Where Does Egyptian Cotton™ Come From?
Egyptian Cotton™ comes from Egypt. You might think that’s incredibly obvious but there is a surprisingly common myth that cotton grown outside of Egypt can still be called Egyptian Cotton™. This is simply not true.
Egypt’s Perfect Climate
If we’re being specific, genuine Egyptian Cotton™ is only grown within the Nile Delta. The area around the famous River Nile is well-known for its extremely rich and fertile soil. In stark contrast to the desert areas of Egypt, the River Nile’s waters have led to the creation of lush green valleys, used for farming since ancient times. For thousands of years, this land has been fitted with a complex irrigation system which ensures that crops such as cotton receive a constant high supply of nutrients.
In addition to its wonderfully fertile soil, Egypt’s moderate climate is ideal for the growth of extra-long staple cotton. To produce the highest quality cotton possible, a farmer needs stable weather consisting of high sun, humidity and rainfall. Fortunately, Egypt has consistently warm weather during July and August, allowing the cotton to mature before being harvested in September and October.
The Unique Fibres of Egyptian Cotton™
In comparison to other forms of cotton, Egyptian Cotton™ fibres are extra-long. In cotton, millimeters matter. Extra length ultimately means greater strength because there are fewer connections between the cotton fibres. These connections are the weak point within the finished material and where the first signs of wear and tear will appear. Furthermore, the extra length of Egyptian Cotton™ means it is also slightly thinner. Subsequently, you can tightly weave more fibres with a square inch, giving you a higher thread count overall. Egyptian Cotton™ can reach a 1000 thread count.
As well as being extra-long, Egyptian Cotton™ is also far more porous than other types of cotton. This means that it can absorb greater amounts of water and other liquids, making it the ideal material for towels, bath mats and dressing gowns. The superior absorption rate of Egyptian Cotton™ allows it to hold a dye better than other materials. The colour appears brighter and more vivid, and it takes far more washes for the colour to show signs of fading.
When it comes to the feel of the cotton, you can’t get softer. All Egyptian Cotton(™) bolls are delicately handpicked to ensure that it remains free of impurities. The tight weave of Egyptian Cotton(™) can give it an appealing, lustrous sheen that highlights the luxurious nature of the product.
If you’re looking for a guarantee that your material is 100% authentic Egyptian Cotton, just look out for the Cotton Egypt Association logo. It signifies that they have passed our rigorous accreditation procedure and aren’t selling you an inferior mixed product.
We know that Egyptian Cotton™ is known for its incredible quality but how can it be quantified?
Read The Egyptian Cotton Perception Study
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