Egyptian cotton is as famous as the pyramids of Giza, even in far-flung places. What makes this wonder fibre from the land of pharaohs, apreferred choice for apparel makers?
Cotton is a preferred choice for fabric due to itsbreathability, comfortability, and feel. Egyptian cotton is very renowned amongthe cotton fabric segment. It would be surprising to know that Egyptian cottonis originally from the North America. Introduced in Egypt during the nineteenthcentury, Egyptian cotton gradually developed and today has become a favoritematerial for apparel manufacturers all over the world.
Cotton of Egypt is renowned for beddings. Generally forages, thread count was given utmost importance in deciding the quality ofbeddings. But presently, consumer guidelines suggest that Egyptian cotton issuperior to any other. This cotton usually consists of extra long staple cottonand is used by luxury and up market brands globally. Egyptian cotton staples rangefrom 1.5 inches to 2 inches. Their extra long length which is twice the sizeof other cotton fibres facilitate them to be spun into fine yarns that aresoft, strong and durable in nature. The longer staple of Egyptian cottonenables continuous fibres when making threads or yarns. The yarn is smaller isdiameter, but stronger, comparatively over others. Smaller yarn implies morethread count for a square inch, which will result in stronger fabrics that arelight weight and posses good breathability.
Gift of the Nile Valley:
Egypt has perfect conditions for cotton cultivation. The moist and rich soilfrom the River Nile gives toughness, comfort, durability, and richness inappearance to the cotton fabrics. The extra long staples of Egyptian cottonabsorb water very well, and are hence used mainly for making bath textileproducts. Fabrics made from Egyptian cotton are hard, when new. But like wine,quality of the cotton fabrics improve with age and becomes softer with everylaundering. This cotton produces less lint, and hence does not pill afterrepeated washings like some other fabrics.
Exports of Egyptian cotton are pretty well distributed amongthe developed, and the developing countries. With regards to developingcountries, 98% of Egyptian cotton fibres are being exported to Asian countries.Of this India constitutes 34%, China and Turkey; 9% each, Thailand 7%, and Pakistan by 18%. When considering Egypts exports to developed countries, EU takesthe lead accounting for 56% of the exports. (Source: UNCTAD, MarketInformation in the commodities area)
Fashion with cotton:
Clothing made from Egyptian cotton pampers the body withsoftness and luxurious feel. Apparels made from this cotton are infamous fortheir durability and soft touch. Cotton is also blended with other fibres suchas polyester for extra strength, or wrinkle resistance. Mixing cotton with silkfibres gives it sheen, but loses some breathability. Hundred percent purecotton is a miracle fabric, and is completely natural. Checked patterns havepopularity in country areas, while stripes took over the metropolitan and cityareas.
Due to its luxurious feel and qualities, Egyptian cotton isrightly considered as King Cotton. The country will retain its crown of gloryfor the years to come, in future too!
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