Why do you pay more for Egyptian cotton?
Let us start with a distinction between the different types of cotton:
- Regular Cotton: This is the lowest grade of cotton, but still offers good quality. When enquiring about the origin of the cotton from the supplier they will usually not be sure of the exact origin. This product will usually be labelled as "100% Cotton".
- Prima Cotton: This type of cotton is typically grown in Arizona and other arid (dry) climates. It is a step above original cotton offering additional durability and softness.
- Egyptian Cotton: The top of the range of all cotton is Egyptian Cotton. It is by far softer and more durable than its counterparts and is the most sought after by those who insist on shear luxury.
Ideal conditions for growing cotton is nutrient rich soil and very warm weather both of which are present in Egypt’s Nile Delta. The Egyptian department of agriculture practices strict control on the cotton industry to attain their high standards.
Egyptian cotton is only picked by hand. This ensures that the fibres are not broken by machine picking. This allows for continuous fibre used while making threads or yarn. The yarn that is created from Egyptian cotton is smaller in diameter and stronger than other cottons. The length of the fibre makes it possible to make the finest of yarns without sacrificing strength, durability and luxury.
If you are in search of the finest quality and most luxurious, Egyptian cotton should definitely be specified on your label.
What is Percale?
The term percale refers to how the fabric is woven. It is a plain weave fabric, meaning that the warp and weft threads cross each other one at a time. Percale washes exceptionally well and maintains easily. Percale sheeting is the finest sheeting available.
What is thread count?
Thread count is the total number of threads per square inch in a piece of fabric. If you want to quickly determine the quality of a fabric, hold it up to the light. Low quality cotton is thin and transparent.
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