Regular vs. Egyptian Cotton: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably heard about Egyptian Cotton bedding: that it’s soft, luxurious, fit for royalty. But why, exactly, is it held in such high regard? And what sets it apart from more conventional cotton bedding? Let us be your guide to Egyptian Cotton, and teach you all you need to know about this fabulous fabric:

What is Egyptian Cotton​?

Egyptian Cotton is the highest-quality cotton in the world, crafted from the fibres of the Gossypium Barbadense cotton plant grown in Egypt. It is well-known for its softness, breathability, and long-term durability.

Where does Egyptian Cotton come from?

The uniqueness of Egyptian Cotton comes from its origins on the banks of the Nile River: The hot climate, abundance of water, and unique chemicals in the soil come together to breed cotton plants that are the basis for the longest and finest staple of cotton in the world.

What makes Egyptian Cotton special?

Developed in the early 19th century, the world's most luxurious cotton has been in high demand since its conception, and is still heralded as a signal of high-class taste.

Handpicked to avoid breakage, extra long Egyptian Cotton fibres create extremely soft yet strong fabric that's lightweight and more breathable than regular cotton.

They're also beautiful! Often described as having a 'hotel-look', Egyptian Cotton sheets have a silky sheen and are able to hold bright colours no matter how many times they're washed.

How can you be sure that your sheets are certified Egyptian Cotton?

‘Egyptian Cotton’ is a common marketing claim, but it does not mean that your sheets are genuine.

To make sure you’re getting what you paid for, look for sheets made specifically from “100% Long Staple Egyptian Cotton”, not “Made in Egypt,” “Made from Egyptian cotton,” or any other variation.

Next, make sure your sheets are certified by the Cotton Egypt Association, and tagged with a gold seal. This is the highest certification available, and shows that your sheets are made exclusively from authentic, DNA-tested, and hand-picked cotton sourced from the Nile River Valley.

Why choose Egyptian Cotton sheets?

Now that we’ve explained what Egyptian Cotton is, it’s time to get into bed with them! These fibers make for indulgently soft sheets, but there’s much more to their luxury than just their comfort.

Are Egyptian Cotton sheets cool?

Light and crisp, Egyptian Cotton sheets are indeed cooler and keep you fresher than regular cotton. The long, fine fibres give better airflow, preventing heat build-up and letting your body breathe.

Is Egyptian Cotton good for your skin?

Yes! Because it’s so smooth, Egyptian Cotton causes less friction than regular cotton, making it a good choice for sleepers with skin sensitivities, acne, or eczema. 

One of the biggest disruptors to your skin at night is sweat, and due to its lightness and breathability, Egyptian Cotton prevents moisture build-up in your bed, keeping your skin fresh and happy all night.

How do you wash Egyptian Cotton sheets​?

Washing these sumptuous sheets is a breeze! Machine wash your Egyptian Cotton sheets in cold water on a gentle cycle, and tumble dry them on a low heat setting on a gentle cycle. 

Add QE Home Wool Dryer Balls to reduce wrinkles and increase drying efficiency, and give your sheets a shake before moving them from the washer to the dryer. Touch up your sheets with a low-temperature iron or steam if needed, and do not bleach or dry clean them.

It’s possible that new Egyptian Cotton sheets will shrink 3-5% in the laundry because of the normal tightening of natural fibres. The shrinkage is marginal enough that it should not impact how they fit on your mattress.

What is the ideal thread count for Egyptian Cotton Sheets?

A 300-800 TC is ideal for Egyptian Cotton Sheets. At the higher end, only around 800 threads can fit in one square inch of Egyptian Cotton fabric, so if a company is claiming a much higher thread count, chances are their materials aren’t genuine. 

For a percale weave, a 300-400 TC is ideal, and for a sateen weave, look for sheets with a 400-700 TC.

Is Egyptian Cotton worth the price?

Comparing durability and longevity, Egyptian Cotton sheets last much longer than regular cotton bedding. What’s more, Egyptian Cotton gets softer with every wash and resists pilling and tearing, only getting better with age. 

And if the benefits of Egyptian Cotton fabric lead to better sleep, then they just might be worth it!

Shop Egyptian Cotton online at QE Home, or visit one of our 75+ stores across Canada to talk to an expert about the right sheeting for your sleep style.