Egyptian

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Egyptian cotton is a fine, lustrous, long staple cotton grown in Egypt, favored for its luxury and typically used in upscale brands that are soft, durable and luxurious. The long length of the Egyptian cotton staple allows it to be spun into very fine yards, which then make very fine fabrics. Egyptian cotton is also high absorbent, which is why it's frequently used in towels. True Egyptian cotton comes only from Egypt.

The first thing to look for if you want truly luxurious Egyptian cotton is to check the percentage of Egyptian cotton used to make the product. In the United States, manufacturers are required to disclose the exact percentage of the cotton content. The higher the percentage of Egyptian cotton, the softer and more durable the product.

When purchasing linens, the next thing to look for is the thread count. Thread count is simply how many threads of cotton are woven lengthwise and widthwise into an inch of fabric. A good quality thread count of any cotton usually starts at about 200. Fabrics made with a lower thread count will be thinner, less absorbent and less durable. A 400-count sheet made of 100% Egyptian cotton would be truly luxurious - and truly expensive! However, it would also last longer. When evaluating the cost of items made from less-expensive cottons, take durability into consideration. Sometimes it's less expensive in the long run to invest in the higher-quality item that last longer.