Buying a legitimate Egyptian cotton bed sheet on your own is actually really difficult.
The main reason being that many manufacturers will label their sheets as being made from Egyptian cotton when in fact they are actually made from a blend of cottons.
And then there’s the artificially inflated thread counts to deal with.
Because high quality Egyptian cotton sheets are some of the softest, most luxurious, and cooling that are available on the market today.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best Egyptian cotton bed sheets that you can buy online in 2022.
So that you can find the right type of Egyptian cotton sheet for you – with the minimum of fuss.
The 5 Best Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets 2022
I’ve compiled the list below based on my own extensive research and personal opinions.
The best Egyptian cotton bed sheets to buy in 2022 are the Malouf, New York Mercado, Casa Esencia, Meraki Linen, and Comfy Sheets brands due to their quality, softness, comfort, and affordability.
Click the red ‘check price now’ button under each of the following Egyptian cotton bed sheet reviews to buy that sheet set right away.
1: Malouf – Best Authentic Percale Egyptian Cotton Sheets
The best 100% ‘authentic’ Egyptian cotton bed sheet that I could find was this 4 piece sheet set from Malouf that’s woven in Italy and finished by Italian artisans for extra detail.
These sheets feel super smooth and get softer and softer with each wash.
This is likely down to the 400 thread count and percale weave that means you’re buying an incredibly soft and durable sheet that also feels crisp and cool.
The sheets come with a 10 year warranty too.
Benefits
- 400 thread count for a balance of breathability with strength and softness.
- Woven in northern Italy and finished by artisans for supreme attention to detail.
- Extra deep pocket fitted sheet for mattresses up to 22 inches thick.
- Can be machine washed and tumble dried.
- Includes a 10 year warranty.
Cons
- Unclear if certified by the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA).
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer says that these sheets can be machine washed and tumble dried – check the label for specific guidelines before washing.
Best For Breathability and Sleeping Comfortably Year-Round
I think these are the best Egyptian cotton sheets for sleeping comfortably year round.
This is because the percale weave and moderate thread count makes for a light and crisp sheet that breathes well to help keep you cool in summer but also warm in winter by trapping just enough heat to help you sleep at the right temperature.
Click the button below to buy this luxurious Egyptian cotton sheet set now.
2: New York Mercado – Best Egyptian Cotton Comforter and Duvet Sets
If you’re looking for an Egyptian cotton comforter, duvet, or sheet set then New York Mercado have got you covered.
Because they can offer you the option of buying either a comforter, duvet, or sheet set.
The quilted comforter is made from 100% organic cotton (GOTS certified) with an 800 thread count and 500 GSM.
Egyptian cotton is used for the sheet set, comforter, and duvet for exceptional softness and durability.
Benefits
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified to ensure that the sheet is free from synthetic pesticides and harmful chemicals.
- Hypoallergenic to guard against skin irritation and allergic reactions.
- Choose from duvet, comforter, or sheet sets for all year round comfort.
- The duvet sets also come with 2 pillow shams.
- Highly breathable to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.
Cons
- Unclear if certified by the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA).
Washing Guidelines
The comforter cannot be machine washed – either sun-dry or take it to a dry cleaner.
The duvet and sheets can be machine washed in cold water and tumble dried on low – avoid bleach.
Always check the label before washing and drying to make sure that you don’t do anything that might damage the materials.
Best Organic Duvet, Comforter, and Sheet Sets For Allergies
If you’re looking for the best organic Egyptian cotton sheet set, comforter or duvet and you have allergies then I’d go with these selections from New York Mercado.
Because they are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified to ensure that the final product doesn’t contain harmful chemicals – which might otherwise irritate your skin or cause allergic flare ups.
I also like that you can choose from either a sheet set with pillows, a duvet, or a comforter with pillows.
Click the button below to select your Egyptian cotton bedding option.
3: Casa Esencia – Best 1000 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets
If you’re specifically looking for the best 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets then have a look at this 4 piece sheet set from Ce Casa Esencia.
Because the higher thread count, sateen weave, and long staple cotton makes for a highly durable sheet that’s also incredibly soft and luxurious to sleep in.
The longer fibers also make these sheets more resistant to pilling and fraying.
Benefits
- Highly breathable to keep you cool and dry.
- Elasticated fitted sheet to prevent the sheet slipping off.
- Sateen weave for extra softness.
- Longer fibers to resist pilling.
Cons
- Unclear if certified by the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA).
Washing Guidelines
Check the label before washing for the care guidelines.
