Undoubtedly, Egyptian Cotton Sheets are the finest in the world. But many of us know this without understanding what to look for when shopping for cotton sheets. The first thing to look for when choosing bed linen is that your sheets be made of 100% cotton, which assures durable softness and luxury for the skin (you’ll find that Polyester bed linens seem cosy at first, and never need to be ironed, but they become hardened and stiffer after every wash). Pure cotton, on the other hand, retains a soft texture even after years of use and washing. Additionally, it wicks away moisture while you sleep, keeping you cool and comfortable.
What makes Egyptian Cotton Sheets so soft?
There are four main types of cotton, classified by their appearance and the length of their stable.
These are Short, Medium, Long and Extra-Long. The Longer the original staple is, the finer the fabric stays.The popularly luxurious Egyptian cotton is made with an extra- long staple. With these fine and lengthy fibres of about 1.5 inches long, they make light and soft sheets. Some growers in the US have developed similar fibres, known as Pima cottons, but most American cottons (which make up roughly 90% of the world’s crop!) are of a medium staple and are stiffer and far less comfortable and durable.
Additionally, Egyptian cotton is hand-picked, which guarantees that Egyptian cotton sheets maintain the highest levels of purity. As opposed to mechanical picking, as used in America, the hand-picking process in Egypt puts no stress on the fibres and thus the fibres are left straight and intact.
Because of this process, Egyptian cotton sheets are softer, finer and last longer than any other cotton in the world.
What Does the Thread Count Mean?
Thread Count refers to the number of threads contained in the fabric per square inch. Typically, the higher the thread count, the finer the quality of the bed linen. Long cotton fibres make strong yet thin threads and thus with longer staples, sheets can have a higher thread count and be silkier to the touch.
The highest thread count found in most cotton bed linen is about 310, though Egyptian cotton sheets often go much higher. Comfortable sheets start at about a 200 thread count, but often they are double-ply, which mean the manufacturer has counted a doubly-ply yarn twice in order to up the thread count. A high thread-count sheet, made with a long staple cotton will increase in elasticity and polish after a number of washings.
Bodini Egyptian Cotton Sheets
For a rich, 400 thread count Egyptian Cotton set that boasts both quality fabric and a very high thread count, check out www.bodini.com. Bodini, an up and coming online catalogue, is known for sourcing fine homeware products from around the world. Their 400 thread count Egyptian Cotton Sheets are selected specifically so you will sleep soundly in plush and luxury. With twice the density of standard cotton, this duvet cover, flat sheet, fitted sheet and pillow case set is silky, smooth and cool to the touch. With increasing softness after every wash and an anti-wrinkle quality, these sheets are durable and dependable. Each piece is available on its own or as a set in a variety of colours.
Why Go for Egyptian Cotton Sheets?