The Best Egyptian Cotton Sheet

Buying Guide

Buying the right sheets for your sleep comfort can involve quite a bit of research and even more of an investment. Sheets are made from countless different materials these days. Some of these materials are so flimsy that you will be back in the store buying replacements within a few months after several washes. On the flip side, some materials offer durability for years through countless washes. Of course, you’ll have to expect a price difference, but you will never regret spending more on a set of good sheets. Some of the best sheets you can buy are Egyptian cotton sheets. Let’s take a look at the difference in materials and why Egyptian cotton stands atop the rest.

Cotton has always been the material that people look for when buying sheets, not only for the texture but for the longevity of the material. But even shopping for cotton sheets doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get a long life out of the set. There are different types of cotton and cotton blends that give you different textures and weights. Below are a few differences explained between the cottons and cotton blends.

American cotton sheets are made from cotton that is grown and harvested in the United States. The cotton is harvested with machinery and therefore these types of sheets are usually a bit less expensive than Egyptian cotton. When buying sheets, American cotton sheets are typically labeled as Pima or Supima (trademark name) cotton sheets. If the label doesn’t specify and just says, 100% cotton sheets, they are most likely made from American grown cotton.

So, what makes Egyptian cotton the best? Egyptian cotton is hand-picked in the fields. Although it may not sound like a big deal, this cotton is not run through as many machines and therefore only the highest quality cotton is chosen to be used in the sheets. Although Egyptian cotton sheets are a little rougher to the touch than American cotton when new, they will soften over time. The beautiful thing about Egyptian cotton is that it gets better with each wash whereas most other cottons get thinner with each wash.

Our resident home expert, Vicki Liston, the writer and producer of the “On The Fly…DIY” show, says: “Egyptian cotton sheets have long held the reputation of being synonymous with superior quality and for very good reason. Their long, luxurious fibers are more durable, softer, and resist piling better than any other cotton type on the market.”

She goes on to justify the higher cost by explaining, “You spend roughly one-third of your life sleeping (or trying to) so having breathable, deliciously comfortable bedding gets you closer to a restful night’s sleep than the lower-quality cottons that pill after a few washings. Egyptian cotton then becomes a practicality and not an indulgence.”

Now when shopping for Egyptian cotton sheets, you’ll really want to pay attention to the thread count. The higher the thread count, the better the sheet. The typical rule of thumb is anything over 300 thread count will give you a “good” sheet. The THREAD SPREAD Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set, 4-Piece is a great product for a moderate budget and offers a huge range of colors and designs to choose from.

If budget is not an issue, the highest thread count sheet will last the longest. Models with a 1000 thread count are an excellent choice for top-of-the-line sheets. They are typically made to be shrink-, wrinkle- and fade-resistant so they’ll stay looking and feeling brand new for years.

You may also consider looking for a set with a sateen weave and 18-inch deep pockets, as this set is sure to accommodate all your wants and needs in a sheet set. These sets typically come in countless colors and offer four pieces, including two pillowcases, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet.

There really is no comparison to Egyptian cotton sheets and the comfort they offer for a restful night’s sleep. Buying Egyptian cotton sheets is really a great investment and one that you will not regret splurging on, especially when they last a long while.

• Take good care of your sheets and they’ll last for much longer. Using fabric softener and bleach products can be detrimental to Egyptian cotton so avoid those chemicals when cleaning your sheets.
• Dryer balls will help your sheets to dry quicker and will keep any excess chemicals in the dryer from clinging to the sheets.
• It is advised to use cold water to wash cotton sheets, but warm is also okay, just not hot water.
• Always separate sheets from other household laundry to prevent tears and staining.
• Removing and drying as soon as the washing machine finishes will help reduce wrinkles.
• Air drying cotton is much better for the fibers to retain their strength than if you were to machine dry them.
• With center-agitator washing machines, loosely bunch each sheet into a ball and place it around the agitator. This will help prevent damage from the agitator.
• Do not iron cotton sheets, the high heat will damage the fibers.