Best For Luxury and Softness
If you’re looking for the best luxury Egyptian cotton sheets then I think you should buy this sheet set from Casa Esencia.
Because the 1000 thread count and sateen weave combine to create a highly durable sheet that’s resistant to pilling but also feels incredibly soft and silky to the touch.
Click the button below to buy this sheet set now.
4: Meraki Linen – Best 600 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets
If you’re looking for the best 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheet set then have a look at this 4 piece selection from Meraki Linen.
Because not only does the fitted sheet fit mattresses up to 24 inches thick, the sheets and pillowcases are fade resistant, highly breathable, hypoallergenic, machine washable, and silky soft to the touch.
Benefits
- 600 thread count for durability and softness.
- Breathable to keep you cool and dry year-round.
- Extra deep pocket fitted sheet to accommodate mattresses up to 24 inches thick.
Cons
- Unclear if certified by the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA).
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer recommends that you machine wash in cold water and tumble dry on low – check the label before washing.
Best For Thick Mattresses
This is the best Egyptian cotton sheet set if you have a thick mattress or use a topper because the fitted sheet is extra deep pocketed to fit mattresses up to 22 inches thick.
Click the button below to buy this sheet set now.
5: Comfy Sheets – Best Cheap Egyptian Cotton Sheets
If you’d like to buy an Egyptian cotton sheet set but don’t want to pay top dollar then have a look at this 4 piece set from Comfy Sheets.
Because the long staple Egyptian cotton threads combined with an 800 thread count and a sateen weave make for a strong, durable, and soft sheet that’s very reasonably priced.
This is also a good sheet set if you’re a hot sleeper looking to cool down because the sheet is breathable and able to absorb moisture.
Benefits
- Deep pocket fitted sheet for mattresses up to 18 inches thick.
- Breathable and absorbent to help with night sweats and overheating.
- Can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Cons
- Unclear if certified by the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA).
Washing Guidelines
The manufacturer says that you can wash these sheets in the machine on a normal cycle and you should remove them promptly from the machine to limit wrinkling.
Best Cooling Egyptian Cotton Sheets For Hot Sleepers
I think these are very affordable Egyptian cotton sheets if you sleep hot or have night sweats and want to combine luxurious softness with sleeping cool and dry.
Because the sateen weave makes for a soft and durable sheet whilst the breathability of the fibers will help excess heat to escape and absorb moisture to keep you dry too.
Click the button below to buy these sheets now.
Guide to Buying Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Below are some of the most common questions regarding Egyptian cotton bed sheets.
The answers to which will give you the knowledge to shop for these kinds of sheets with confidence because you’ll be able to see through the inflated marketing claims that are sometimes used to trick customers into paying too much for an inferior sheet.
But if you still have questions, simply leave them in the comments section at the end of this post and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
What is Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian cotton is derived from the Gossypium barbadense plant and is specifically cultivated in Egypt to create ‘extra-long staple’ (ELS) cotton [1].
ELS fibers are longer than 34 mm and are very fine – allowing for the creation of some of the world’s highest quality and most luxurious bed sheets because more yarns can be used per square inch of fabric.
This results in a sheet that’s stronger, more durable, softer, and more flexible than sheets made from other types of cotton plants.
Egyptian cotton sheets are typically sold online in 4 piece sets that include 1 fitted sheet to protect your mattress, 1 flat sheet that can be used instead of or alongside your duvet/comforter, and 2 pillowcases.
What is the Difference Between Cotton and Egyptian Cotton?
Authentic Egyptian cotton sheets are considered to be superior to both Pima and Upland cotton sheets.
This is because Egyptian cotton is hand-picked in Egypt and it has the longest and finest staples when compared to the other cotton plants cultivated in different regions around the world.
‘Regular’ cotton is also exposed to more stress and detrimental splicing during the mechanical harvesting process – resulting in a weaker yarn that makes for bed sheets that feel rougher, are more likely to pill, and will degrade faster when compared to Egyptian cotton sheets.
And because Egyptian cotton has threads with a smaller diameter when compared to regular cotton, this allows for a higher thread count which can lead to a better quality sheet when woven.
Egyptian Cotton vs Pima Cotton
8% of the world’s cotton comes from the Gossypium barbadense plant and is used to make Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton.
And yet despite coming from the same plant, the main difference between Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton is that Pima cotton is grown in the US – typically in Arizona – whilst Egyptian cotton is grown in the Nile River Valley, Egypt [2].
Authentic Egyptian cotton sheets typically cost more than Pima cotton sheets but you can expect to be compensated with a more durable and softer sheet that retains its colour well when dyed.
