At DOUXE we create bed linen exclusively with Egyptian cotton. In other words, all the cotton you find in our shop is made from 100% Egyptian Cotton yarn. Besides the fact that it sounds very exotic and provides a divine sleeping experience, it actually means something. Did we spark your curiosity? Read on and we'll tell you all about it.
Including our housekeeping tips on how to take care of your precious cotton.
Egyptian cotton
To get straight to the point: Egyptian cotton is the best cotton in the world. Extremely strong, durable and soft. Triple jackpot. The difference between Egyptian and normal cotton is a rather technical story, but the short story is that it distinguishes itself by long staples and purity.
Genuine Egyptian cotton comes from Egypt
Genuine Egyptian cotton comes from Egypt. The unique climate, fiber and production process ensure the unique softness and superior quality of Egyptian cotton. The fibers used for Egyptian cotton can only grow in a specific climate. The Nile Delta, with its moist, rich soil, many hours of sunshine and cool nights, offers the perfect living environment. This enormously fertile area gives the cotton plants ideal growing conditions and provides them with a constant supply of nutrients. As a result, the fibers in the plants grow faster and, above all, longer.
Super long fibers
That extra long fiber is what distinguishes Egyptian cotton from regular cotton. This (extra) long fiber is a super strong and incredibly soft fiber. The longer the fiber grows, the thinner and smoother the fiber becomes. Subsequently, various steps in the production process provide the ideal conditions for a soft and pure top quality end product.
The purest of fabrics
Egyptian cotton is picked by hand, so the cotton fibers are chosen with great care and are less likely to break. This ultimately has a positive effect on the quality of the cotton. The cotton fibers are then combed to remove loose fibers and particles. Then the cotton is spun into yarn without any impurities. A very important process. Cotton that has not been spun properly contains impurities that remain visible in the fabric of the finished product. Over time, these impurities degrade the quality of the material and cause the fabric to pill. The quality of the fabric also largely depends on the amount of threads used.
The strongest cotton
Egyptian cotton is picked by hand, and not by machines, leaving the fibers straight and intact. It makes it possible to lengthen the yarns, making them finer, without sacrificing the strength. These finer yarns can be woven in multitude into each square inch which makes the fabric super soft and flexible.
The threads that are woven to make Egyptian cotton determine the strength and thickness of the fabric. Thicker threads create a thicker fabric that is stronger than fabrics made with thin threads. Very fine Egyptian cotton fibers can then be woven into this fabric, which is why the final sheets are so silky to the touch.
Quality certificate - Egyptian Cotton Association
Previously, Egyptian cotton had no 'label'. Unfortunately, there has been and is sometimes abuse by producers who label their cotton as Egyptian cotton, but do not offer the quality and benefits of pure Egyptian cotton. The Egyptian Cotton Association guarantees the authenticity of Egyptian cotton by verifying all products that claim the Egyptian cotton label with a DNA certification process.
Naturally, all Egyptian Cotton duvet covers and fitted sheets from DOUXE are 100% DNA certified and may therefore bear the Egyptian Cotton™ trademark.
4 tips to keep your bed linen white, clean & beautiful
Of course it is our goal to let you enjoy your Egyptian cotton bed linen for as long as possible. A few things are important to know, because the products may be divine, but cotton fibers can still be damaged if we do not take care of them properly.
Here are a few tips to wash, dry and iron to extend the life of your favourite bed set. Moreover, the colour will remain beautiful. And that is what we want. Read our housekeeping tricks here:
1. How to wash your bed linen
The good news is: Egyptian cotton does not fluff, pill or roughen and remains silky soft after every wash. In fact, it only gets softer, smoother and more beautiful. It takes a bit of TLC, starting with the first wash.
Wash your new set of bed linen the first time with cold water and the three turns afterwards at 30 degrees Celsius. Once you have done that, you can switch to (maximum) 60 degrees. The reason? Cotton is more likely to shrink during the first few washes.
Always wash your bedding with the same colours, inside out and do not use fabric softener or other chemical products. That way you ensure that the color is well preserved. Always wash at a low speed and preferably use an anti-crease program.
2. How to dry your bed linen: give it some fresh air
We recommend that you allow Egyptian cotton duvet covers, fitted sheets and pillowcases (but also all other fabric bedding) to air dry as much as possible. That is the least harmful, and - a nice side effect: Egyptian cotton dries in less than an hour. Small effort to also get that fresh, clean scent in your bedding.
Bed linen from natural materials tend to crease more in the dryer. Especially percal, so that is another reason to recommend hanging out percale and not to dry in the dryer. A little housekeeping tip is to spray the linen with water after making the bed. You can use a simple plant spray and then strike the linen flat to leave it looking chic and tidy.
Prefer the dryer? Absolutely possible, but dry your beloved cottons on a short program and a low temperature. Remove the bedding from the dryer in time, preferably when it is still slightly damp, to reduce the amount of creases.
Last but not least: adding natural dryer balls in the tumble dryer is recommended. Dryer balls shorten the drying time of the laundry and act as an alternative to fabric softeners. In addition, this product ensures better air circulation, which prevents creasing.
3. Iron (if you love the hotel look)
First of all, we recommend that you hang the bedding straight while it is still slightly damp. You will then be spared of the worst creases. And you can go to bed thinking of your small contribution to the environment not using the tumble dryer.
If you choose to iron, remove the bedding from the dryer or from the washing line when it is still slightly damp, fold it twice, then run an iron over it - in setting 1 if slightly damp, setting 2 if the fabric is almost dry. A small effort, but afterwards your bedroom does look like a luxury suite.
Okay, one more tip. In our opinion, one of the largest and most convenient outcomes in bedding care is a handheld steamer. You quickly and effortlessly remove creases from fabrics and affect the fibers of the fabric many times less compared to a (too) hot ironing plate.
4. Do not bleach please
And finally bleach... Better not. Bleaching can weaken the natural fibers and make the cotton less absorbent. The products also lose their softness, shine and the color can be affected. Need an alternative? Because of big, deep spots that won't disappear. Then use an alternative to bleach, such as the "All Purpose bleach alternative" from "The Laundress". Or go for natural options such as vinegar and lemon. Leave the treated area dry in the sun and it naturally bleach the fabric turning it back into your heavenly white sheets.
Curious about all those fine products made from actual 100% Egyptian cotton? Take a look at our webshop or visit our store.