Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
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.
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.
Our top picks for the best Egyptian cotton sheets
Best value Egyptian cotton sheets: Home Decorators Collection 500 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Certified by both the Egyptian Cotton Authority and the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 (which tests for harmful substances), this sheet set from Home Decorators feels soft and silky to the touch. The fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 18 inches deep and the 500 thread count cotton possesses impressive durability (so you can wash them as often as you need with very little pilling). And, they cost about half as much as most of the other sets on this list.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton
- Weave: Sateen
- Sizes available: Full, Queen, King, California king
- Care: Machine washable
- Price on publish: $63 - $82 Queen
What we like:
- Available in many colors
- Silky feel
- Has deep pockets
What we don’t like:
- Feels a bit stiff right out of the package
The bottom line:
Certified Egyptian cotton sheet set with a deep pocket at an excellent price.
500 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sateen White 4-Piece King Sheet Set
Best Egyptian cotton sheets on Amazon: Thread Spread Pure Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets
With over 40,000 ratings, Thread Spread Egyptian cotton sheets are one of the best options available on Amazon. They come in 20 different colors, feature 16-inch deep pockets, a 1000 thread count, and a lustrous, soft sheen at an excellent, budget-friendly price point. Thread Spread offers a 30-day return policy and sources their cotton from eco-conscious farmers and communities.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton
- Weave: Sateen
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California king
- Care: Machine washable
- Price on publish: $87.99 - $97.99 Queen
What we like:
- 30-day return policy
- Come in 20 different colors
- Head, foot indicator labels
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers report sizing is off
The bottom line:
High quality, budget friendly Egyptian cotton sheets that get softer over time.
THREAD SPREAD Pure Egyptian Queen Size Cotton Bed Sheets Set (Queen, 1000 Thread Count) Dark Grey Bed Linen Set - Bedding Pillow Cases (4 Pc) - Sateen Sheets - 16 in Queen Deep Pocket Sheets
Best Egyptian cotton percale sheets: Parachute Percale Sheet Set
Made sustainably in Portugal from 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, Parachute percale sheets feature a crisp, light feel and come in 10 color options. These are, by far, my favorite sheets (and I own multiple sets). The percale is soft, comfortable, and breathable making them great for hot sleepers and people like me who love the feel of multiple top coverings while sleeping even if it’s sweltering outside. Like all Parachute sheets, the bottom sheet features all-around elastic for a secure fit and the pillowcases are available with side or back envelope closures.
Incidentally, Parachute also makes some of the best linen bed sheets if you’re looking for an even looser, breathable weave.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton
- Weave: Percale
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Care: Machine washable
- Price on publish: $111 - $143 Queen
What we like:
- Comes in a range of colors
- Cooling
- All around elastic on bottom sheet
- 60-day returns
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
What we don’t like:
- Set doesn’t include a flat sheet by default so make sure to add it as an option
The bottom line:
This soft, breathable set from Parachute is available in multiple colors, all with upscale design features like all around elastic and back envelope pillow closures, making it some of the best percale sheets.
Queen Percale Sheet Set in Dark Grey | Parachute
Best affordable Egyptian cotton sheets: Threadmill Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set
This extremely affordable Egyptian cotton sheet set from Threadmill offers exceptional softness, pill and fade resistance as well as cooling properties (with a 400 thread count) for an excellent night’s sleep. They’re available in 12 colors including damask versions with geometric patterns. The company uses absolutely no plastic in their packaging (the sheets arrive in a reusable cotton tote) and their products are made with cotton certified by the Cotton Egypt Association.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton
- Weave: Sateen
- Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen. King, California King
- Care: Machine washable
- Price on publish: $59.99 - $64.99 Queen
What we like:
- Available in multiple colors
- Sustainable
- 400 thread count is cooling
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
What we don’t like:
- Wrinkle after washing until they soften up
The bottom line:
Extremely affordable and sustainable certified Egyptian cotton sheet set that comes in a wide range of colors, including patterned options.
