Two-ply fabrics are generally superior to single-ply fabrics in their durability. (Note that this is not at all like two-ply toilet paper!). Two-ply means that two yarns are twisted together to make a single thread that is then woven into the fabric. Shirting fabrics are most often two-ply or single ply. Ply is how many yarns are twisted together to make a single thread. While thread count can be an indicator of quality, remember that ply, mill, and quality of cotton will have just as much to do with how luxurious the fabric is. 140’s thread counts are typically two 70’s yarns twisted together. Generally this fabric will be more durable than a 60’s single ply, but it won’t necessarily be smoother. For example, 120’s thread count means that two 60’s yarns are twisted together. Though there are some exceptions when extremely fine single ply yarns are used, these higher number thread counts will be two yarns twisted together. These numbers refer to the yarn size, but keep in mind that typically a thread count above 100 will imply a 2-ply fabric. If everything else is the same (weave, ply, mill, and type of cotton), higher thread count means a smoother, silkier, more expensive fabric. Thread count is often referred to with a number like 50s, 80s, 100s, 120s, 140s, 170s, etc up to 330s. “Sea Island Quality”, as only the former will be authentic and it’s something we often see on the market.Įgyptian Cotton Dress Shirt Fabric Thread Count Keep an eye out for “Certified Sea Island Cotton” vs. Making matters a bit confusing, there are trademarks filed around the names “Sea Island” and “Supima”. The cotton in Barbados is also picked by hand to ensure the highest quality levels. The best Sea Island Cotton comes from Barbados because incredibly uniform, humid climate of the island allows for the cotton plants to grow in a consistent way throughout the year. The uniformity, strength, and “hairlessness” of the fiber allows fabric woven from it to last an incredible long time, and actually become smoother each time they’re laundered. While other high-end shirting cottons like Egyptian cotton and American Pima can boast extra-long staple length above 1 3/8″, it’s Sea Island Cotton’s durability, consistency, vibrant color, and silky luster that makes it different from these. What makes Sea Island Cotton so desirable is it’s unique combination of characteristics: extra long staple length, remarkable fiber strength, incredibly uniform growth, and a significant brightness in color.
0004% of the cotton supply available, Sea Island Cotton is the rarest in the world. Fabric made from Giza 45 cotton tends not to degrade over time as much as other Egyptian or American Pima cottons.Īccounting for just. This is a highly acclaimed form of cotton found in a particular portion of the Nile Delta, that can be woven to produce incredibly fine yet strong yarns. There is also a famous, rare form of Egyptian cotton called “Giza 45” that is specially used for some of the world’s finest shirting fabrics–notably Thomas Mason Goldline fabrics. Often, American Pima will be woven into fabrics of a slightly lower quality than Egyptian as it is not as clean of a fiber, despite having similar staple lengths. Egyptian and American Pima will be the most readily available, while Sea Island cotton is well-known for being incredibly rare. These are more desirable cotton because they are typically “extra-long staple length” cottons (length greater than 1 3/8″), which allows them to be spun into finer, stronger yarns.Īll three of these cottons are typically regarded as high-end, luxury raw goods. For practical purposes, Pima cotton, Sea Island and Egyptian cotton are all cottons derived from originally the same plant: Gossypium Barbadense. When you hear about Egyptian, Sea Island, or American Pima cotton you should know that this is not referring to the type of weave, but to the type of cotton used to make the weave. Linen Dress Shirt Fabric Egyptian, Sea Island, and American Pima Cotton
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