocrats who valued its unmatched softness and breathability. Today, Sea Island Cotton remains one of the most exclusive cottons in the world, with only a limited quantity produced each year—further enhancing its desirability.
A Commitment to Quality
Harvesting Sea Island Cotton is an exercise in patience and precision. Unlike conventional cotton, which is typically harvested mechanically, this rare fibre is picked by hand—a traditional and respectful method that ensures the highest quality. Handpicking allows for greater control over the harvesting process, resulting in cotton with minimal impurities. Once harvested, the cotton is carefully packed in air-permeable bags or sacks to preserve its pristine condition.
Every kilo of locally produced Sea Island Cotton is inspected and certified by the West Indian Sea Island Cotton Association (WISICA). Each piece made from this rare fibre comes with an original certificate of authenticity, complete with a special hologram as a guarantee of its provenance. This meticulous process ensures that only the finest fibres make their way into garments around the world.
Our Approach To Sea Island Cotton
For Jac and Jack, fabric selection is as much about feel as it is about function. When designing pieces with Sea Island Cotton, we focus on effortless silhouettes that allow the material’s natural drape and refinement to take the lead. Our softly structured knits are a mainstay of each collection, enhancing the everyday wardrobe with an understated elegance designed to last season after season.
This season, our Finn Sweater epitomises understated luxury. Made in Italy and knitted on the finest knitting machine in the world - this piece has a distinctively luxurious hand feel with a discreet lustre and a soft, natural drape. Made from soft Sea Island Cotton this sweater will wear extremely well, making it a true investment piece for seasons to come. Detailing is kept simple and minimal with rib trims at the neck, sleeves and hem.
Sea Island Cotton is more than just a fabric—it’s a testament to the beauty of slow craftsmanship, where rarity meets refinement. It’s why we continue to work with this exceptional material, creating pieces that not only feel incredible to wear but also stand the test of time.
Discover the full range of Sea Island Cotton online from Jac + Jack now.