Do you know what is older than the Great Pyramid of Giza? Cotton fabric. Archaeologists have found traces of woven cotton in the Indus Valley and ancient Egypt, dating back to over 3,000 BCE. That means people were spinning and weaving cotton long before the first pyramid stones were laid.
It’s no surprise that cotton has remained a staple for thousands of years. It is soft, breathable and perfect for warm climates. Still, cotton is available in various qualities. Some feel silky smooth, some shine with a natural glow and some hold their crispness all day.
From Egypt’s legendary fields to Europe’s finest mills, let’s explore what makes the world’s best cotton fabrics truly special.
Egyptian Cotton – The Gold Standard of Shirting
The hallmark of Egyptian cotton fabric is its extra-long staple fibres, the individual strands that make up the fabric. Longer fibres produce finer, stronger and smoother fabrics. Egyptian cotton fibres can grow over 1.5 inches, much longer than regular cotton. This extra length allows them to be spun into fine, tightly woven threads without breaking. The result is a soft, durable fabric with a naturally refined finish.
This creates a fabric with a dense but lightweight structure. The threads sit close together, making the surface smooth and less likely to form loose fibre ends. This helps it resist pilling, which is the small fabric balls that appear when fibres break and tangle. The tight weave also holds colour better and gives the fabric a soft sheen. The fine yarns leave tiny natural gaps that allow air to circulate. This keeps the fabric cool on the skin while maintaining a crisp feel.
Because of this unique structure, Egyptian cotton is often considered the best cotton fabric for shirtmakers who value softness, durability and elegance in one fabric.
Supima Cotton – America’s Luxury Cotton
If Egyptian cotton is the classic, Supima cotton fabric is its modern rival. The name comes from “Superior Pima,” a variety grown mainly in the United States. Like Egyptian cotton fabric, it has extra-long staple fibres, usually over 1.3 inches. These fibres are smooth and strong, which allows the fabric to be woven tightly without losing softness.
Before spinning, the fibres are carefully combed to remove short or uneven strands. This gives Supima cotton a clean, even surface that feels almost silky. It also holds dye very well, so colours stay bright and rich even after many washes.
The true strength of Supima lies in its versatility. Its strength and smooth drape make it sharp enough for formal shirts, yet soft and breathable for casual wear. It is the kind of fabric you can wear anywhere and still look dapper.
Italian Fabric – The Art of European Weaving
Italian fabric is admired worldwide for its craftsmanship. Regions like Biella and Como are celebrated for their textile heritage. Mills here work with high-grade cotton, spinning it into exceptionally fine yarns that are woven with remarkable precision. This dedication to detail creates fabrics that feel light, smooth and naturally luxurious.
Finishing adds to the distinction. Italian mills often use advanced techniques such as mercerisation to enhance strength, colour depth and sheen. Some fabrics are treated with specialised softening processes, giving them a pleasant feel while keeping the weave crisp and structured.
What truly sets Italian fabrics apart is their variety. Poplin offers a flat, smooth surface perfect for formal shirts. Twill has a subtle diagonal texture that adds drape and weight, making it comfortable for long wear. Oxford weaves are thicker and slightly textured, giving shirts a smart yet relaxed look.
Many of these mills are family-owned, with techniques perfected over generations. This blend of regional heritage and modern innovation is why Italian fabric remains one of the most trusted names in luxury shirting.
Superfine Cottons and Innovative Blends
The future of premium cotton lies in innovation. It is about weaving finer yarns and blending natural fibres to enhance comfort and performance. Superfine cotton is one such fabric. Made with very thin yarns woven tightly together, it has a clean, smooth surface that glides on the skin. The closely packed threads feel gentle, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It is soft like silk but lighter and cooler to wear.
Cotton is loved for its softness and strength. Linen is valued for its airy, cool feel. When combined, they create the cotton-linen blend. This blend keeps the cool comfort of linen and adds the softness and strength of cotton. It also creases less than pure linen, making it practical for daily wear.
One is made for sharp boardroom shirts and the other for relaxed weekends in the sun. Together, they show how cotton fabrics are evolving to suit every part of modern life.