Giza Cotton, Explained — Why Japan and Italy Pay a Premium for It

The “Giza” in Giza Mills isn’t only the pyramids. It’s the official naming system for Egypt’s cotton varieties — and a few of those numbers are quietly revered in the finest textile circles.

Before you buy: a lot of what is sold as “Egyptian cotton” is blended or mislabelled. Here is how to spot fake Egyptian cotton before you spend a penny.

In short. Giza is the variety prefix for Egyptian cotton (Giza 45, Giza 87, Giza 96…). The extra-long-staple Giza varieties are among the most sought-after fibres in the world — Japanese shirtmakers and Imabari towel houses prize Giza 45 in particular. It is grown in limited volume, which is why it commands a premium.

What the numbers mean

Each Egyptian cotton variety is given a Giza number by the country’s cotton authority. They differ in staple length, strength and where in Egypt they grow best. The extra-long-staple grades — led by Giza 45 — are the elite tier.

Because top Giza grades are scarce, they’re often reserved for high-end shirting, bedding and towels. Finding them in relaxed knitwear, at an honest price, is unusual — which is exactly the gap Giza Mills was built for.

Common questions

Is Giza cotton better than Pima?

They’re peers — both extra-long-staple. Giza 45 is often rated at the very top for fineness; Pima (Supima) is the comparable American grade.

Explore the collection — pure Egyptian Giza cotton, knit by hand in Egypt.

Related reading: our complete guide to Giza cotton · why staple length matters

From Giza Mills — we weave menswear from genuine 2-ply Egyptian Giza cotton, made in Cairo. If you would like to feel the cloth rather than just read about it, see our Egyptian cotton Oxford shirt, browse the full shirts collection, or read Is Egyptian cotton worth it?