When it comes to bedding and clothing, Egyptian cotton is often talked about as one of the most desirable materials. But many people are concerned that this soft fabric is scratchy and uncomfortable. To answer the question – “is Egyptian cotton scratchy?” – first we must understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with this popular material.
Advantages of Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton is made from long fibres, often referred to as extra-long staple fibres. These fibres make the cotton threads significantly stronger and smoother than traditional cotton fabrics. This gives the material a natural softness and strength, perfect for making luxury bedding, table linens, towels, and clothing with unparalleled comfort.
The extra-long staple fibres in Egyptian cotton give the fabric a superior finish, meaning it looks and feels beautiful for much longer than other materials. A significant advantage of this fabric is its breathability. The high thread count of Egyptian cotton means there is a lot of air circulation between the fibres, resulting in a lightweight, cool fabric that is perfect for warmer climates.
Disadvantages of Egyptian Cotton
It’s worth noting that because of its superior qualities, Egyptian cotton is typically more expensive than regular cotton fabrics. It requires more careful handling and maintenance to ensure it retains its natural softness and strength, so some people may consider this a disadvantage.
Some people who have tried Egyptian cotton have reported that it can be quite stiff when first bought and difficult to break in. This can be a nuisance if you’re looking for an immediate comfortable experience with Egyptian cotton textiles.
How to Tell if the Fabric is Truly Egyptian Cotton
Genuine Egyptian cotton will be labeled ‘EGYPTIAN’ or ‘Extra-Long Staple’ or ‘EOE’ on the tag. If you’re shopping online, check the description before you purchase – any reputable retailer should clearly identify the product as being genuine Egyptian cotton.
Genuine Egyptian cotton should also have a relatively high thread count. Generally speaking the higher the thread count, the softer and smoother the fabric will be. As a rule of thumb, look for products with a thread count of at least 400 for a high quality product.
Differences between Egyptian Cotton and Other Fabrics
The primary difference between Egyptian cotton and other fabrics is in the fibres used to make it. Not all cottons are created equal – regular cotton fibres are short staple fibre strands, meaning they are weaker and less durable than the extra-long staple fibres used in genuine Egyptian cotton. This makes a huge difference when it comes to comfort and longevity.
Another difference lies in their breathability. The two types of material have different levels of air-permeability which allows more air contact with the skin in the case of Egyptian cotton. This helps keep the body temperature regulated, allowing for greater comfort while sleeping or wearing clothing made of this fabric.
Care Instructions for Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton should be handled with care. To retain its natural softness and strength, every piece should be washed separately in cold water either by hand or in the delicate cycle of a machine. Gentle detergents should be used to prevent fading and ensure its vibrant color.
When drying, prefer air drying instead of tumble drying which may cause further damage to the fibres by removing their natural softness. Ironing your Egyptian Cotton uses can be done at low temperatures.
Pros and Cons of Using Egyptian Cotton
The pros of using Egyptian cotton include its luxurious feel and superior finish with increased longevity as compared to other fabrics. The downsides are that it may require more maintenance than other fabrics and is usually more expensive.
Common Misconceptions about Egyptian Cotton
One common misconception about Egyptian cotton is that it is unstretchable. This simply isn’t true – although the threading is tight due to its high quality, it is still slightly stretchable allowing for a snugger fit when wearing clothing made of this material.
Another misconception is that it is scratchy – as we have already discussed, this isn’t true either. In fact, when well cared for, it can feel incredibly soft and comfortable.
How to Select Quality Egyptian Cotton
When shopping for genuine Egyptian cotton products look out for labels that identify its origin from Egypt and make sure it has a higher thread count (400+) so you can be sure you are getting a high-quality product that will last longer.
Check for any irregularities in the fabric weave before you purchase and avoid mass manufactured products, as these could contain parts that are not 100% from Egypt. It’s worth investing in higher quality items as these will last much longer.
Finding Affordable Prices for Egyptian Cotton
Unfortunately genuine Egyptian cotton fabrics are usually much more expensive than regular cotton fabrics, however there are a few ways you can find affordable items. Firstly check discount stores and markets – there is usually a good selection of genuine Egyptian cotton available at a lower price. Secondly try shopping online – if you shop around you may find some discounted products.
It’s also worth waiting until seasonal sales or special offers come around as these are usually where you can shop for genuine Egyptian cotton at an affordable price.
To answer the question – “is Egyptian cotton scratchy?” – we have looked into the advantages and disadvantages associated with this fabric, as well as how to identify it and buy quality items at affordable prices. In short, when cared for properly, genuine Egyptian cotton has an exceptionally soft feel, making it the perfect material for luxury bedding, table linens, towels, and clothing.