In summary, Pima cotton sheets are considered to be better quality than Upland cotton sheets but not quite as good as Egyptian cotton sheets.
Egyptian Cotton vs Upland Cotton
90% of the world’s cotton comes from the Gossypium hirsutum plant to create Upland cotton – also known as Mexican cotton – and can be considered collectively to be ‘regular’ cotton.
If you’re buying a bed sheet and it doesn’t explicitly state that it’s made from Egyptian or Pima cotton (or Supima® – the trademark used to promote American-grown, extra-long staple Pima cotton) [3] then you’re probably buying Upland cotton.
Sheets made from Upland cotton typically have shorter fibers than Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton sheets – making them cheaper to buy but inferior in quality since they are more likely to pill and wear out.
Are All Egyptian Cotton Sheets 100% Pure?
No.
It’s often quite difficult to be completely sure that you’re buying a bed sheet that’s made from 100% Egyptian cotton that contains the ELS fibers.
This is because manufacturers will either cut corners or exploit marketing angles to increase their profits.
For example, a manufacturer may blend Egyptian cotton with cotton sourced from other countries to make a sheet that’s typically sold at a much cheaper price but still labelled as being an ‘Egyptian cotton sheet’.
How Can You Tell if Egyptian Cotton Sheets are Real?
The only way to be absolutely sure that you’re buying 100% real Egyptian cotton sheets is to look for the Cotton Egypt Association’s (CEA) Accredited Gold Seal.
Because these products have passed a DNA testing process that identifies the staple length of the cotton and if it really has been grown in ‘the unique climate of Egypt’ [4].
Alternatively, you can look for accredited manufacturers on the CEA’s website here [5] – since some rouge manufacturers may use fake seals and logos to try and look like they have been CEA approved.
But not all legit Egyptian cotton manufacturers are CEA certified either.
So your sheets still might be the real-deal even without the CEA seal.
One of the alternative ways to spot ‘fake’ Egyptian cotton sheets as you’re shopping online is to look at the price point.
Because real Egyptian cotton sheets typically cost upwards of a hundred dollars – so if they cost less than this then you might be buying a cotton blend.
What Are the Benefits of Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
If you’re buying 100% genuine Egyptian cotton sheets then the ELS fibers will confer the following benefits.
Highly Durable
Egyptian cotton sheets are very durable and could last you for several years if properly cared for.
This is because true ELS fibers are very fine and so more of them can be used per square inch of fabric to make a more durable sheet when compared to Upland cotton which has thicker fibers.
Very Soft
Because Egyptian cotton fibers are hand picked, they are spared the mechanical process that usually damages and weakens the fibers used to make Upland cotton sheets that are consequently more coarse to the touch.
Often, your Egyptian cotton sheets will become softer over time because washing can loosen up the fibers a little.
Limited Pilling
Egyptian cotton sheets are less likely to pill because the extra long fibers are stronger and less likely to fray than the shorter staple fibers used in other types of cotton sheets.
Can Regulate Your Temperature
An Egyptian cotton sheet that’s being used as a top sheet (flat sheet) can regulate your temperature because the fibers are naturally very breathable and will allow excess heat to escape.
This means that Egyptian cotton sheets are an excellent choice for keeping you cool in summer, if you tend to sleep hot, or suffer from hot flashes.
Egyptian cotton sheets can also help to keep you warm in cooler weather by trapping heat just like any other bed sheet would.
Can Keep You Dry
Egyptian cotton sheets can also help to keep you dry if you suffer from night sweats because the material is naturally absorbent and can pull moisture away from your body.
Fade Resistant
The porous nature of Egyptian cotton not only helps to absorb your sweat, it also lends itself to the excellent uptake and colour retention of dyes.
This results in a vibrant sheet that doesn’t fade easily with the proper care.
Kind to Your Skin
Because Egyptian cotton is a natural material, it’s far less likely to irritate your skin when compared to synthetic sheets that can trigger a textile allergy – with polyester being a typical offender.
However, you should look for the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label or GOTS certification to ensure that the final sheet doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
What Are the Drawbacks of Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
There are a few drawbacks that you need to be aware of before you go ahead and buy your Egyptian cotton bed sheets.
Cost
The biggest drawback associated with genuine Egyptian cotton sheets is the relatively higher cost when compared to other cotton and synthetic sheets that are typically easier to make.
However, buying real Egyptian cotton sheets should be seen as an investment because they can last you for many, many years.
Authenticity
The most challenging aspect of shopping for Egyptian cotton sheets is finding a sheet or sheet set that’s made completely from genuine Egyptian cotton and has not been mislabeled.
