Egyptian Cotton vs. Percale – Bedroom Boutique answers the Debate -
Cotton goods are often sold according to whether they are Percale or Egyptian cotton. The differences are subtle but can be understood easily once you have some basic information. One term refers strictly to the type of material the sheeting is made from and the other is concerned with the weave of the fabric. With the guidance of Jimmy Ferendinos from Linen Drawer, Bedroom Boutique is able to shed some more light on the subject.
What is Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian cotton refers to cotton exclusively grown in Egypt along the Nile River. The special growing conditions, high humidity and rich soil found in the area result in an extremely long-fibered cotton; 1(1/2) to 2(1/4) inches long. When woven into cloth the fabric is very strong and smooth to the touch. Thread count is 200 or higher. The thread count refers to the number of warp and weft threads to be found in a square inch of fabric.
What is meant by Percale?
Percale is a term that refers to the weave of the fabric as opposed to the fiber content. Percale is woven in a plain weave method which has the warp and weft threads intertwined to produce a checkerboard effect on the surface of the fabric. This results in a very strong, medium weight fabric that holds up well in the wash. The thread count of percale is generally around 200 - 600. This fabric can be made from 100% cotton or can be a blend of cotton and polyester.
Bedroom Boutique only stocks the highest quality of Percale linen, with thread counts ranging from 200 – 600. For more information visit our store in Milnerton, or contact one of our knowledgeable sales staff on 021 551 7904.