The Frayed Reputation of Egyptian Cotton
14th September 2016
People assume that Egyptian cotton is better because Egypt was an exotic place where cotton with long fibers was raised, beginning not in ancient times but in the early 19th century. Such cotton is known as long staple or extra-long staple, depending on the fiber length. It accounts for only about 2.5 percent of global cotton consumption. Longer fibers make for stronger, smoother thread, and “Egyptian cotton” sounds special, like Moroccan leather or French perfume. But it’s the long fibers, not some unique attribute of Egyptian soil or climate, that makes the cotton better.
September 14th, 2016 at 10:16
Same is true for paper – long fibers are used in bond paper, short fibers go in those terrible napkins at McDonalds that shred at the least bit of dampness.
Egyptian cotton must be on the same list with all things Apple. You’re just not cool without the logo.