Egyptian cotton fabric, as the world chooses to be the best fabric has
number of varieties. One of them is Egyptian Cotton Fabric. These
fabrics are the second softest cotton in the world after Pima Cotton
Fabrics. It is one of the higher grade cotton fabrics. Products of these
fabrics are much lighter and more compact than the normal cotton fabric
products. They dry fast and are durable. Sometimes Egyptian cotton
fabrics are also used as a substitute to silk.The important feature of Egyptian cotton fabric is that its fibers are longer in size. The average size of the fiber is 1-1/8 to 1-1/2 inches. For cotton fabrics, the longer the staple, the softer is the fabric. American Egyptian cotton fabric is also counted as the best cotton fabric but the size of the staple are slightly smaller in length than Egyptian cotton fabric.
Plantation of Egyptian cotton is very rare in the world. It is grown in the Nile River Valley, though it has been derived from South America. To maintain the purity of cotton, the mechanical use is not involved while picking the fiber. This helps the fiber to remain intact and straight. Egypt is the largest producer of these fabrics in the world.
Characteristics of Egyptian Cotton Fabric
- It is very soft, fine, flexible, strong and durable.
- It retains its softness without any chemical or other treatment.
- It has lush feel.
- It is more solid and more resistant to stress.
- It has a good absorbent quality making the color more deep and brighter.
- It is color resistant.
- Its softness improves with use and wash.
- It is color resistant.
- The bleach of these fabrics breaks down over time, hence only gentle whitening is preferred.
- Ironing retains the soft feel faster.
Egyptian cotton fabrics are used to make all types of luxurious garments and home furnishings because of its beautifully soft, sensuous and comfortable feature. The garments are used as a substitute to linen and silk made wear. Its quality of retaining softness after wash is suitable for bedsheets and pillow covers.
