The Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets for Maximum Softness and Comfort (2023)

• Our Picks

• What to Look for

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

  See Also

  MyPillow Giza Sheets Compared and Reviewed- Are they worth it?

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}

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}

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}

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}

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.

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.