How do you wash Egyptian cotton sheets?

According to experts, you can wash your Egyptian cotton sheets in the washing machine. Just be sure to wash them with cold water on a gentle cycle to keep them in tip-top shape. According to tile expert Deborah Young, "Hot water cleans best, but it's a trade off. It cleans better but it also shrinks more." That's why Young recommends washing on cold. Hot water also leads to more wrinkles when dry. Then, let your sheets air dry on a clothesline. (Experts recommend against putting Egyptian cotton sheets in the dryer. But if you decide to anyway, be sure to use low heat.)

What is the best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets?

When shopping for Egyptian cotton sheets, look for a thread count between 400 and 700. According to experts, this thread count range tends to indicate a set of high-quality sheets. However, denser and higher-quality sheets are warmer, according to Young. So, if you run hot at night, a really high thread count may not be for you. "I personally wouldn't buy anything over 1,200 because they get so dense and so fine," says Young. Smaller, finer threads are not as strong, contributing a sheet's durability.

Are bamboo or Egyptian cotton sheets better?

Bamboo sheets and Egyptian cotton sheets are incredibly similar. Both are known for their soft feel, their light weight, their breathability, and their durability. The biggest difference? Egyptian cotton sheets tend to be more expensive than bamboo sheets. So Egyptian cotton sheets are great if you don’t mind a splurge, whereas bamboo sheets may be better if you’re shopping on a budget. Young also mentions that bamboo shrinks more easily than Egyptian cotton sheets, so that's something to consider when choosing between the two. "It may not seem like a big deal when it comes to sheets, but it is," Young says. "It makes your sheets harder to put on your bed and makes them more prone to tearing" Both materials, however, work well for those looking for a cooling element in their sheets. "Both are thermal conductors, so they allow your heat to escape," says Young.

The Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets of 2023

Sheets made of Egyptian cotton are known for their breathability, strength, and longevity. When buying cotton sheets, look out for the term "cotton rich," says textile expert Deborah Young. "This means the sheets are 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester, which makes it not as absorbent as other fabrics."

We researched the best Egyptian cotton sheet sets available online, assessing them on comfort, durability, and quality.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Parachute Percale Sheet Set at Parachute

Jump to Review

Runner-Up Best Overall:

Sferra Grande Hotel Sheets at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Value:

CHATEAU HOME COLLECTION 800-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best High Thread Count:

Charter Club Sleep Luxe 700 Thread Count at Macy's

Jump to Review

Best Pattern:

Queen's House Cotton Bed Sheet Set at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.9

Parachute

View On Parachute View On Nordstrom View On Zola

What We Like

Soft cotton fibers
Breathable weave
High-quality construction
OEKO-TEK certified

What We Don't Like

Expensive

For a sumptuously soft sheet set, look no further than the Percale Sheet Set from Parachute. Made with 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton, these sheets are our top pick if you want the best in fiber and feel. The Parachute sheet set features a lustrous finish that feels just right at the end of a long day or on a sleepy Saturday morning. Unlike traditional cotton, these percale sheets feature a tighter weave that feels softer, while still breathable.

Our tester loved how the size and softness of these sheets didn't change after multiple rounds in the washing machine. What's more, they feel airy throughout the night, so no need to worry about overheating. "The price is high, but they're a very soft cotton option that feels well-made, fits the bed well and is breathable," our tester explained. "Also, I'm careful about brands that greenwash as 'organic' or 'natural' without actual certification, and these are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified, which helps justify the price."

All this luxury comes at a price, but your investment will yield soft, dream-worthy sheets that last for years.

Price at time of publish: $149 for a Queen set

_{Weave: Percale | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Care: Machine wash cool, tumble dry low}

Parachute Percale Venice Bedding Set — The Spruce / Stephanie Vermillion

The 11 Best Cotton Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Bloomingdales

View On Amazon View On Bloomingdales View On Sferra.com

What We Like

Crisp, breathable weave
Softens with washing
High-quality material

What We Don't Like

Set pieces sold separately
Expensive as a set

If you prefer the crisp feel of percale, consider the Sferra Grande Hotel sheets. These cotton sheets offer Italian craftsmanship with quality Egyptian fibers.

