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You’ve probably heard the term “Giza cotton” but did you know that not all Giza is created equal. Today we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about giza cotton -- quite possibly the finest cotton on earth.
If you’ve shopped for luxury linen, you’ve no doubt heard the term “Giza cotton.” Today we’re going to discuss the difference between genuine Giza cotton and the lower quality, “imposter Giza” found in your local big box store. Giza is the best. And when shopping, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than genuine Giza in your sheet and towels.
Our clients also rely on us to help them understand the luxury linen market. We give them the necessary knowledge to make the best buying decisions. Today we’re going to be discussing Giza cotton. Giza has been generating a lot of buzz recently, both in and out of the textile industry. But not all cotton that claims to be Giza is the real thing. Let’s take a closer look.
So what exactly is Giza cotton?
Giza is a high-quality Egyptian cotton. It is rated by the length and diameter of fiber as well as its condition.
The longer the fiber and the smaller the diameter, the finer the yarn can be spun… accordingly, the better the rating the cotton will receive.
All Giza Egyptian cotton is sought after because of its high quality, strength and extra-long fiber.
Genuine Giza cotton is grown in only one place on earth: along the Nile River Delta. The nutrient-rich waters of the river combine with the cooler sea air to temper the hot Egyptian summer temperatures. The high humidity levels in this area also contribute to the unique environment for growing cotton.
To preserve its quality, all Giza cotton is picked by hand. This time-consuming process contributes to the higher cost of Giza cotton. It also results in harvesting more complete fibers that are longer and stronger than those harvested by machines.
Giza cotton comes in six distinct grades, divided into two categories. These are long staple and extra long staple cotton. The numbers generally represent the year the cotton strain was hybridized, or born. Most Giza products aren’t labeled with their grade.
The exception to this rule is Giza 45, which is known as the Queen of Egyptian Cotton. Giza 45 is the longest of all long-staple cotton. Its fibers possess outstanding uniformity and fineness. Giza 45 is rare, as it represents only half of one percent of all Egyptian cotton grown annually.
In general, long staple Giza cotton can be found in luxury percale sheets; sateen weave bed linens; and fine Egyptian cotton towels.
As well as added length, extra long-staple Giza cotton is distinguished by its uniformity. There are very few irregularities in extra long staple cotton. The surface is incredibly smooth. Percale and sateen sheets made from extra long-staple cotton are considered the finest Egyptian cotton sheets in the market.
In fact, extra long staple cotton is a more significant factor than thread count in evaluating the overall quality of these sheets. Many luxury linen manufacturers bypass using thread count altogether and rely solely on the name “Giza” to signify highest quality.
High quality Giza cotton is also woven in Europe. The quality of European-woven fabrics is unparalleled. These manufacturers have centuries of experience in small, family-owned textile mills. They are recognized worldwide as absolute masters of the craft. Brands like Abyss & Habidecor, Matouk, Sferra, and Graccioza are part of a long heritage of workmanship and artistry.
Genuine Giza cotton fibers are also exceptional at holding intense, deep dyes. This means that the cotton can be manufactured in a wide range of brilliant colors. Abyss towels, for example, are available in 60 designer shades that retain their vibrancy, wash after wash.
With the growing popularity of Giza cotton, you will see the name labeled on increasing numbers of products. But remember the old adage of buyer beware. Not all of this cotton is truly Giza cotton from Egypt.
Big box manufacturers have found a loophole that allows them to label a product ‘Made from Giza Cotton' when that cotton hasn't necessarily been grown in Egypt.
They do this by taking Giza seeds outside of the Nile River area. These seeds are grown in less fertile soil without the strict oversight provided to true Giza cotton crops.
Technically speaking, this ‘fake' Giza cotton is from the Giza seeds, but it is not anywhere near the quality of the cotton used by fine European manufacturers.
Keep this in mind if you ever see towels or bedding labeled "Giza" in the big box stores. We can assure you that the quality is not the same.
To shop Fine Linen and Bath’s ‘Giza Cotton’ collection, visit us at FLandB.com. We’ll also happily provide you with complimentary swatch samples so you can feel the quality of Giza for yourself.
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