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Written by
Lauren Fountain
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Egyptian cotton sheets are often considered the height of luxury. They’re prized for their superior softness, durability, and breathability. The distinct feel of Egyptian cotton sheets come from the unique properties of Egyptian cotton itself. Egyptian cotton has extra-long staples, which means each individual fiber is exceptionally long.
For sheets to be considered 100% Egyptian, the cotton should be sourced exclusively from Egypt through sellers with a certification from the Cotton Egypt Association. Some sheet sets contain a blend of Egyptian cotton and other varieties of cotton but are simply labeled as “Egyptian cotton.” These options usually cost significantly less than 100% Egyptian cotton sheets.
Several other high-quality types of cotton may also be used in place of authentic Egyptian cotton to craft luxury sheets. For instance, Pima cotton, which is another type of extra-long staple cotton, enjoys widespread popularity at a lower average price.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best Egyptian cotton sheet sets on the market. We’ll also go over a few things to keep in mind as you shop for Egyptian cotton sheets to help you find the best set for your bed.
Their smooth, buttery feel makes the Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheets a strong option for people looking for snuggly luxuriousness.
The Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheets is an excellent value buy that combines quality and comfort with ample style options. Standard options include white, cream, steel, graphite, navy, smoke stripe, window pane, graphite grid, and graphite and steel Oxford stripe. Brooklinen also offers vibrant limited edition colors and patterns for shoppers looking for a more distinctive look.
Bundles include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. The fitted sheet can accommodate mattresses between 10 and 15 inches thick, and short and long labels simplify making the bed. Each pillowcase has an envelope closure to limit shifting and spillage. Custom sets are also available, so customers can mix and match different sizes and colors.
Featuring a smooth sateen weave, these 480-thread count sheets have a somewhat luminous finish and a buttery feel. They’re made of long-staple cotton from Egypt and India, saving customers money without skimping on the luxury, breathability, and durability. The sheets are OEKO-TEX Certified, which means they’ve been tested for some of the most common potentially harmful substances.
Brooklinen recommends washing the sheets in cold or cool water with mild detergent. You can also dry them on low heat and low tumble. Since the sheets are not treated to prevent wrinkles, some wrinkling may occur. You can iron the sheets on low as needed to smooth them. Hang drying the sheets can also reduce wrinkles. Over time, fewer wrinkles should appear after every wash.
Sheets ship free within the contiguous United States. A 365-day return policy applies to the sheet set, and the company pays for return shipping for customers in the contiguous United States.
The Pure Parima Yalda Sheet Set stands out for its silky-smooth finish and 100% Certified Egyptian Cotton construction.
The Pure Parima Yalda Sheet Set is an exceptionally high-quality sheet set, making it one of our favorites. While many luxury sheet sets use a combination of cotton from Egypt and other countries, the Pure Parima Yalda Sheet Set is made up of exclusively pure 100% Egyptian Cotton certified by the Cotton Egypt Association. This extra-long staple cotton comes from the Nile River Valley, and the fibers are handpicked to maintain their length.
Fibers are spun into strong yarn, which is used to craft durable, breathable, absorptive, soft sheets that continue to get softer with each wash. The sheets are 400 thread count and have a sateen weave, which gives them a slight sheen that can be refreshed by ironing the sheets on the “cotton” setting. Both the flat sheet and the pillowcases have a double-hem stitch design for an extra touch of elegance.
The twin size set comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and a pillowcase, while the full, queen, king, and California king sizes have a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Split king is also available, and this set comes with a flat sheet, two twin XL fitted sheets, and two king pillowcases. Currently, the Yalda Sheet Set is only available in white.
Thanks to the fitted sheets deep pocket, the Yalda Sheet Set can accommodate mattresses between 10 inches and 20 inches thick. Envelope closures in the pillowcases help prevent the pillow from sliding out during the night.
This sheet set is OEKO-TEX Certified, which means it has been tested for an array of potentially harmful substances. The sheets can be machine washed on cold with a liquid detergent that’s mild and biodegradable. They can also be tumble dried on low. High heat should be avoided in order to preserve the lifespan of the sheets.
Pure Parima offers a 100-night risk-free trial period. Shipping is free in the contiguous United States.
Luxor Linens Valentino 1200 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set comes in nine distinct color options to fit virtually any decor, and buyers can also choose to add monogramming.
With nine color options, the Luxor Linens Valentino 1200 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set offers enough variety to satisfy most tastes. Color options include white, ivory, taupe, navy, chocolate, sage, wine, sky, and gold. Shoppers on a budget can also save money by selecting the non-returnable mystery color option rather than choosing the color for themselves. Additionally, customers can add monogramming for a fee.
Extra-long staple mercerized Egyptian cotton is woven into this 1200 thread count sheet set. Their high thread count leads to somewhat thicker, heavier sheets. The mercerization process increases the luster and the fabric’s ability to hold dye, so Valentino sheets should maintain their vibrant colors in the long run. These sheets are crisp, breathable, and soft to the touch, adding luxury to any sleep surface.