The Sferra Grande Hotel sheets feel crisp without being scratchy—which is a common complaint of some inferior percale sheet sets. Instead, these breathable Egyptian cotton sheets have a soft hand that only improves with washing. Be forewarned, however, that these sheets are prone to wrinkling and may need to be ironed if you want to achieve an ultra-crisp look.

Available with a simple yet elegant double row of satin stitching around the cuff of the flat sheet, this Egyptian sheet set adds a classy touch to your bedroom and is a great choice for quality sheeting. Each piece is available a la carte, allowing you to build your ultimate bedding set from standard selections like a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases.

Price at time of publish: $162

_{Weave: Percale | Thread Count: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, King | Care: Machine wash warm on gentle cycle, tumble dry low}

The 11 Best Wrinkle-Free Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

4.7

Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Soft, high-quality fabric feel
Breathable
Silky texture

What We Don't Like

Sheets may shrink after washing
Loses some shine with wear

Chateau Home Collection's Egyptian Cotton Sheets create a luxurious sleeping environment, without the high cost that comes with high-end sheets. The soft, silky texture of the sheets is thanks to the sateen weave, which also infuses a bit of a sheen into the cotton fibers. Slip into bed, and you'll find that the sheets are breathable yet cozy and warm, making them a great year-round pick.

According to our tester, this Egyptian cotton set offers excellent value. The combination of softness and thick, quality fabric that remained comfortable while moving around (and, of course, the affordable price!) just may make these sheets your new favorites.

Our tester did find, however, that these sheets can shrink after washing. The top sheet lost a bit of length, but there was still plenty of fabric left over to properly make the bed. Additionally, our tester saw the sheen decrease–but the sheets never lost their best quality, that silky-smooth feel.

Price at time of publish: $85

_{Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 800 | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Care: Machine washable}

Charter Club Sleep Luxe 700 Thread Count, 4-PC Queen

Courtesy of Macys

View On Macy's

What We Like

High thread count
Fits extra-tall mattresses
Smooth, silk-like feel

What We Don't Like

No Twin size available

Up the luxe factor with a high thread count Egyptian cotton sheet set, like this set by Charter Club. The Sleep Luxe 700 thread count sheet set gives you a densely woven sheet set that offers comfort and durability.

Made with 100-percent Egyptian cotton fibers woven into a soft sateen material, these sheets are smooth and silky. People appreciate the deep pocket of the fitted sheet that accommodates mattress with a depth up to 18 inches and find that the sheet stays put with the help of the elastic band.

Aside from the high thread count, this set of Egyptian cotton sheets stands out for having Made in Green certification from OEKO-TEX. This certification ensures that the sheets are made from textiles that have been tested for harmful chemicals and have been produced in environmentally friendly facilities that meet the requirements for safe and socially responsible workplaces. An attached label allows you to trace the supply chain for yourself.

Price at time of publish: $150

_{Weave: Sateen | Thread Count: 700 | Sizes: Full, Queen, King, Cal King | Care: Machine washable}

The 9 Best High Thread-Count Sheets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

QSH Floral Bed Sheets Set - Queen Size Boho Lotus Print Bed Sheet Set - Extra Soft and Breathable 100% Egyptian Cotton - Farmhouse Bedding - 4 pcs Deep Pockets Flower Bed Sheets-1200 Thread Count

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Colorful, varied pattern choices
HIgh thread count
Quality details and finishing

What We Don't Like

Somewhat limited sizing

Pick a pattern Egyptian cotton sheet set if you’re looking for bedding that isn’t boring. The Queen’s House Cotton Bed Sheet Set offers a wide variety of patterns to choose from and produces super-soft Egyptian cotton sheets that look and feel great.

The sheets are only available in queen or king sizes but are made with 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton fibers that compare to the feel of a high-end dress shirt. A percale weave gives these sheets a crisp, breathable feel. The fitted sheet and pillowcases feature piped edges for an elegant look.

