Because of the uncertainty in remote sensing images and the ill-posedness of the problem, it is difficult for traditional unsupervised classification algorithms to create an accurate classification model. In contrast, pattern recognition methods based on fuzzy set theory, such as fuzzy c-means clustering, can manage the fuzziness of data effectively. Of these methods, the type-2 fuzzy c-means algorithm is better able to control uncertainty. Furthermore, semi-supervised training can use prior knowledge to deal with ill-posedness, and hence is more suitable. Therefore, we propose a novel classification method based the semi-supervised adaptive interval type-2 fuzzy c-means algorithm (SS-AIT2FCM). First, by integrating the semi-supervised approach, an evolutional fuzzy weight index m is proposed that improves the robustness and well-posedness of the model used in the clustering algorithm. This makes the algorithm suitable for remote sensing images with severe spectral aliasing, large coverage areas, and abundant features. In addition, soft constraint supervision is performed using a small number of labeled samples, which optimizes the iterative process of the algorithm and determines the optimal set of features for the data. This further reduces the ill-posedness of the model itself. The experimental data consist of three study areas: SPOT5 imagery from Big Hengqin Island, Guangdong, China, and the Summer Palace, Beijing, China, as well as TM imagery from Hengqin Island. Compared with several state-of-the-art fuzzy classification algorithms, our algorithm improves classification accuracy by more than 5% overall and obtains clearer boundaries in remote sensing images with serious mixed pixels. Moreover, it is able to suppress the phenomenon of isomorphic spectra. •Selecting fuzzy weight index m based on evolution theory.•Introduce semi-supervised approach with fuzzy distance metrics.•Soft constraint supervision optimizes the iterative process.•SS-AIT2FCM is suitable for remote sensing images with severe spectral aliasing.