Egyptian cotton has long been coveted as a premium textile due to its exceptional quality and lustrous texture. For centuries, the finest clothing has been made from Egyptian cotton, with the iconic Ancient Egyptians garments renowned for their softness and resilience. Today, aside from its timeless status as a luxurious material that can be seen on fashion catwalks worldwide, the popularity of Egyptian cotton continues to be driven by demand for its superb quality.
What makes Egyptian cotton so special?
Egyptian cotton derives its name from its origin, being cultivated in the Nile Delta for over 7,000 years. The region’s warm climate, generous sunlight and damp soil provide the ideal conditions for the development of long fibers that are prized by weavers and spinners. The fibers are hand-harvested before they are spun into yarn and woven into cloth. The intricate weaving process then uses these long fibers to create incredibly soft and strong fabrics that breathe easily and don’t retain odors. As such, garments made from Egyptian cotton are both comfortable and resilient.
How Does Egyptian Cotton Compare to Other Cottons?
The quality of Egyptian cotton cannot be matched by other cottons, as its fibers are much longer than other cottons, creating fabrics that are both strong, soft, and luxurious. Moreover, the fibers of Egyptian cotton are finer than other cottons, which means that the yarn that is spun from the material is stronger and more luxurious. As garments made from Egyptian cotton are both softer and more sturdy than other cottons, their longevity is much greater, making them a sensible long-term investment.
Benefits of Using Egyptian Cotton
The benefits of using fabrics made from Egyptian Cotton far outweigh those of other cottons. Beyond the exceptional softness and durability of the material itself, garments made from Egyptian Cotton are breathable and hypoallergenic. This makes it the ideal fabric for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Furthermore, the lint-free nature of the fabric makes it easier to launder and care for, with fewer wrinkles and creases developing over time. Due to their high absorbency levels fabric pieces made from Egyptian Cotton also require less use of fabric softeners and can be kept free of chemicals.
Provenance and History of Egyptian Cotton
The history of Egyptian cotton dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where it was reserved exclusively as luxury clothing for royalty. Fast forward through time and the Industrial Revolution saw a significant spike in production; such that during the 1800s, England became the largest importer of fabrics made from Egyptian cotton. By the 1950s, some estimates suggested that Egypt was producing around three-quarters of the world’s supply of raw cotton. Today, despite plummeting production due to fertility declines in the soil, about half of the world’s production of long fibers comes from Egypt.
Types of Egyptian Cotton
In terms of types of Egyptian cotton, there two primary kinds in use today – Combed and Compact (also known as carded). The main difference between them is the way in which they are harvested; Combed cotton involves harvesting the fibers evenly with fewer impurities and a more consistent length, whilst carded cotton is harvested with greater variations in length and more impurities.
Tips for Shopping for High Quality Egyptian Cotton
When shopping for high quality Egyptian cotton it is important to shop around for the best prices. While it may be tempting to purchase from the first store you visit, it pays to take the time to compare prices across a range of outlets. During this process it is also important to look at product descriptions carefully; as only fabrics made with 100% Egyptian cotton should be considered as ‘high quality’. Another tip is to look out for clothing made with “Giza” or “extra long staple” (ELS) varieties – this type is considered to be some of the best quality Egyptian cotton available.
Factors to Consider When Buying Egyptian Cotton
When buying clothing made with Egyptian cotton there are various factors to consider. Aside from price, another important factor is thread count; this refers to how dense and tightly woven the fabric is. Generally speaking, higher thread counts indicate higher quality fabric as they tend to be thicker and softer than lower thread count fabrics. Additionally, it is important to consider how crinkly- in other words how much fabric shrinkage you can expect as a result of washing – a fabric will be after laundering. Lastly, consider how much care the fabric requires in terms of laundering and pressing; as unlike other cottons fabrics made from Egyptian cotton may require some extra care.
Care and Maintenance of Egyptian Cotton
When caring for fabrics made from Egyptian Cotton, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on laundering carefully. As most clothing containing this premium material require more delicate treatment than other cottons, it essential to take extra care when washing; paying close attention to water temperature and use of fabric softeners. Additionally, gentle pressing, such as ironing on low heat setting (or no steam if possible) should help keep garments looking their best in terms of avoiding wrinkles. When storing items with this type of fabric, it is wise to use cedar blocks or cedar hangers, which will help reduce damage caused by moths and mildew.
