Why Egyptian Cotton Remains the Best Choice for Towels

Sarah Lifestyle

There are many varieties of cotton, but the Egyptian species of gossypium barbadense remains on the top of the bale. Your favorite luxury towels, your favourite sheets: Chances are they are Egyptian cotton. How has it come to dominate the higher end of the commercial cotton market?

Origins and growth

Also in the family gossypium barbadense, we find the Pima, Supima, and Sea Island strains. The latter were actually bred with Egyptian plants to create the extra-long staple breeds that later became the refined Pimas and Supimas grown in the Southwestern United States. The barbadense strain was indigenous to Peru and one find has been dated to 4200 BCE.

Egypt actually produces a great deal of extra-long staple cotton, but its biggest export is its long staple breed. This type of cotton is actually grown in other parts of the world but retains the name Egyptian because it was specially bred there back in the 1820s for export to the French market. It produced very fine yarns that have retained their reputational lustre for nearly 200 years. The extent of the commercial growing endeavours allowed it to come to dominate the luxury market and come down in price over the decades. Now, you can purchase high-quality Egyptian cotton towels for reasonable prices.

Egyptian cotton’s unique qualities

A long staple, or fibre, in a cotton means that it can be spun into a yarn that is uniform in texture. Long and extra-long are the ideal raw materials for any product that needs a high-quality feel. Short staples leave a lot of ends sticking out in the yarn, so it is coarse and not nearly as durable as a yarn made from a long staple cotton.

The uniformity of the Egyptian staple means products made from it will not become threadbare even with heavy use and will not shed or pill. Contrary to popular understanding, thread count in a sheet or grams per square metre in a towel are not the primary source of an item’s quality. That starts with the quality of the boll itself. With an Egyptian cotton, you can still create a product that is light in thread count or weight but that is still soft and durable.

Egyptian cotton is more absorbent than many other types, making it perfect for hotel towels and robes, but also allowing it to retain dyes well so it can achieve bright, saturated colours.

You’ll have a confusing array of choices when you’re shopping, but you can be assured if you’re purchasing from a reliable retailer that towels carrying the Egyptian cotton designation will be of fine, lasting quality.

Maintenance of Egyptian cotton towels and robes

To maintain the exceptional durability and luxury of Egyptian cotton towels and robes, it is recommended to wash them with a mild detergent, avoid fabric softeners, use gentle drying methods, separate colors during washing, avoid overcrowding in the washing machine, and trim any loose threads for optimal care and longevity.

Additionally, when you take these towels or robes to the bathroom, ensure to hang it up on a brass robe hook or a similar high-quality, rust-resistant hook to safeguard them from potential discoloration or damage caused by inferior materials. Furthermore, make sure to store them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to prevent color fading.

Keep in mind that taking these extra precautions can not only extend the lifespan of your Egyptian cotton towels and robes but also preserve their exceptional quality, ensuring that each use feels as luxurious as the first.

Now that you’ve learned about the properties and benefits of using an Egyptian cotton towel and robe, you may want to consider investing in one to elevate your everyday self-care routine. Whether it’s the absorbency ideal for a post-bath cocoon or the unparalleled softness against your skin, Egyptian cotton products offer a touch of luxury. The investment is not just in a towel or robe; it’s in the daily moments of comfort and indulgence.