Why the name?
Egyptian cotton comes from where its name suggests - Egypt. The humid conditions and rich soil in Egypt along the Nile River Valley create the perfect conditions to grow long cotton fibers (also known as staples) which are used in Egyptian cotton fabrics.
What is Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian cotton is extra long staple mostly made from a cotton plant called Gossypium barbadense or from Gossypium hirsutum, both native to America. It was believed to be derived from sea island cotton or by hybridization with Peruvian cotton. These plants were introduced to Egypt in the nineteenth century by Egypt’s ruler, Mohammed Ali Pasha, who developed them as a cash crop to support his army. The plant is tropical and grows as a small, bushy tree requiring high humidity and rainfall. It contains the chemical gossypol, reducing its susceptibility to insect and fungal damage.
Egyptian cotton has longer fibers then regular cotton (about twice the size) and can range from 1 1/2 inches to 2 1/4 inches. Their long length allows them to be spun into very fine yarns. These yarns are soft and lustrous yet are very strong and durable.
