Why Egyptian Cotton Is Still King
Egyptian cotton has become wildly popular for bedding in recent
years. Why exactly? Does it really matter?
It was thought for ages that cotton was cotton and thread count
was king when choosing quality sheets. That is no longer true.
Consumer guidelines for buying bedding suggest that cotton from
Egypt is superior to other cotton. Is this true and, if so, what
is the big difference?
Egyptian cottons are used to create bedding of all types from
sheets to pillowcases to comforters. The long staple or long
fiber of Egyptian-grown cotton means that there is more
continuous fiber to use when creating threads or yarns. This
yarn is smaller in diameter yet stronger than other cottons.
Smaller yarn means that more threads per square inch can be use
to create stronger fabric which is light in weight yet breathes
well.
More threads per inch mean that the thread count on the bedding
label will be higher. Many buyers think that choosing high
thread count sheets is the only gauge of quality. This is not
true, but in the case of cotton grown in Egypt, the higher
thread count means the fabric will be incredibly strong and will
last for years and years. If cared for properly, Egyptian
produced cotton fabric used for creating bedding products can
last for decades.
The hand or feel of the sheets created from Egyptian grown
cotton is a bit harder than other cottons when the bedding is
new. However, with every single laundering, the cotton sheets
from Egyptian fibers become softer and softer. Like a fine wine,
age improves the Egyptian fiber cotton bedding and, unlike many
products, you will prize your Egyptian fiber sheets of cotton
more and more as they age and become soft and cuddly.
Cotton grown in the Egyptian fields will also produce less lint
and therefore will not pill after repeated washings as some
materials may do. At one time, the only way to obtain Egyptian
fiber cotton sheets was to shop in high-end expensive stores.
This is no longer true and most department stores and online
bedding stores carry a selection of Egyptian produced cotton
sheets and other bedding items for the buyer seeking this
quality product.
King Cotton was once the name for the cotton grown in the Deep
South of the United States. This cotton has much shorter fibers
or staple than the Egyptian produced cotton. Egyptian fiber is
now considered the king of all cottons for its durability and
luxurious feel. After all, we spend almost one-third of our
lives in our beds and our bedding should be comfortable and
durable. Choosing the right sheets made from the king of cotton,
Egyptian produced fibers, you will experience a bed that is
comfortable and cozy.
A word of caution regarding bedding labels: if the package says
"cotton rich" the actual amount of cotton, whether Egyptian or
other cotton, is not stated and can be a very small amount. It
is better to select products that state 100% cotton or, if
choosing a blend fabric, that clearly state the exact proportion
of cotton in the bedding. This will ensure your product
composition is one that you will be pleased with.
If the package says "percale", this means that the thread count
is at least 180 count. Many people believe that percale is a
fabric type in its own right. This isn't the case at all; it
simply means the thread count is 180 or more. Percale can be
100% cotton or a blend of cotton and other fibers!
Sferra Brothers always has a special eye for quality and their
Celeste linens in 100% cotton from Egypt is no exception. These
mix and match fine quality linens are created with 406 thread
count. The linens are cool and crisp yet soft for luxurious
comfort. White plus 10 solid colors are available. You simply
can't go wrong with these machine washable luxury linens.
Matouk Classics collection includes the Lowell design. These
Egyptian long fiber cotton sheets are 600 thread count for true
luxury. Available in white with one inch sateen tape accents
around edges of pillow cases and on sheet hem. Select choice of
five solid colors for the accent. These linens are elegant
enough for the finest bedrooms.
Frette's 600 thread count Royalty sheet sets come in a shade
called "money green" which is actually a deep olive green. Other
colors are also available. The linens are accented with a square
jacquard weave around the edges for a very distinctive, classic
look. If you want beauty beyond compare, these linens from
Frette are for you.
Egyptian remains King of the cotton world today and will retain
that crown for many years into the future.
You'll find this long staple cotton used in sheets by many
different designers and can enjoy this Egyptian luxury, suitable
for the kings and pharaohs in your very own home!
Patricia Bowlin helps you choose just the right bedding for your home. Find hundreds of
great Free tips, advice and information on finding your next
favorite pillows, bedding collections, blankets, bed linen and
comforters by visiting here now.