Buzzwords

Luxury Beyond Thread Count

Different bed linen fabrics require different thread counts to achieve the desired end product. Remember, it’s not just about the thread count.

There are fabrics whose compositions supersede thread count. For example, pure linen is a very high quality fabric, but has a low thread count. It’s best to judge fabrics by their hand, weight and yarn quality, not their thread count. Let the way a fabric feels be your best guide.

Giza 45 - Egyptian Cotton
Giza 45 is “the queen” of the Egyptian cotton species. It was planted for the very first time in 1820 by the founder of modern Egypt, Mohammed Alì Pascià, as a symbol of the rebuilding of the country after the French invasion. The best seeds in the world, coupled with just the right environment, created the ideal conditions for growing the most sought after cotton in the world.

The plants of Giza 45 cotton are cultivated in a tiny area east of the Nile delta and each year only a limited quantity can be produced. Giza 45 represents only 0.4% of the total annual Egyptian cotton production. The cotton is picked by hand in five stages, so only cotton flowers at the right degree of maturity are selected. No pesticides are used in the growing process, only natural fertilisers. The care taken in the cultivation and manually picking the cotton avoids the use of defoliants and other chemical products commonly used with mechanised picking.

Giza 45 cotton fibres are finer and stronger than any other. They’re also extremely long, 36 mm to be precise, the longest staple fibre of the cotton species, and have a uniformity index of 88.5%. What really makes this cotton exceptional is the fineness of its fibres, measured in micronaire, which is an average of 2.95, the best among the Extra Long Staple cottons. Despite this fineness, the resistance of the Giza 45 fibres is still high, and when expertly woven, produce a fabric that is far superior to any other.

High Thread Count Linen
This exquisite fabric type is highly unusual, as linen is generally constructed with a very low thread count to achieve its distinctive loose weave. Due to the thickness of the flax fibres (linen fibres), the number of threads cannot be as high as those of finer Egyptian cottons, and is why the strength of linen is far superior to most cotton fabrics. Linen is known as one of the strongest natural fibres and is naturally moisture absorbing. It has the ability to trap air to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. An endearing characteristic of linen is that it becomes softer and more desirable over time with every wash.

A special type of flax plant is used to produce the super-fine yarn required to weave high thread count linen fabrics, such as Como Italian linen.  This quality of linen is lighter and finer than traditional linen, and it is considered to be one of the most luxurious fabrics to sleep under. Quality linen will last many years if cared for correctly, and has an irresistibly soft handle and drape.