The cotton fibre, sourced from the Gossypium plant, is one of the most utilised natural fibres worldwide for fabric production. This fibre is prized for its resilience, breathability, and ease of dyeing. The quality of cotton can vary depending on the plant variety and cultivation conditions.
To understand the fineness of cotton yarn, a classification known as "English count" (NE) is used. This classification is based on the weight of the yarn: the higher the NE number, the finer the yarn. A yarn with a NE 170 title, for example, means that 170x840 yards (approximately 768 metres) of yarn weigh one pound (about 453.6 grams).
Among cotton varieties, Egyptian cotton Giza 45 is considered one of the most prized.
What truly makes this cotton exceptional is the extreme fineness of its fibres, quantified through the micronaire measure. With an average value of 2.95, it represents the peak of fineness among Extra Long Staple cottons.
This cotton is cultivated in a specific region of the Nile delta, in Egypt, and is known for its extra-long, fine, and strong fibres, which impart unique softness and silkiness to fabrics.
A Giza 45 yarn with a NE 170 title represents the pinnacle of textile quality. This yarn is extremely fine and durable, ideal for creating high-quality fabrics. Yarns with even higher NE titles, such as NE 200 or beyond, are even finer but require greater care in production due to their delicate nature.
Fabrics made with Giza 45 NE 170 cotton and beyond are used in the production of luxury clothing items, such as high-quality shirts. These fabrics are lightweight, soft, silky, and durable, with a fine weave that provides extraordinary detail. Despite the fineness of the yarn, the strength of Giza 45 cotton ensures that garments remain durable and maintain their shape and appearance over time.
However, the production of such fine cotton yarns requires artisanal skill, precision, and high-quality machinery. This, coupled with the rarity of Giza 45 (0.4% of the total annual Egyptian cotton production), contributes to the exclusivity and high cost of garments made with this type of cotton.