As I said earlier, the solution is to look for the CEA seal or search for the manufacturer on the CEA website.
In some cases, a sheet may still be legit despite not being registered with the CEA – so the next best thing is to look at the price point to see if those sheets are the real deal.
Staining
One of the downsides to the porous nature of Egyptian cotton is that it can stain easily.
You should look to remove stains like blood quickly before they set and take care not to spill any liquids on your sheets.
Wrinkling
Egyptian cotton sheets are prone to wrinkling because of the weak cellulose bonds that they contain – which can easily be reconfigured to create wrinkles when the sheets are folded or crumpled.
Check out my list of the best wrinkle free sheets if low maintenance is your primary concern.
What is the Best Thread Count for Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
The thread count is the number of threads included per square inch of fabric.
The best thread count for an Egyptian cotton sheet is typically in the 300 – 800 range.
You may see thread counts for some Egyptian cotton sheets exceed 1,500.
But don’t fall into the trap of automatically thinking that a higher thread count is better.
Because some manufacturers may artificially inflate the thread count by using multi-ply formations to give them some room for creative marketing and to persuade you to buy their sheets.
And whilst a higher, legitimate thread count can make for a softer sheet, you may want to aim for a lower thread count if you want a more breathable sheet to help you sleep cool.
However, I would also argue that whilst a thread count of less than 200 could mean an inferior quality sheet, the weave and the quality of the material is going to have a greater impact on how the sheets perform and feel.
What is the Best Weave for Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
The best weave for your Egyptian cotton sheets depends on the type of feel and level of durability that you’re after.
Here’s what you can expect from the main types of weaves.
- Sateen weave – results in a silky soft sheet that has a slight sheen. Sateen sheets are typically heavier than percale sheets and are therefore better if you’re looking for a warmer sheet for winter.
- Percale weave – percale sheets are crisp and light with a matte finish – making them excellent for sleeping cool in summer. Percale sheets are typically more durable and less prone to pilling than sheets with a sateen weave.
- Twill weave – sheets with a twill weave tend to be soft and warm but less comfortable than sateen and percale sheets due to the diagonal weave of the fabric.
- Pinpoint weave – more commonly associated with clothing, a pinpoint weave feels light and is considered to be quite durable.
Are All Egyptian Cotton Sheets Organic?
No.
Although Egyptian cotton sheets can be organic, many are not due to the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other harmful products during the harvesting and manufacturing process.
If you’re looking for an organic Egyptian cotton sheet then you should look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label.
GOTS certification ensures the organic status of textiles – from the harvesting of the materials, to the manufacturing process, right through to the labelling [6].
Do Egyptian Cotton Sheets Wrinkle?
Yes.
Egyptian cotton sheets are likely to wrinkle out of the wash because the chemical bonds are easily reconfigured in response to folding or crumpling – especially when wet.
The solution here is to either iron them or follow the instructions in my guide to keeping bed sheets wrinkle free.
Can Egyptian Cotton Sheets Pill?
Yes.
Although Egyptian cotton sheets are less likely to pill thanks to their extra long fibers when compared to sheets made from shorter staple cottons – pilling is still possible.
Go for a percale weave if you’re worried about pilling – since this is generally considered to be more resistant to pilling than a sateen weave.
Also, make sure that you wash your sheets in line with the instructions on the care label and be sure to wash them alone – since pilling can be exacerbated through abrasion with buttons, zippers, and other types of materials.
Can Egyptian Cotton Sheets Shrink?
Yes.
Although Egyptian cotton sheets are very durable because the cotton has been hand picked to avoid damage from machinery, your sheets can still shrink if you wash them on a temperature that’s too high.
Always check the label to ensure that you’re washing and caring for your sheets properly to limit shrinkage and damage to the fabric.
Can Egyptian Cotton Sheets Help You Sleep Cool?
Yes.
Alongside bamboo and silk bed sheets, Egyptian cotton sheets are a great option if you sleep warm, have hot flashes, or need to cool down in summer because the fibers are naturally very breathable and will allow excess heat to escape.
Going for a lower thread count and a percale weave can make for an even cooler and more breathable cotton sheet.
Can Egyptian Cotton Sheets Help You Stay Warm?
Yes.
Even though Egyptian cotton sheets are great for cooling you down, they will also keep you warm in winter because they will trap heat too.
If staying warm is a priority, then a sateen weave and higher thread count is better because this makes for a heavier and denser sheet.
Are Egyptian Cotton Sheets Good if You Sweat Too Much?
Yes.
