Differences Between Egyptian Sheets
- Differences in Egyptian cotton sheets matter.double bed with white sheets and pillows image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
Egyptian cotton is a type of cotton plant with a specific characteristic. It grows the longest staples, meaning fibers, of any cotton plant. Fabric made from this cotton is used to make high-quality sheets and pillowcases, the kind you often find in luxury hotels and resorts. There are differences between Egyptian cotton sheets related to the cotton itself, the thread count of the fabric and the weaving. - In the broadest sense, Egyptian cotton is long staple cotton. The plants that produce these long silky fibers are native to America and were introduced to Egypt in the 19th century. It should not be confused with American Upland cotton, which is used for many other purposes and has characteristically shorter, less silky fibers. Egyptian cotton grows in the Nile River Valley in Egypt. U.S. growers have cultivated Egyptian cotton varieties that are known as Pima cottons.
The fibers of Egyptian cottons are thin. This fineness means they can be woven closely. The tight weave of very fine strands results in a couple of advantages. The fabrics from which sheets are made are smooth to the touch. They also wear very well.
On occasion, sheets may be labeled as Egyptian cotton when they are in fact made from fabric blends that include Egyptian cotton. A label that says the fabric is 100 percent Egyptian cotton is an assurance that the product is not a blend.
Egyptian cotton sheets are now commonly available at department stores and Internet marketplaces along with bedding specialty shops. - Thread count makes reference to the number of threads that are in 1 square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the finer the quality of the sheet, the more the fabric resists piling.
Thread count can be 80 to 1000. While the highest thread counts may not guarantee the sheet’s comfort, the low end certainly gives you a clue to its potential for feeling gritty. The highest thread counts made in the United States are around 310. Sheets made in Europe may have higher counts, which makes for smooth, silky feeling sheets. Sheets considered good-quality begin around 200 thread count. With proper care, they last a very long time, so the initial expense of quality sheets may save money over time.
A very high thread count is so closely woven that it can feel hot in summer. Egyptian cotton, in a 400 count, is a quality sheet choice for use in both winter and summer. - The hand refers to the way the sheet feels to your touch, the craftsmanship of the weaving. Cotton goes through a process of carding and combing. This straightens the fibers, aligns them and removes any fibers that are unsuitably short. The fabric goes through a finishing process. Water, chemicals and heat can all have a role to achieve various effects on the fabric. Sheets are often dyed. The dying may be of the yarn before weaving or the fabric after it is woven. It may be left unbleached and not dyed. There are differing types of weaves. Not all weavers use identical equipment and techniques.
