Definition of Egyptian Cotton
Meaning of the Term as it Pertains to Mattresses
What is Egyptian Cotton?
High-quality cotton that is considered the best in the world, Egyptian cotton is light, extremely breathable and durable, and becomes softer over time. The material also produces less lint than normal cotton and does not pill. An extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, Egyptian cotton has longer strands of fiber, which give materials made with it superior strength and greater uniformity.Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum, the cotton plants which Egyptian cotton is made from, require extreme humidity and rainfall, as well as extensive crop management, in order to produce successful crops. As a result, Egyptian cotton is only produced in limited quantities, which keeps it in high demand.
Associated with supreme comfort and luxury, Egyptian cotton makes an ideal bedding material. The fabric gets softer after every wash and can last for decades. If you want top-of-the-line Egyptian cotton sheets, make sure the label says "100 percent Egyptian cotton." A label that says "100 percent cotton" denotes that the fabric is made from lower-quality cotton. Thread count is also important to look at when buying sheets. High-quality Egyptian cotton sheets should have thread counts between 300 and 1,000. Though more expensive than other bedding materials, high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets can last 40 to 50 years.