Egyptian cotton has long been heralded as one of the finest fabrics in the world. It is strong, durable, and sumptuously soft and many consider it a sign of luxury. But what makes Egyptian cotton so special? Is it really all that luxurious, or are there better options available? This article will explore the history, benefits, and cost of authentic Egyptian cotton, as well as how to tell if you are buying true Egyptian cotton and alternatives to luxurious Egyptian cotton.
What Makes Egyptian Cotton So Special?
Egyptian cotton is made from the extra-long staple (ELS) fibres of the Gossypium barbadense plant. These unique fibres can be up to three and a half inches long, with a diameter up to twelve times finer than human hair. The exceptional length of these fibres means that more yarn can be spun from the same amount of cotton as regular staple cotton. This causes Egyptian cotton to have an incredibly soft and luxurious handfeel that you simply can’t find in regular cotton.
Egyptian cotton is also known for its durability and strength. The long fibres make it more resistant to wear and tear, and it can last for years with proper care. Additionally, the extra-long staple fibres are less likely to pill or break, making them ideal for high-end bedding and clothing. Egyptian cotton is also highly absorbent, making it perfect for towels and other items that need to be able to absorb moisture quickly.
Benefits of Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton is highly renowned for its strength and durability, as well as its luxury feel. The extra-long staple fibres can be twisted tighter which makes the fabric stronger and longer-lasting than regular cotton. The length of the fibres also means it is less likely to pill, leaving your garments looking and feeling luxurious for many years. In addition, Egyptian cotton absorbs dye better than regular cotton and holds on to colour longer, meaning your garments will stay looking brighter for longer.
Types of Egyptian Cotton
When shopping for Egyptian cotton, pay attention to the thread count. This is the number of threads per square inch in a piece of fabric, the higher the number the softer and more luxurious the fabric feels. The highest level of Egyptian cotton available is referred to as Giza 45. It has up to 45 threads per centimetre which is 90 threads per square inch, making it incredibly soft and luxurious.
How to Tell if You’re Buying Genuine Egyptian Cotton
When shopping for Egyptian cotton to ensure you are getting what you pay for, always look for product labeling such as ELS or extra-long staple. Also keep an eye out for labels such as Giza 45 or Royal Egyptian Cotton, these will be sure signs of high-grade Egyptian cotton. Lastly, look for the internationally recognized black and white Aegean stamp – this is a sign of true authenticity.
The History of Egyptian Cotton
Egypt has been producing cotton since the time of the Pharaohs and has long been regarded as one of the best places to produce the fibres due to its warm climate and rich soils. It was first used in ancient Egypt as ropes and sails and has since been made into everything from clothing to home furnishings. Today, Egypt remains one of the largest producers of extra-long staple fibres and high-quality Egyptian cotton garments can be found all over the world.
How to Care for Egyptian Cotton
To get the most out of your Egyptian cotton garments make sure to follow the care instructions on the tag. Most items will require cold water washing and hanging or drying flat. If machine drying be sure not to overdry, use low temperatures, and remove items promptly. An iron can also enhance the look of crisp linen sheets and give them a luxurious finish.
Where to Buy Genuine Egyptian Cotton
Today, top-of-the-line Egyptians cotton fabrics can be found both online and in local stores. Popular online vendors that stock authentic Egyptian cotton products include Amazon, Macy’s, and Etsy. For local stores make sure to visit reputable stores like John Lewis, House Of Fraser, or Harrods.
The Cost of Authentic Egyptian Cotton
The cost of genuine Egyptian cotton varies greatly depending on where you buy it from and which type you choose. Generally speaking, higher thread counts cost more but they also tend to last longer. However, even cheap Egyptian cotton will feel luxurious compared to regular cotton fabrics so budget shoppers don’t need to worry too much.
Alternatives to Luxurious Egyptian Cotton
There are many other luxury fabrics which provide the same softness and strength of Egyptian cotton at a fraction of the cost. Linen is a great alternative that is long-lasting and cool to wear but requires more special care. Cashmere is another excellent option which is even softer than Egyptian cotton but requires gentle hand-washing or dry cleaning to preserve its softness. Other good options include silk, bamboo and modal.
