What is Egyptian Cotton?

For many years, Egyptian cotton has been widely considered the go-to for premium and luxurious sheets and towels. However, while it’s classed as a highly sought-after fabric, you might be wondering ‘What is Egyptian cotton?’ 

Extraordinarily soft, there’s no other material quite like Egyptian cotton. And, in this blog, we’ll talk you through its many benefits, what makes it so unique, and the difference between Egyptian and normal cotton. Indulge in the touch of an Egyptian cotton towel from Christy for unparalleled softness.

Read on for our detailed Egyptian cotton guide…

What exactly is Egyptian cotton? 

Egyptian cotton is a high-quality cotton that comes from the Gossypium Barbadense plant and is grown exclusively in Egypt’s Nile Delta. It’s best known for being soft, durable and breathable, and is a great fabric choice for bedding and bath towels. 

The growing conditions in the Nile are so perfect that the cotton has evolved to develop a longer fibre staple, a great asset that means the thread produced from the fibres will be thinner than other kinds of cotton, resulting in more sumptuous and higher thread count end-products. 

To this day, Egyptian cotton bolls are delicately hand picked so that they retain their soft quality. Known for being one of the most luxurious and hard wearing materials on the market, buying Egyptian cotton towels or bedding is a commitment to premium quality. 

Egyptian cotton has long, fine fibres, which can be woven into a luxurious fabric with a high thread count. It’s considered to be one of the most breathable materials around and is also incredibly moisture- wicking which can help to regulate body temperature, ideal if you get too hot during the night. 

Is Egyptian cotton good? Benefits & more… 

Now that you know what Egyptian cotton is, what makes it so desirable? The strong and unbroken yarn of Egyptian cotton results in a fabric that is extremely flexible. This means that bed sheets made from 100% Egyptian cotton are super soft and last even longer than regular cotton. It doesn’t pull, even after many washes, and the yarn of Egyptian cotton enables the fabric to absorb more liquid and colour in the dying process. 

Some other benefits at a glance include: 

• Extra-long staple fibres - Egyptian cotton is known for its extra-long staple fibres, which produce finer, stronger yarns. This results in fabric that is incredibly soft, smooth, and durable. 

• Superior softness - The fine yarns created from these long fibres contribute to a luxurious, soft feel. This softness can actually increase with each wash! 

• Increased durability - The strength of these long fibres makes Egyptian cotton more resistant to tearing and pilling, allowing a longer lifespan and meaning you don’t have to replace your towels as regularly. 

• Better absorbency - Its porous nature makes it highly absorbent, which is particularly beneficial in towels and bath mats. 

• Great colour retention - Because of the nature of Egyptian cotton fibres, and their ability to absorb liquids, dyes will penetrate deeper into the fabric. 

While Egyptian cotton products might cost a bit more than a regular cotton duvet, you’ll likely receive amazing quality in return. Whether you’re investing in luxury bath towels or bedding bundles, you and your guests will feel like they’re staying at a five-star hotel. 

Egyptian cotton vs cotton: what’s the difference? 

Ultimately, Egyptian cotton is much stronger than regular cotton, therefore it’s longer lasting. The main difference, however, boils down to the characteristics of their fibres, which significantly impact the final product. While true Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt, regular cotton is grown in various regions worldwide, resulting in a wider range of quality. 

Other significant differences include: 

Staple length - One of the most significant differences is staple length. This refers to the length of the individual cotton fibres. Egyptian cotton boasts extra-long staple fibres, meaning that they’re longer than those of regular cotton, resulting in silkier yarns and a smoother, softer final fabric. 

Costs - Egyptian cotton is slightly more expensive, however, it’s a worthwhile investment in luxurious quality. It uses a combing technique to remove short, rough fibres, resulting in a smoother yarn and a smoother cloth. 

Durability - While regular cotton can also be durable, it might not withstand as much wear and tear as Egyptian cotton. The strength of the long fibres in Egyptian cotton makes it resistant to ripping, meaning that it has a longer lifespan. 

The feel - Those longer and finer yarns of Egyptian cotton create a fabric that has an incredibly soft and silky feel. This luxurious texture is a hallmark of its superior quality, compared to normal cotton which can vary significantly in texture, from slightly rough to moderately soft. 

In essence, Egyptian cotton offers a more premium experience, providing a level of comfort, durability, and luxury that regular cotton often can’t match. When you choose Egyptian cotton products from Christy, you’re investing in pieces that will elevate your every day and provide you with intense comfort for years to come. 

What is the importance of a high towel GSM?

At Christy, our Egyptian cotton towels weigh a substantial 675 GSM, making them super absorbent and plush. Towels typically have a GSM (grams per square metre) between 300 to 900, and towels with a higher GSM have more densely woven fibres, making them feel plush and premium.  

Towels with a high GSM, especially when made from premium Egyptian cotton, provide a spa-like experience, offering a sense of indulgence and comfort that elevates your everyday bathing routine. 

For more information, read our blog: What is Towel GSM and Why Does it Matter? 

Discover the epitome of luxury with Christy towels 

Hopefully, this blog has answered your question: ‘What is Egyptian cotton?’ Egyptian cotton continues to be a premium and luxury fabric choice for both bath and bed products, providing customers with a truly indulgent and sumptuously soft touch. At Christy, our heritage is woven into everything that we do, which is why you can rely on gorgeously soft towels that will last you a number of years. 

We love hearing from our customers - for more information, please do get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you. Alternatively, give us a call on 01613 675 800. 

Egyptian cotton FAQs: 

What colour is Egyptian cotton?

Egyptian cotton, in its raw, unprocessed state, is typically a creamy, off-white colour. Like other natural cottons, it can have slight variations in shade depending on its growing conditions. 

What thread count is Egyptian cotton? 

Ranges of thread count for Egyptian cotton can be found from 200 to 800, with ranges of 300 to 400 being very common. Because Egyptian cotton has extra-long staple fibres, it can produce finer yarns. This could result in a higher thread count, however, the quality of the Egyptian cotton itself is a significant factor. Even with a lower thread count, genuine Egyptian cotton can feel luxurious due to the inherent quality of its fibres. 

What is the best Egyptian cotton thread count? 

While there isn’t a single ‘best’ thread count for Egyptian cotton, 300 to 400 is considered ideal. The weave of the fabric can also affect the feel - percale offers a cool and crisp feel, while sateen is silky and smooth. However, it all comes down to personal preference.