While most of the 20 patterns are floral-inspired, the variety in color palettes means that there’s an Egyptian cotton pattern sheet set to match your décor.

Price at time of publish: $98

_{Weave: Percale | Thread Count: 1,000 | Sizes: Full, Queen, King | Care: Machine wash cool, tumble dry low}

Final Verdict

For luxuriously soft sheets, the Parachute Percale Sheet Set is our top choice. It's made from 100 percent long-staple Egyptian cotton and has the best fiber and feel. If you love hotel-quality sheets, the Sferra Grande Hotel Sheets are a good option because they're made from 100 percent cotton with a crisp percale weave.

Weave

Egyptian cotton sheets often feature a sateen weave for a soft, smooth feel with a slight sheen. If you prefer a crisp feel with a matte finish, opt for a percale weave. Both sateen and percale are breathable, but hot sleepers and those in warm climates might prefer percale.

Thread Count

Thread count refers to the number of threads in one square inch of fabric, and a count between 400 and 700 is generally good for Egyptian cotton sheets. However, thread count alone won’t determine the quality of your sheets, and some sheets with 200 or 300 thread counts are high quality and comfortable.

Color

If you’re hoping to recreate a luxury hotel experience at home with Egyptian cotton sheets, there are plenty of classic white sheet sets to choose from. For a subtle pop of color, choose a white sheet set with vibrant stitching. And if you want even more color, some manufacturers make Egyptian cotton sheets in floral patterns and colors like violet, sky blue, and rust orange.

FAQ

How do you wash Egyptian cotton sheets?

According to experts, you can wash your Egyptian cotton sheets in the washing machine. Just be sure to wash them with cold water on a gentle cycle to keep them in tip-top shape. According to tile expert Deborah Young, "Hot water cleans best, but it's a trade off. It cleans better but it also shrinks more." That's why Young recommends washing on cold. Hot water also leads to more wrinkles when dry.
Then, let your sheets air dry on a clothesline. (Experts recommend against putting Egyptian cotton sheets in the dryer. But if you decide to anyway, be sure to use low heat.)
What is the best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets?

When shopping for Egyptian cotton sheets, look for a thread count between 400 and 700. According to experts, this thread count range tends to indicate a set of high-quality sheets. However, denser and higher-quality sheets are warmer, according to Young. So, if you run hot at night, a really high thread count may not be for you.
"I personally wouldn't buy anything over 1,200 because they get so dense and so fine," says Young. Smaller, finer threads are not as strong, contributing a sheet's durability.
Are bamboo or Egyptian cotton sheets better?

Bamboo sheets and Egyptian cotton sheets are incredibly similar. Both are known for their soft feel, their light weight, their breathability, and their durability. The biggest difference? Egyptian cotton sheets tend to be more expensive than bamboo sheets. So Egyptian cotton sheets are great if you don’t mind a splurge, whereas bamboo sheets may be better if you’re shopping on a budget.
Young also mentions that bamboo shrinks more easily than Egyptian cotton sheets, so that's something to consider when choosing between the two. "It may not seem like a big deal when it comes to sheets, but it is," Young says. "It makes your sheets harder to put on your bed and makes them more prone to tearing"
Both materials, however, work well for those looking for a cooling element in their sheets. "Both are thermal conductors, so they allow your heat to escape," says Young.

This article was edited and researched by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer specializing in home products and organization hacks. To keep our product picks current and help you find high-quality Egyptian cotton sheets, she reads customer reviews, third-party articles, and brand websites. Additional reporting was done by Lindsey Lanquist, who has spent years covering home and lifestyle products for a range of publications including The Spruce and MyDomaine.

Expert advice was provided by textile expert Deborah Young.

The Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets for Maximum Softness and Comfort

Best Overall

Parachute Percale Sheet Set

Runner-Up Best Overall

Sferra Grande Hotel Sheets

Best Value

CHATEAU HOME COLLECTION 800-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Best High Thread Count

Charter Club Sleep Luxe 700 Thread Count

Best Pattern

Queen's House Cotton Bed Sheet Set

What to Look for in Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Weave

Thread Count

Color

Why Trust The Spruce?

More from The Spruce