Although synthetic fibers might be ideal for tents and outdoor clothing, they are not always the best choice for other applications. Cordura sheets (coated nylon pack-cloth) would be waterproof and last forever but they wouldn’t be very comfortable. Yes, synthetics continue to improve, but cotton fibers have several characteristics that make them ideal for bedding, towels and clothing.

Cotton fibers are naturally hydrophilic (a scientific term for substances that like to soak up lots of water) This is a desirable trait for clothing because it allows sweat to wick away from the body and promote natural cooling. This ability becomes even more important for towels and wash cloths. (Try wiping a spill off the kitchen floor with some rayon or nylon and you’ll see what I mean.) Cotton fibers are also fine enough to create a fabric with a soft feel which makes them an excellent choice for fabric with direct skin contact such as tee shirts, underwear or king sheet sets.

What makes Egyptian cotton so special? Part of the answer lies in the rich soil of the Nile Delta. For thousands of years, the Nile River has washed nutrient rich soils from Lake Victoria and “Upper Egypt” down into “Lower Egypt” and deposited them in the Nile Delta. The rich soil and year-round moderate climate create conditions ideally suited for growing cotton.

Cotton is the country’s major export and the Egyptian Government has taken an active role in protecting the health of the country’s cotton plantations. It has placed strict controls growing methods and created numerous safeguards to prevent disease. The resulting cotton is of such high quality that it can be used to create 1000 thread count sheets and other luxury linen products.