15 Oct
EGYPTIAN COTTON VS PIMA COTTON
Cotton is very popular and has several applications that include making soft and fluffy products which people love and adore. There are three types of cotton you should know. Upland cotton is the most common type considering that it comprises about 90% of the world’s production. The 10% left consists of two premium cotton, which are the Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton. However, differentiating between the two can be difficult since each has its qualities and asking price.
What Is Pima Cotton?
Pima cotton can be said to be the cousin of Egyptian cotton and is primarily grown in America, tracing its roots from Arizona. It consists of long fibres that make durable, long-lasting, and soft bed sheets that resist wrinkling and pilling.
Pima cotton sheets are cheaper than Egyptian cotton sheets making them the most preferred and popular cotton type chosen.
What Is Egyptian Cotton?
It’s produced in Egypt along with the fertile and rich soil situated along the coastal line of River Nile. It’s among the finest and most luxurious materials provided in the world.
It’s made from long strands of staple cotton that’s soft and super-strong.
Egyptian Cotton Vs. Pima Cotton
Quality
In most cases, quality directly corresponds to the cost. Egyptian cotton is made from the highest quality long-staple fibre. It’s strong, soft and resistant to stress and pilling. The cotton becomes even softer with each wash and usage. Egyptian cotton comes with a high price tag, but with proper care, it can last years and even offset the initial high investment. Pima cotton, on the other hand, comes with many of the properties similar to Egyptian cotton but is considered to be a secondary material. It’s 35% longer and absorbs colour better than normal cotton and is more lustrous and softer.
Care & Appearance
Both kinds of cotton are machine-washable with no degradation to the material.
Egyptian cotton can handle wash temperature of up to 40 degree Celsius while Pima cotton can be washed to 60 degree Celsius. The Egyptian cotton touch is tremendously soft and smooth while Pima is just as soft boasting a high absorbency rate.
Understanding the differences between the two will help you choose the right one for you.
As an enthusiast and expert in textile materials, particularly cotton varieties, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the discussion of Egyptian Cotton vs. Pima Cotton. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of the intricacies of cotton production, weaving, and the various factors that contribute to the quality of cotton products.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article dated October 15, 2019, which compares Egyptian Cotton and Pima Cotton:
Cotton Types Overview:
1. Upland Cotton:
- Constitutes about 90% of the world's cotton production.
- Commonly used for various applications.
2. Egyptian Cotton:
- Grown in Egypt along the fertile and rich soil near the River Nile.
- Among the finest and most luxurious materials globally.
- Made from long strands of staple cotton, known for its softness and strength.
3. Pima Cotton:
- Primarily grown in America, with roots tracing back to Arizona.
- Considered the cousin of Egyptian cotton.
- Composed of long fibers, resulting in durable, long-lasting, and soft bed sheets.
Quality Comparison:
Egyptian Cotton:
- Made from the highest quality long-staple fiber.
- Strong, soft, and resistant to stress and pilling.
- Becomes even softer with each wash and usage.
- Higher initial cost, but with proper care, it can last for years.
Pima Cotton:
- Shares many properties with Egyptian cotton but is considered a secondary material.
- 35% longer than normal cotton, absorbs color better, and is more lustrous and softer.
- More affordable than Egyptian cotton.
Care & Appearance:
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Washability:
- Both Egyptian and Pima cotton are machine-washable with no degradation to the material.
- Egyptian cotton can handle wash temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius.
- Pima cotton can be washed at higher temperatures, up to 60 degrees Celsius.
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Texture & Absorbency:
- Egyptian cotton offers a tremendously soft and smooth touch.
- Pima cotton is equally soft with a high absorbency rate.
Conclusion:
Understanding the differences between Egyptian Cotton and Pima Cotton is crucial for consumers to make an informed choice based on their preferences, budget, and desired quality. While Egyptian Cotton is associated with top-tier luxury, Pima Cotton offers a more affordable alternative with comparable qualities. Careful consideration of factors such as quality, longevity, and price can guide consumers in selecting the right cotton type for their needs.
