Difference Between Egyptian Cotton and Regular Cotton

Egyptian Cotton vs Regular Cotton
 

One difference between Egyptian cotton and regular cotton is the nature of the fiber. Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the cotton plant. Garments made from this fiber are considered very comfortable and healthy for people, as it is all natural. The cotton plant has been grown in India and China since ancient times, and it was only later that the western world came to know about this wonder fiber. Most of the cotton fabrics, whether for skirts, shirts, trousers, jackets, or even bed sheets and curtains come mainly from these two countries. However, there is a perception that cotton grown in Egypt, called the Egyptian cotton, is superior to regular cotton. There is no doubt that fabrics made from Egyptian cotton appear to be smoother than regular cotton. This article attempts to highlight the differences between Egyptian and regular cotton.

If you have been lately to a furnishing store, you must have noticed salesmen asking you whether you prefer regular cotton or Egyptian cotton. That is because the salesman wants to have an opinion about your taste so that he can show you products that suit your taste.

What is Egyptian Cotton?

Egyptian cotton is the cotton that is produced by cotton grown in Egypt. Extra long staple fibers of the cotton grown along the Nile river valley are because of the soil and climatic conditions in Egypt. These fibers are silky and, in addition, give a luxurious feeling to consumers who are ready to pay higher for this cotton. However, not all Egyptian cotton is superior as the name refers to all types of cotton coming from Egypt. The fact is that there is extra long staple (ELS) fiber cotton that is considered most superior of cotton produced in Egypt while there are also long staple (LS) and regular cotton varieties being grown in Egypt.

Generally, when someone says Egyptian cotton is the best, he or she is referring to the extra long staple cotton that is famous as soft and silky. He or she is not referring to the other varieties of Egyptian cotton. Also, the quality of an Egyptian cotton material is measured by the thread count. Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. More thread count means the material is better.

What is Regular Cotton?

Regular cotton is that cotton with shorter and coarser fibers. Since, the fibers are short their yarn ends up having a lot of splices. So, once the yarn is woven into a clothe, it is not as comfortable as Egyptian cotton. Also, this coarse nature of the fabric ends up making regular cotton less durable. Regular cotton is also not that porous. However, there is one very good advantage of regular cotton. It is cheaper in price. So, anyone can afford to have regular cotton sheets. Though most people think regular cotton is not a very good option for bed sheets as it is not so comfortable, there is a minority who loves the crispy feeling the regular cotton gives.

What is the difference between Egyptian Cotton and Regular Cotton?

• Look and Feel:

• There is no doubt that Egyptian cotton sheets look and feel superior to regular cotton sheets because of a richer and softer feel.

• Fibers:

• The fibers of Egyptian cotton are long and silky.

• The fibers of regular cotton are shorter and coarser.

• Durability:

• Egyptian cotton fabrics last longer than regular cotton fabrics and sheets as they contain natural chemicals that make them resistant to insects, fungi, and wear and tear.

• Pilling:

• Egyptian cotton sheets do not show pilling which is common with regular cotton sheets after several washes.

• Choosing Egyptian Cotton and Regular Cotton:

• When confused, feel the fabric against your hand or face.

• If it is silky and soft, it is Egyptian cotton.

• If it feels rough and coarse, it is regular cotton.

These are the differences between Egyptian cotton and regular cotton. Remember, that if you do not check whether cotton is extra long staple, long staple, etc. you might end up with a regular cotton that is grown in Egypt. So, remember to check that when you are buying cotton.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. 5star Sheet set 1000tc Egyptian cotton by 5Star Sheet set (CC BY-SA 4.0)
2. Cotton via Wikicommons (Public Domain)