Egyptian cotton is the preferred option for towels and bedding among American consumers. This is among the findings of a survey commissioned by the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA). When consumers were asked to arrange a list of cotton brands in order of perceived quality, 89 per cent placed Egyptian cotton as one of their top two choices. Pima made the top two in 45 per cent of selections, followed by Turkish cotton, Supima and Sea Island Cotton.

CEA takes measures to root out dishonest manufacturers and counterfeit goods from the supply chain. Egyptian cotton is the most recognized cotton brand in the United States. Egyptian cotton is also the name most people associate with quality and the cotton fiber they say they are prepared to pay a premium for. While 86 per cent of those questioned couldn’t name a brand of cotton, among those who could, 95 per cent cited Egyptian cotton, with the remaining five per cent naming Pima.

For 52 per cent consumers, texture is the most important consideration when buying a cotton product and only two per cent consider products being manufactured in the USA as an important factor, when asked to rate the importance of listed qualities.