100% Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets

As a strong, long stapled cotton fiber, Egyptian cotton is unrivaled as a source of fabric for a variety of fine linens. Other cotton varieties cotton plant species like Pima are hybrid varieties have been developed as an alternative to pure Egyptian cotton. The Pima species was developed using Egyptian and Upland cotton and was once referred to as American-Egyptian cotton. Though Pima cotton is a quality substitute, there is nothing like the soft, cushy feel of bed sheets made from genuine Egyptian cotton.

The increasing popularity of Egyptian cotton linens is no accident of history. For over hundred years, commercial cotton production in Egypt to has continued to respond to world demand. Still Egyptian cotton reflects less than 10 percent of worldwide cotton production. Sharp increases in global trade have provided commodities like Egyptian cotton with worldwide market opportunities. Consumers have responded by choosing 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets in greater numbers every year.

When choosing bed sheets and bed linens made from Egyptian cotton, you should take the time to understand the ways in which cotton is produced and processed. The term Egyptian cotton refers to the species of cotton plant, not necessarily where the cotton is grown. Many different cotton fabric styles and weaves are made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton and it is important to learn some basic facts about cotton fabric.

The basic crisscross weave pattern uses two threads called the warp and the weft. The warp thread runs in the direction of the long axis of the fabric. The weft thread runs in the direction of short axis of the fabric. Though some fabrics may use variations of this pattern, all fabrics are woven in much the same way.

One very important variation in the weaving of household linens is the thread count. Thread count or TC is a measurement of the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Generally speaking, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric. Thread counts in household linens range from 100 to over 1000.

The number of threads used to make a 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheet is something you should count on. When choosing any type of bed linen, the thread count is a key determinant of the quality, softness and durability. Modern fabric weaving, while automated, has kept the same basic structure that has been used for many years.

Less expensive bed sheets will have a thread count lower than 200 threads per square inch of fabric. Bed linens with a thread of 100 will feel flimsy, somewhat coarse and are more likely to pill. Bed sheets and linens with thread counts of 200 or higher will feel much more substantial and softer. Fabrics with higher thread counts are more durable.

High quality one hundred percent Egyptian cotton sheets will have a thread count of at least 300.