The differences between Egyptian Cotton, Organic Cotton and Regular Cotton

The available selection in types of cotton fabric and thread for bed and bath linen is extensive, complex and sometimes even confusing. What advantages does each type of cotton add? Is there some type of cotton that is unarguably better? How does each type of cotton distinguish itself in terms of traits, specifically softness and durability?

In order to answer these and other questions and shed some further light upon the more common types of cotton, we prepared this article to review the differences between Egyptian, organic and regular cotton.

EGYPTIAN COTTON

The term “Egyptian cotton” is, for many people, synonymous with cotton for luxury, high-quality products, due mainly to its length, softness and resistance. These traits, in turn, come from the climate in which this cotton is grown: the Egyptian climate, particularly in the Nile Delta, presents the ideal conditions to create extra-long staples (ELS), which are more durable, smoother and allow for the creation of a fabric with higher thread count. However, despite this being the origin of the term “Egyptian cotton”, this type of cotton doesn’t necessarily have to come from Egypt, so long as the place it’s grown in presents the same warm, arid desert climate.

Due to the aforementioned traits of softness, resistance and strength from its extra-long fibers, and likewise due to the fact that Egyptian cotton, if well cared for throughout the years, grows softer with age keeping the same resistance, Egyptian cotton is classified as a luxury product with unmatched reputation. In fact, Egyptian cotton amounts to only 0.5% of the world cotton production, further increasing its status of luxury and rarity.

Other qualities that Egyptian cotton embodies are its purity, which implies a lower probability of allergies for sensitive skin, and its exceptional capacity to absorb liquids. In general, Egyptian cotton stands out for all its extremely positive qualities, created by a refined process and a selective climate.

It’s important to note that, due to its reputation, the term “Egyptian cotton” is often used to refer simply to fabrics made in Egypt, regardless of whether they have the aforementioned level of quality. As such, special care is necessary to ensure that it’s really “Egyptian cotton” with all its attributed quality, or if it’s just referring to cotton “made in Egypt” that tries to take advantage of that reputation. Besides that, it’s also relevant to specify that Egyptian cotton must not be confused with Pima cotton, another type of ELS cotton that uses the same plant, gossypium barbadense, as its basis, but grown and treated in a completely distinct climate from the arid climate that gives Egyptian cotton its exceptional quality.

 

ORGANIC COTTON

Organic cotton, often also named “natural cotton”, distinguishes itself as being organically-grown cotton, that is, through a process with a low environmental impact, based on the selection of plants that are not genetically modified in any way and using only natural processes, with no recourse to any type of fertilizer, pesticide or other chemical product.

The advantages of organic cotton are clear compared to cotton that is cultivated using chemical products: it’s a more environmentally-friendly cotton which, in turn, is healthier and with less propensity to cause complications such as allergies, asthma and even more serious health problems. Non-organic cotton is treated intensively with chemicals and, subsequently, loses a lot of its natural traits, meaning that organic cotton often presents a softer texture and heavier fabric, particularly appealing for home products in the way it reflects and absorbs light.

As such, organic cotton is always a good recommendation, both for its lower impact in the environment as well as for your health and your family’s. For babies in particular, it’s an essential choice to safeguard their health and prevent allergies or other complications.

 

REGULAR COTTON

“Regular cotton”, for the purposes of this article, are all types of cotton not discussed in the two other categories, which implies a great variety of cotton types with all their particular traits and derived from specific plants. That said, compared with Egyptian and organic cotton, we can still point out a variety of differences.

As we previously explained, Egyptian cotton stands out for its high quality, reflected in its softness and resistance, as well as its high thread count. Comparatively, most kinds of cotton don’t present such luxurious traits, having lower durability – which depends greatly on the type of treatment and care it receives throughout its lifespan, as well – and lower softness. On the other hand, regular cotton is more common than Egyptian cotton, which is rarer and more exclusive.

Comparing regular cotton with organic cotton, we also highlight the latter’s advantage in terms of health and environment. The cotton treatment and growth process is typically very intensive in chemical terms, which implies not only a bigger ecological footprint but also higher health risks. Beyond that, regular cotton is repeatedly grown on the same soil, regardless of how worn-out it is, and is machine-picked rather than hand-picked, combined traits that have a high impact in terms of fabric purity.

Even with that in mind, regular cotton is still a good option, being quality material regardless. It’s simply that Egyptian cotton is an investment in luxury and organic cotton a bet in environmental awareness and organic material, with regular cotton being the right choice for any other situations.

 

At Allcost, we’re 100% dedicated to product quality and criterious selection of the best threads and fabric, which is why our newest collection opted for Egyptian cotton and organic cotton. We also use other technologies that are healthier and more cutting-edge, such as the usage of Repreve, a recycled thread, and Repel Mosquito finishes, obtained through nanotechnology.

To learn more about our concerns with durability, softness and comfort of materials, always allied with excellent quality, visit our website at www.allcost.pt/en or contact us directly through the email address geral@allcost.pt or through the phone number +351 253 479 260. Learn more about how Allcost can answer your needs and grant you the finest quality in our product range.