Threadmill Egyptian Cotton Queen Sheet Set | 100% Certified Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets for Queen Size Bed | Queen Bed Sheets Set with Snug Fit 16" Deep Pocket | Soft Cooling Sateen Bedding Set | Beige
Best cooling Egyptian cotton sheets: L.L. Bean Egyptian Percale Sheet Collection
These soft, lightweight Egyptian cotton sheets from L.L. Bean feature a thread count of 400 which means they provide optimal air circulation for a cooling effect. They’re available in five pastel colors and fit mattresses with a 15-inch pocket depth. While they’re a bit stiff and scratchy right out of the packaging, after one or two washings they soften into a butter-like smoothness.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton
- Weave: Percale
- Sizes available: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Care: Machine washable
- Price on publish: $259.00 Queen
What we like:
- Lower thread count for cooling
- Lightweight
- Wash and dry exceptionally well
What we don’t like:
- Narrow elastic on fitted sheet seems flimsy
The bottom line:
This lightweight, 400 thread count percale holds up well (and gets softer) with multiple washings, making this L.L. Bean set some of the best cooling sheets.
Premium Egyptian Percale Sheet Collection Pastel Mint King Cases, Cotton L.L.Bean
Best hotel quality Egyptian cotton sheets: The Company Store Premium Smooth Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheet Set
Finished with rows of elegant pin tucks on the pillowcases and flat sheet, this luxurious Egyptian cotton sheet set from The Company Store rivals any you’d find in a fancy, 5-star hotel room. Soft and comfortable, they require little ironing (if any) and remain quite wrinkle free. The fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches deep and features all-around elastic (as opposed to just at the corners) which means it stays put on your bed even if you’re a restless sleeper.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton
- Weave: Sateen
- Sizes available: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Care: Machine washable, tumble dry low
- Price on publish: $349.00 Queen
What we like:
- All around elastic on fitted sheet
- Luxurious sheen
- Requires little ironing
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
What we don’t like:
- Only comes in three colors
The bottom line:
Luxurious, sateen Egyptian cotton sheets featuring elegant design details as well as all around elastic on the fitted sheet.
Premium Smooth Egyptian Cotton Sateen Bed Sheet Set - White, Size Queen | The Company Store
Best Egyptian cotton sateen sheets: Parachute Sateen Sheet Set
As evidenced by my inclusion in this guide of both their percale and sateen Egyptian cotton sheet sets, Parachute is my favorite source for the best cotton sheets of any variety (they also make quality loungewear). The sateen version has a soft smooth feel that continues to get better with time while providing excellent durability. They come in seven muted colors (you can even order fabric swatches to help you choose) and the pillowcases are available with either a side or back envelope opening. I prefer the back envelope as I think it gives a more secure closure.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton.
- Weave: Sateen
- Sizes available: Full, Queen, King, California King
- Care: Machine washable
- Price on publish: $215 Queen
What we like:
- Seven different colors
- Durable
- Gets softer with each washing
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
What we don’t like:
- Might be too warm for hot sleepers
The bottom line:
Soft, durable sateen Egyptian cotton sheets from Parachute that only get better over time—and available in multiple colors.
Queen Sateen Sheet Set in White | Parachute
Best deep pocket Egyptian cotton sheets: Pure Parima Ultra Percale Sheet Set
With corner straps and thick all-around elastic, the fitted sheet in Pure Parima’s Ultra Percale set fits securely around deep 18-inch mattresses. The pillow cases feature a hidden envelope end closure so your pillow doesn’t pop out, and the top sheet has an elegant single-needle stitched edging; both of which exemplify the premium quality of these sheets. The percale woven cotton, both crisp and cooling, comes in four colors (fabric swatches available). And, Pure Parima offers a 100-night guarantee.
Specifications:
- Materials: 100% Egyptian cotton
- Weave: Percale
- Sizes available: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Care: Machine washable
- Price on publish: $184 Queen
What we like:
- Corner straps and all-around elastic
- Cotton Egypt Association certified
- Free U.S. shipping
- OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
What we don’t like:
- May require ironing to remove all the wrinkles after washing
The bottom line:
Beautiful, high end Egyptian cotton sheet set featuring many thoughtful details and a 100-night, risk free guarantee.
Pure Parima Ultra Percale Sheet Set
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.
The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.