The Luxor Linens Valentino 1200 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set comes in eight size options: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Olympic queen, California king, and split king. Custom sizes are also available. Each set contains a flat sheet and a fitted sheet, and the fitted sheet can accommodate mattresses up to 19 inches thick. The twin and twin XL sizes also come with one pillowcase, while the other sizes come with two pillowcases.
This sheet set is machine washable and dryable for easy cleaning.
Orders over $49 ship free in the contiguous United States. The set comes with a 30-day in-home trial period.
Composed of 800 thread count Egyptian cotton, the Cavendish Bed Linen Collection’s sheets and pillowcases are durable and smooth with a soft, drapey hand-feel.
Most Egyptian sheet sets are optimal for hotter months of the year, but what about the fall, winter, and early spring months? The Cavendish Bed Linen Collection from White London is constructed from Egyptian cotton that offers more insulation from the cold without sacrificing too much breathability. The sheets and pillowcases in this set have an 800 thread count, so the material is substantial.
The items are constructed with a sateen weave, as well, so they provide a close drape that helps the fabric retain body heat. The weave also gives the material a very smooth hand-feel. You can opt for a solid white set or choose from three two-tone patterns featuring solid white with darker border colors. White London allows you to hand-pick each component, omit items you don’t need, and mix and match sizes and patterns.
The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 18 inches, so the collection will be compatible with most mattresses sold today. Every component can be washed and dried in a household machine. Shipping is free for all orders over $150, which covers all sizes for this set.
The wrinkle-resistant Parachute Sateen Sheet Set has a subtle sheen and smooth feel that gives it a polished look without the need to iron.
Constructed of long-staple Egyptian cotton handpicked in the Nile River Valley, the Parachute Sateen Sheet Set has a smooth feel and a hint of luster. This 280-thread count sheet set is made in a family-owned factory in northern Portugal, a country with a strong history in textile production. Since the sheets pull away moisture and allow airflow, most sleepers are likely to find them cool and comfortable.
The basic sheet set includes a fitted sheet and pillowcase set, and customers can choose to add on a top sheet. Each fitted sheet fits mattresses up to 16 inches thick. Parachute makes sheets to fit twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king mattress sizes.
Four neutral colors are available, including white, sand, light grey, and slate. Parachute sells swatches of their fabric so that customers can see which colors or weaves they prefer before purchasing a sheet set.
The Parachute Sateen Sheet Set is machine washable in cool water using mild liquid detergent and tumble dried on low. Thanks to the sateen weave, the sheets are naturally somewhat wrinkle-resistant. If you want a smoother look, you can also iron the sheets on low heat. The softness and wrinkle resistance should increase with additional washings.
An independent lab has tested the fabric for potentially harmful substances, earning the Parachute Sateen Sheet Set OEKO-TEX certification.
Customers in the United States can take advantage of free shipping and returns. The return window lasts for 60 days after the delivery receipt.
Lightweight and crisp, the Snowe Percale Sheet Set can help sleepers stay cool when the weather heats up.
The Snowe Percale Sheet Set is the only set on our list that uses a percale weave, which gives these sheets an exceptionally light, crisp feel.
Crafted in Italy of long-staple Egyptian cotton, this 500-thread count sheet set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, two pillowcases, and a percale envelope to store the sheets in. Each fitted sheet is built to accommodate most mattress depths. The material has a matte finish with a smooth, breathable feel that can help keep sleepers cool and comfortable when it’s hot out.
The Snowe Percale Sheet Set comes in five neutral shades: white, ivory, ash grey, slate blue, and blush. Full, queen, king, and California king sizes are available.
Snowe recommends that owners wash their sheets separately in warm water on the gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. Percale is more likely to wrinkle than sateen. For a smoother finish, customers can use a warm iron or fold the sheets immediately after drying.
The Snowe Percale Sheet Set is OEKO-TEX certified, so it has been tested for several potentially harmful substances.
There is a $5 flat rate shipping charge for orders within the contiguous United States, but return shipping is free. The eligible return period lasts for 60 days.
Egyptian cotton is a variety of extra-long staple cotton. Having extra-long staples means that each fiber is longer and finer than most varieties of cotton, giving the resulting fabric added strength, durability, and softness. Because the fibers are quite fine, Egyptian cotton sheets also frequently have higher thread counts than traditional cotton.
While it is historically from the fertile Nile River Valley, Egyptian cotton is now grown in other warm climates around the world. Egyptian cotton is traditionally picked by hand to preserve the length of the staples.
