The importance of the fibre in ensuring the quality of the fabrics

We’ve all heard a lot about the phrase “number of threads” when we talk about bed linen, but is it really as important as we think?

We talk about the “number of threads” we refer to the amount of vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch of fabric. Many companies talk about the “number of threads” as the most important factor to consider when buying sheets.

The old saying “the more threads, the more luxurious the sheets” became a marketing slogan to help companies boost their sales without improving the quality of their product, but this saying couldn’t be further from the truth.

To truly understand the quality that we are speaking of, we need to first understand the process of converting fibres into fabrics.

We’ve all heard a lot about the phrase “number of threads” when we talk about bed linen, but is it really as important as we think?

We talk about the “number of threads” we refer to the amount of vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch of fabric. Many companies talk about the “number of threads” as the most important factor to consider when buying sheets.

The old saying “the more threads, the more luxurious the sheets” became a marketing slogan to help companies boost their sales without improving the quality of their product, but this saying couldn’t be further from the truth.

To truly understand the quality that we are speaking of, we need to first understand the process of converting fibres into fabrics.

Cotton fibres

The type of cotton and where it is grown affects the length of the cotton fibre. A characteristic which determines the quality of the fibre and, in turn, the fabric.

You can find the best cotton fibres in our fabrics, these being:

– Extra-long staple (ELS): The term “extra-long staple” (ELS) cotton normally refers to a cotton fibre with extraordinary length.

The internationally recognised industrial standard for the length of an ELS cotton fibre is 34,925mm, which is significantly longer than traditional varieties of cotton, known as Upland cotton, which have an average fibre length of 26-27mm.

– Giza 45: The oldest variety of cotton from Giza that is still cultivated in Egypt (more than 60 years) and the most beautiful and famous around the world.

It represents the highest quality and the most spinning potential in the world due to its finesse, which guarantees an extra thin thread. Its fibres are incredibly long (36 mm) and have a uniformity level of 89.8%.

– Giza 93: The fibres of Giza 93 are incredibly long (37 mm) in comparison with other varieties of ELS Cotton.

It has a uniformity level of 89.9% and the finesse of its fibre register around 2.9 on the micornaire scale.

The cut cotton fibres are spun together to create thread. A longer fibre is ideal, because when the thread is spun it gives strength, which results in less pilling.

Since the Egyptian ELS cotton has extra-long staple fibres, that means that there are less tears in the cotton when the thread is spun.

This results in a stronger and smoother thread, which means that we don’t have to compensate with various layers of threads.

From cotton to thread

Staple cotton fibers are spun together to create yarn. A longer staple is ideal, because when the yarn is spun, it gives it strength, which means less pilling.

Because ELS Egyptian cotton has extra-long staple fibers, there are fewer breaks in the cotton when spinning the yarn.

This leads to a stronger and smoother yarn, which means we don’t have to compensate with multi-ply yarns.

From cotton to thread

The difference between satin and percale:

Percale cotton fabrics are made by following a pattern of one on top of the other, this means crossing the threads horizontally and vertically.

Thanks to this pattern, the fabrics made using this technique are matt and have a crisp and clean feel.

Satin cotton fabrics are made following a pattern of three over one. If you look closely at a piece of satin fabric, you will notice a diagonal pattern.

This pattern gives a smooth like silk sensation and gives strength and shine to the fabric.

All of our cotton fabrics feature the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certificate, which is the most used ecological label in the world, guaranteeing that textile products with this label have been analysed for over 300 harmful substances, this way allowing us to care for the planet and our clients.

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Linen fibres

Linen is adored for its relaxed elegance appearance, which comes from the natural and unique irregularities of the cloth and the special fabric.

The fibres that make up linen sheets are between two and three times stronger than cotton or silk, yet very light and soft to the touch at the same time.

Linen is hygroscopic, which means that it easily absorbs humidity, making linen sheets fresh in the summer and warm in the winter.

All of our linen fabrics are endorsed by the MASTERS OF LINEN certificate.

MASTERS OF LINEN® is a registered brand and a sign of excellence for linen 100% Made in EUROPE, from the field to the thread and the cloth.

This certificate endorses sustainable production, which respects the environment, through the fibre European Flax®: no irrigation, no transgenics, without waste, with a carbon sink, rooted in the countryside, uses mechanical cutting for spinning, fabrics and finishes that meet the strictest regulations and is biodegradable.