Egyptian Cotton

Read Product Labels

In Part I of this series, I discussed the practice of relabeling: taking a low thread count sheet set and replacing the label to make it look like the customer is buying a higher quality sheet set. An even more common practice is the use of the term Egyptian Cotton to describe sheets that are a mix of cotton species and or other fibers. Unfortunately, a product can legally say “Egyptian Cotton” with as little as 10% Egyptian Cotton content! Since the consumers have come to recognize that Egyptian Cotton is higher quality than other varieties, they could be tempted to pay more money than they should.

 Consumers should read labels carefully. If the label doesn’t say 100% Egyptian Cotton, it probably isn’t. Another clue is the distinctive logo of the Egyptian Cotton Growers Association. (Shown to the left)

Because licencing requirments for using this logo are so stringent (and expensive) most retailers do not display this logo on their websites or store fronts even if their products are genuine. If you’re buying in a bricks-and-mortar establishment; check the product packaging before you buy. If you’re shopping online, check the product label when you recieve your order. If you didn’t get what was advertised… send it back.

 So next time you’re in the market for a set of Cal King size Egyptian Cotton sheets, shop carefully by asking questions and reading labels. Getting the genuine product is worth it!