What is Giza cotton, and why it makes your clothes better
Run your hand over two cotton shirts that look identical and you'll often feel the difference before you can explain it. One is soft, smooth and almost cool to the touch; the other feels flatter and a little rough. Very often the answer is the length of the cotton fibre itself, and that's where Giza cotton comes in.
Giza cotton, explained
Giza is the name given to a family of cotton varieties grown in Egypt, each identified by a number, such as Giza 45 or Giza 87. Together they're the best-known form of Egyptian cotton. What sets them apart is staple length: the length of each individual fibre in the cotton boll.
Most cotton fibres are around 20 to 30 mm long. Prized Egyptian varieties are far longer. Giza 45, the most celebrated of them, has fibres of 36 to 45 mm. These are known as long-staple and extra-long-staple cottons.
Why fibre length matters
Cotton yarn is made by twisting fibres together. Longer fibres change the result in three ways:
- Smoother and softer. Longer fibres mean fewer fibre ends sticking out of the yarn, so the fabric feels smoother against the skin.
- Stronger and longer-lasting. Long fibres overlap more as they're twisted, making a stronger yarn that resists tearing and pilling.
- Finer and more lustrous. Long, fine fibres spin into finer yarns, which give fabric a subtle sheen and a lighter feel.
Fine long-staple cotton also takes dye evenly, which helps colours look rich and stay that way wash after wash.
Giza vs regular cotton
| Regular cotton | Giza (Egyptian long-staple) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fibre length | About 20–30 mm | Up to 45 mm (Giza 45) |
| Feel | Comfortable, can feel coarser | Smoother and softer |
| Pilling | More likely over time | Less likely |
| Durability | Good | Very good |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
How we use Giza cotton
Pure Giza fabric is expensive, and much of it goes into luxury shirting and bedding. We blend a share of Giza cotton into the cotton we use for our clothing. The long fibres lift the softness and strength of the whole fabric while keeping our harem and baggy pants at an everyday price.
You'll feel it most in our everyday staples, from harem pants for men and women to our baggy cotton pants. Each is cut from cotton chosen to soften with every wash rather than wear thin.
How to care for long-staple cotton
- Wash cold or lukewarm, inside out, with similar colours.
- Skip bleach; it weakens fibres.
- Line-dry in shade to protect colours.
- Iron on a medium setting while slightly damp, or leave textured fabrics like crinkle cotton un-ironed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Giza cotton the same as Egyptian cotton?
Giza is the name for Egypt's numbered cotton varieties, the most famous type of Egyptian cotton. Not every product labelled "Egyptian cotton" uses long-staple Giza varieties.
Why is Giza cotton expensive?
It's grown in limited quantities, and its long fibres need careful handling. Long-staple cotton also goes into finer, more premium yarns.
Is Giza cotton good for summer?
Yes. It's breathable and absorbent like all cotton, with a smoother, lighter feel.
Are your clothes 100% Giza cotton?
No. Our clothes are 100% cotton, made from a blend that includes a share of Giza long-staple cotton.