If you sweat a lot at night, Egyptian cotton sheets can help you to stay dry because they are very absorbent.
However, if you sweat really excessively, then you might be better going for a bamboo bed sheet.
Because bamboo can wick moisture away to the edge of the sheet where it can evaporate to prevent the sheet drenching – which can happen with cotton sheets.
Are Egyptian Cotton Sheets Good if You Have Allergies?
Yes.
Egyptian cotton sheets are excellent if you have allergies or a skin condition like eczema because the fibers are naturally hypoallergenic and less likely to irritate your skin.
Just be sure to look for the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label to ensure that the sheet doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals left over from the manufacturing process that might cause issues with your skin or exacerbate your asthma if you have it.
Furthermore, Egyptian cotton sheets can help to resist ambient allergens like dust mites, pollen, and inhibit mould growth to help prevent an allergic flare up.
This all means that authentic Egyptian cotton sheets can be an excellent addition to your hypoallergenic mattress to guard against allergies year-round.
Are Egyptian Cotton Sheets Good for Your Hair?
Yes.
Egyptian cotton sheets are very smooth – meaning that they are much better at preventing tangling of your hair when compared to cheaper cotton sheets that are typically more abrasive.
Are Egyptian Cotton Sheets Good for Your Skin?
Yes.
Egyptian cotton sheets can be good for your skin if they carry the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label because they are less likely to cause irritation.
How Do You Wash and Dry Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
You should wash and dry your Egyptian cotton sheets according to the manufacturer’s guidelines stated on the care label.
This will typically involve washing at below 40 degrees, on a gentle cycle, without bleach, hang-drying, and ironing on a low heat.
How Do You Find the Best Egyptian Cotton Sheet?
Here’s what you should consider when looking for the right kind of authentic Egyptian cotton sheet to buy.
- Look for the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) label or registration on the CEA website to prove authenticity.
- Look for a thread count in the 300 – 800 range since this implies quality without any artificial manipulation of the thread count for marketing purposes.
- Choose a sateen weave if you’re looking for a heaver, warmer sheet with maximum softness.
- Choose a percale weave if you want a cooler sheet that’s great for summer, highly durable, and more resistant to pilling than a sateen sheet.
- Look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label if you’re set on buying organic.
- Measure your mattress and compare it to the dimensions in the product description to ensure that the sheets will fit your bed – go for deep pocket Egyptian cotton sheets if your mattress plus the topper if you use one comes to more than 14 inches in thickness.
- If you’re unsure on colour selection, go with white or neutral colours since they will go with a range of bedroom decors.
- Check the return policy to see if you can or cannot return the sheets after you’ve slept on them.
- Check for a warranty and look at the terms to see how long it lasts and what kinds of defects it covers.
Where’s the Best place to Buy Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
I think that the best place to buy Egyptian cotton sheets is online.
If you’ve not managed to find your ideal sheet from my list of the best Egyptian cotton bed sheet sets above then click the button below to see more options.
Sources and References
[1] Wikipedia – Gossypium Barbadense. Accessed 25/2/20.
[2] Good & Bed – Pima Cotton vs Egyptian Cotton Sheets. Accessed 26/2/20.
[3] Supima® – Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed 26/2/20.
[4] Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) – Become Accredited. Accessed 26/2/20.
[5] Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) – Find an Accredited Manufacturer. Accessed 26/2/20.
[6] Global Organic Textile Standard – General Description. Accessed 26/2/20.
Image Licencing and Attribution
Main image: ‘Two Panel Painting of Palm Plant’ by Julie Aagaard (Pexels) – used with permission under the terms of Canva’s One Design Use License Agreement.
Dan is the founder and head content creator at Bedroom Style Reviews.
He has been working as a professional online product reviewer since 2015 and was inspired to start this website when he ended up sleeping on a memory foam mattress that was too soft and gave him backache.
Through in-depth research and analysis, Dan’s goal with this website is to help others avoid such pitfalls by creating the best online resource for helping you find your ideal mattress, bedding, and bedroom furniture.
Dan is a qualified NVQ Level 2 Fitness Instructor with 6 years’ experience helping clients improve their health through diet, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.
He also holds several college and university-level qualifications in health sciences, psychology, mathematics, art, and digital media creation – which helps him to publish well researched and informative product reviews as well as articles on sleep, health, wellbeing, and home decor.
Dan also has direct personal experience with insomnia, anxiety, misophonia (hypersensitivity to sounds), and pain from both acute and long-standing sporting injuries – he enjoys writing insightful articles around these subjects to help fellow sufferers of such conditions.
Learn more about Dan here.