Perry Ellis Falsely Advertises Pima Cotton Clothing, Claims Class Action Lawsuit

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An Illinois consumer claims that Perry Ellis International, Inc, deceptively markets the “Pima” cotton content of its clothing, allegedly using cheaper fibers and byproducts to make the brand name apparel.  

Lead plaintiff, Guillermo Rocha filed a class action lawsuit in federal court Wednesday seeking to represent other consumers in Illinois who purchased Perry Ellis-brand clothing that is advertised as containing at least 60 percent Pima cotton. Lab testing reveals that the Pima cotton content of Perry Ellis clothing is much lower – less than 34 percent, according to Rocha who accuses the clothing maker of misleading consumers about the quality of their products.  

Pima cotton is distinguished by its fiber length, says the class action lawsuit.  

“The length of cotton fiber affects its qualities and price – the longer the cotton fiber, the stronger, softer, and more durable the resulting fabric,” states the complaint.  

Pima cotton is also more expensive than other fibers, creating an incentive for Perry Ellis and other manufacturers to mix cotton byproducts, creating a less durable, cheaper product. Some clothing makers, such as Perry Ellis, do not pass those savings on to consumers, alleges Rocha. Instead, they misrepresent the Pima cotton content of their products.  

Indeed, Rocha, an Illinois resident, claims to have purchased several Perry Ellis items, paying a premium because of the Pima cotton content advertised by the clothing company. Rocha claims to seek out higher quality clothing made with Pima cotton because of sensitive skin issues; however, the Pima cotton content advertised by Perry Ellis on the clothing tag was false, says Rocha.  

The plaintiff wants to represent other Illinois consumers who allegedly would not have purchased or paid as much for Perry Ellis clothing had they known the company lied about the Pima cotton content in its products.  

The class action lawsuit accuses Perry Ellis of violating Illinois consumer protection laws, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and unjust enrichment.  

Rocha wants Perry Ellis to stop misrepresenting the Pima cotton content of its clothing and also pay Class Members back the premium they paid based on the company’s alleged false advertising.  

Have you purchased Perry Ellis Pima cotton clothing? What do you think of its quality? Tell us in the comment section below! 

The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates, PC.  

The Perry Ellis Fake Pima Cotton Clothing Class Action Lawsuit is Rocha v. Perry Ellis International, Inc., Case No. 3:21-cv-50278 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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