Many sleepers consider Egyptian cotton sheets the pinnacle of luxury, but there are other options on the market. Pima cotton is also popular for its extra-long staples, which make it somewhat comparable to Egyptian cotton without as high of an average price. American upland cotton is another common variety. While sheets made of American upland cotton tend to be more affordable, they usually aren’t as smooth or durable as Egyptian cotton due to the shorter fiber length.
With so many different materials, styles, thread counts, and weaves, shopping for the best sheets for you can be an overwhelming process. Understanding the main factors that set sheets apart may make your decision easier.
The following criteria are some of the most important things to keep in mind when buying any type of sheet. Shoppers considering Egyptian cotton sheets should be especially leery because marketing in luxury bedding can be misleading. While high-quality materials can justify the premium price of some luxury sheets, other vendors may mislabel their sheets as “Egyptian cotton” to draw in customers.
We generally recommend Egyptian cotton sheets in the 400-700 thread count range. However, shoppers should keep in mind that there may not feel a significant difference between higher and lower thread count sheets, and many high-quality 200-300 thread count sheets are quite comfortable.
The weave is one of the main differentiating factors between sheet sets, and it can influence their appearance, feel, and durability. Egyptian cotton sheets typically use one of the following four weaves.
Sateen
Sateen is one of the most common weaves used in Egyptian cotton sheets. It uses a three over and one under pattern that creates a soft, smooth fabric that is somewhat resistant to wrinkling. Sateen sheets typically have a slight sheen. While they are breathable, they tend to be heavier than percale.
Percale
Percale is a basic one over, one under weave. The resulting fabric has a matte finish and a crisp feel that may be ideal for warm weather.
Twill
The twill weave uses diagonal ribs. As a result, the fabric tends to have a warm, fuzzy feel. Twill sheets are usually quite soft and may feel especially cozy during the winter.
Pinpoint
The pinpoint weave typically uses a two threads over and one thread under basketweave pattern. While pinpoint sheets usually aren’t as soft as those with other weaves, they tend to be exceptionally durable. The pinpoint weave is often used in dress shirts, so many sleepers find the feel of pinpoint sheets comparable to that of a button-up.
Like any purchase, buying Egyptian cotton sheets has potential pros and cons. For many owners, the main benefit of Egyptian cotton sheets is their superior softness and comfort. However, the relatively high price point can be a drawback for some shoppers.
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By and large, most sleepers are likely to find Egyptian cotton sheets quite comfortable. However, sleepers who like the feel of luxury hotel bedding may enjoy them most. Egyptian cotton sheets are soft and smooth, and they usually allow ample cooling airflow. Individuals who prefer a crisper, lighter feel may like Egyptian cotton sheets with a percale weave, while people looking for a cozier feel or less wrinkling may favor a sateen weave.
Shoppers on a budget may veer away from Egyptian cotton sheets. Other types of cotton sheets tend to be more affordable, as do polyester and microfiber sets.
Some customers who like a fuzzy feel may also be better suited by other types of sheets. While Egyptian cotton sheets with a twill weave are somewhat fuzzy, they aren’t as widely available as sateen or percale sheets. Customers looking for fuzzy sheets may have an easier time finding twill or flannel sheets made of other types of cotton.
Thread count simply refers to the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. While thread count matters, it shouldn’t be the only thing customers look for in their sheets.
Shoppers often see a high thread count as a mark of quality, but thread count can be deceptive. Marketers often hype or exaggerate the thread count of a sheet set. One common way to inflate the thread count is by using two- or three-ply fabric. This means that multiple threads are twisted together and then woven into the fabric, increasing the thread count without necessarily improving the quality.
A thread count between 400 and 700 is generally optimal for Egyptian cotton sheets. High-quality options with lower thread counts may also be comfortable and frequently cost less. Customers should pay close attention to sheets that list a thread count over the 600-800 range in order to make sure this count is accurate.
What is the typical price range for Egyptian cotton sheets?
Customers can find sheets labeled as Egyptian cotton at a wide range of price points, starting below $100 and going upwards of $500. Pure Egyptian cotton sheets usually cost several hundred dollars. Some sheet sets cut costs by using a blend of Egyptian cotton and other types of cotton, which can slash the price down to under $100.
How long do Egyptian cotton sheets last?
How long Egyptian cotton sheets last will depend on their quality and how well you care for them. High-quality, well cared for Egyptian cotton sheets can last for over a decade.
How do I wash and care for Egyptian cotton sheets?
For the best results, customers should always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most Egyptian cotton sheets are machine washable and dryable for easy cleaning. Typically, you should avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or harsh detergents on Egyptian cotton sheets. Using high heat also usually isn’t advisable because it could cause shrinkage.
How do I know I’m buying authentic Egyptian cotton sheets?
Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to know if sheets use authentic Egyptian cotton, so customers may need to do a little digging. Certification from the Cotton Egypt Association is the gold standard for authenticity, so many companies that have this distinction display it proudly on their websites. If it isn’t, customers can contact the company to ask for proof that their cotton is Egyptian.
