The Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets for the Most Luxurious Sleep Experience

Genuine Egyptian cotton is cultivated in only one place on the planet: along the Nile River Delta in Egypt. It comes from the Gossypium barbadense species (as does Pima cotton) though it is softer and stronger than its Pima siblings because of the Nile River’s climate. The moderate climate, high sun, and fertile soil in the region creates conditions that allow cotton plants to grow long-staple fibers. These longer fibers mean fewer connections when they’re woven into fabrics which translates into a stronger, more wrinkle- and fray-resistant finished product, i.e. soft, luxurious sheets.

Many people consider Egyptian cotton sheets to be the best cotton sheets. “Egyptian cotton is known for its luxurious feel and durability,” explained Brenda Danso, designer at BD Interiors, “But it can be more expensive. It is, though, a top choice for those seeking premium quality.”

Whether Egyptian cotton is unequivocally better than other types of cotton depends on your preferences. (If you’re someone who falls on the side of bamboo in the bamboo vs. cotton sheets debate, check out some of the best bamboo sheets at Cozy Earth.) However, read on to learn more about my top picks for Egyptian cotton sheets and how to decide what to buy.

Our top picks for the best Egyptian cotton sheets

What to consider when buying Egyptian cotton sheets

Weave

Percale and sateen refer to the weave used to make the fabric that is then cut and sewn into a sheet.

A percale weave consists of a basic one-over, one-under construction, allowing for a high number of points where threads overlap. This technique forms a crisp, durable, light material with excellent breathability. Each small fiber overlap creates tiny, mostly indiscernible, open spaces in between. They also may wrinkle more easily than sateen cottons and feel slightly rougher when new.

Sateen weaves typically involve a four-over, one-under technique that makes for a smoother feel with more sheen. Sheets made with a sateen cotton tend to be more wrinkle resistant. They also often feel heavier or thicker than their percale counterparts.

Which weave is best hinges greatly on personal preference. I like the slight texture of percale sheets and appreciate their added breathability while others gravitate towards the smooth, cozy, and thicker feel of sateen.

Thread count

Contrary to popular convention, a higher thread count does not always equal a better product. Sheets with higher thread counts of 800 or 1000 will be less breathable (and consequently warmer) than those in the 300 or 500 range. (For even more details, check out our guide to the best thread count for sheets.) Which you buy depends a lot on whether you sleep hot or cold.

Care

Most sheets are machine washable though there are some brands that recommend using delicate wash cycles and cold water to avoid shrinking, usually because of shrinkage concerns. While I usually use a medium heat setting on my dryer, my feeling is that for a sheet to be adequately durable and well made, you shouldn’t have to worry what temperature or wash cycle you use.

And if you’re wondering how often you should wash your sheets, every two weeks is a good place to start, though some may need to wash them more often due to allergies or pets.

How did we select the best Egyptian cotton sheets?

First, I did my research to ensure that the Egyptian cotton sheets included were all actually made from Egyptian cotton. I scoured online reviews for the companies as well as the products. As a professional tailor and pattern maker with 33 years of experience, I know a thing or two about textiles and how different fabrics are made. Fabric production, manufacturing, and design was one of my emphases (way) back when I was in school and has continued to be an area in which I focus in both of my careers. As well as writing for consumer audiences, I also write for companies that focus on developing new and more sustainable ways to harvest and produce fabrics.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How can I be sure that my sheets are Egyptian cotton?

The only way to be sure that your sheets are actually made from 100% Egyptian cotton is to look for the Cotton Egypt Association’s (CEA) accredited gold seal. Some companies, like Pure Parima, even include their license number on the seal. The CEA awards accreditations to products that pass their DNA testing.

Is Egyptian cotton better than other types of cotton?

One distinctive thing about Egyptian cotton is that, even today, it is still hand-picked. This means the fibers harvested are longer and straighter than cotton picked in other ways and can be woven into finer, softer fabrics. Regular cotton, created with short fiber strands contains many more splices—or joining points—in the yarn which means it’s not as soft and flexible.

Think about when you splice and join electric wires together: the joints are thicker and not as bendable as a long, continuous un-spliced wire. Cotton fibers work the same way (though they start out much thinner).

What thread count is best for Egyptian cotton sheets?

Thread counts refer to the number of horizontal and vertical strands per square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the thicker your sheet will feel and the less breathability it will have.

“The best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets can vary,” Danso told me, “But generally, one between 300 and 600 is considered excellent. A higher thread count may not necessarily indicate better quality, as it can impact breathability.”

If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll likely be happier with a 300 to 500 thread count whereas if you tend to be always cold, a sheet set with a higher thread count will keep you warmer.

How can you tell if Egyptian cotton sheets are real?

Again (and this is worth repeating) the only way to be absolutely sure that your sheets are actually made from 100% Egyptian cotton is to look for the Cotton Egypt Association’s (CEA) accredited gold seal. Danso recommends looking for reputable brands that provide certification or clear labeling. “Brands often state the cotton's origin on the packaging or in product descriptions,” she said.