About Egyptian Cotton, Why is it Great?
Egyptian cotton is considered to be world's finest.
Fabrics made of Egyptian cotton are softer, finer and last longer than any other cotton in the world. Egyptian cotton is "Extra Long Staple," or "ELS" cotton. Fiber lengths run 1.5 to 2.5 inches. (Pima cotton fibers run 1.25 to 1.56 inches long.) In the late 1800s, Sea Island cotton derived from a South American species was brought to Egypt. The conditions of Egypt with strong sun and abundant water are perfect conditions for optimum growth and cotton-ball production. Thus, the silkiest, longest-fiber cotton flourished to produce the longest fibers with the most luxurious feel.
The strength of the extra-long staple Egyptian cotton fiber allows the cotton to be spun into very fine yarn. Then when the yarn is knit into fabric, many strands of yarn fit in a small space. This is what allows a high thread count. The silkiness of the cotton makes it feel great against the skin.
The air pockets in a knit fabric provide micro thermal insulation. Other thicker cotton fibers, mean larger air pockets and more insulation. Our Egyptian cotton fabric reduces this insulation, leading to less sweat. We have heard from customers that they experience a noticeable difference.
Knitting the cotton yarn causes the fabric to be very flexible and less prone to wrinkles. It is more comfortable than woven fabric for clothing.
Knit Egyptian cotton fabric is strong and long-lasting while being somewhat thin and light. It holds up over time as it is worn and washed. Its ability to absorb liquids gives fabrics made of Egyptian cotton deeper, brighter and more fade-resistant colors. Softness is enhanced with each washing.
Our yarn is ring-spun. This is the cotton-to-yarn (spinning) process that best preserves softness. We also achieve more softness by combing the raw fibers prior to spinning the yarn. The process of combing eliminates shorter, weaker fibers and aligns the remaining fibers so that they are not microscopically poking the skin, rather gliding together.
The goods made by our factory (including our blanket) are certified as authentic Egyptian Cotton by the Cotton Egypt Association; it has their Gold Seal of authentication. The factory and our clothing is also certified as organic according to the GOTS standard and USDA Organic standard by an independent third-party.
Egyptian Cotton is especially susceptible to dishonest marketing. Any cotton grown in Egypt - of any type or quality level - can technically be marketed as “Egyptian Cotton” with reference to location grown, even when it’s not the extra long staple cotton that customers are expecting. Our clothing has the Gold Seal which certifies authentic Egyptian cotton through the whole manufacturing process.
At Egyptian Cotton Tshirts, when we say “Egyptian Cotton”, we’re not just talking about where it was grown - we’re describing the very highest quality in luxury cotton - 100% authentic, organic, extra long staple Egyptian Cotton, sustainably grown in a biodynamic farming environment and carefully managed from farm to factory.