5 Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets for Luxurious Sleep
These crisp percale and smooth sateen picks look and feel great.
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Since you spend so much time sleeping, it's worth putting in the effort to curate a luxurious, restful bed decked out with the best bedding, including the best sheets. Egyptian cotton sheets are considered especially high quality because the fibers are long and uniform and, as a result, are more durable and smoother than conventional cotton.
Expert tip: Just because sheets are made with Egyptian cotton or claim to have a high thread count doesn't guarantee that they're actually high quality. After years of testing sheets, we recommend considering other specifications like fabric construction instead of focusing on the cotton origin. It can also be difficult to prove if sheets are truly made with "Egyptian" cotton because there's a history of some brands marketing their cotton as Egyptian cotton when it's actually not.
Still, if you prefer to shop for Egyptian cotton sheets, we've tested more than 350 sets of sheets in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for properties like pilling, strength and washability, including both high-end and value picks made of Egyptian cotton. Plus, we've shared thousands of sheet sets with hundreds of consumer testers for real-user feedback. The following five sets are our top-tested favorites.
Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets
Pros
- High scores for strength
- Loved by testers for their "fresh" look and "soft" feel
- Performed well in pilling tests
Cons
- Wrinkled in the wash
Made of incredibly smooth, high-quality sateen fabric, these sheets from Silk & Snow will add a sumptuous feel to your bed. You can opt to purchase a matching duvet cover, additional pillowcases or shams as well. And according to the brand, the bedding is certified by the Cotton Egypt Association, which helps to ensure the Egyptian cotton is genuine.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: When we put these sheets to the test in our Textiles Lab, we were impressed by how well they performed across our testing categories. The durable material aced our strength tests and resisted pilling, and it barely shrank in the wash after we laundered it several times according to its care label.
Plus, our consumer testers loved them, sharing that the sheets have a luxurious sheen, fresh look and very soft feel. Testers also said the sheets helped them to maintain a comfortable temperature while sleeping. One commented, "They were more temperature regulating compared to other sheets I have and a slightly more substantial feel without feeling heavy."
We and some of our testers found that the sheets wrinkled in the wash, and one tester noted that the sheets lost their luxe sheen once laundered.
| Material | 100% Egyptian cotton sateen |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King (some limited stock) |
| Colors | 7 options |
California Design Den 100% Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Pros
- Minimal shrinkage in Lab tests
- Deep pockets are ideal for tall mattresses and toppers
- Rated softer than other sheets in a blind comparison
Cons
- Some testers said the sheets needed regular readjusting in the morning
Available for less than half the price of many other Egyptian cotton sheet sets we feature, these smooth sateen sheets from California Design Den have the Gold Seal of authenticity from the Cotton Egypt Association. With a deep-pocket design, the sheets can easily stretch over tall mattresses or mattresses with an added topper — up to 16 inches. The included pillowcases have envelope closures for an elevated look, and the sheets have convenient "headside or footside" labels to simplify the bed-making process.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: These sheets stood out in Textiles Lab and consumer tests, earning them a Good Housekeeping's 2024 Bedding Award. In the Lab, the sheets were rated as softer than other sheet sets in a blind comparison test, and they held up well in the laundry with minimal signs of shrinkage after being washed repeatedly.
At-home testers were impressed with the feel of the sheets, including one who shared, “These sheets are absolutely phenomenal! They are super soft and cozy, but crisp enough to feel cool on your skin.” When asked what they liked best about the sheets, another tester commented, "Everything! They're some of the most comfortable sheets I've ever slept on."
The caveat: Some testers said the fabric looked wrinklier on their beds than other sheets and needed more regular readjusting because of the deep pockets.
RELATED: California Design Den Sheets Review
| Material | 100% Egyptian cotton sateen |
| Sizes | Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Colors | 7 options |
Pros
- High scores for strength and pill resistance in the Lab
- Rated highly for softness by testers
- Testers said they felt breathable
Cons
- Lab pros and testers said they wrinkled after washing
Quality percale sheets have a crisp yet comfy feel, just like this set from Parachute. Egyptian cotton is a long-staple cotton type that has a more uniform feel than shorter staple cottons, meaning that even though this is a percale sheet set, the sheets still have an inherent softness.
If you don't use a top sheet (like me!), the brand sells each of its sheets separately so you can save money by purchasing a single fitted sheet and skipping the top sheet altogether.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: These durable sheets performed well in our Textiles Lab tests, earning some of our highest combined scores for fabric strength and pilling resistance. Consumer testers were impressed by the quality sheets and several commented that they think the sheets will "last a long time." Although Lab pros and testers said they noticed the sheets became wrinkled after washing.
The percale sheets aren't just tough, though. They received high ratings for softness in the Lab and with our consumer testers. One tester said the sheets felt "lovely to sleep on." And another shared that they "felt like hotel quality." Our testers also said the sheets felt breathable, helping them to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night without overheating.
RELATED: Best Percale Sheets
| Material | 100% Egyptian cotton percale |
| Sizes | Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Colors | 11 options |
Pros
- Deep pockets with corner elastic for secure fit
- Chic embroidered detailing
- Soft and smooth material
Cons
- Earned average scores in Textiles Lab durability tests
For the ultimate hotel-like experience at home, consider a set of Pure Parima's Tripe Luxe Sateen sheets. The soft, smooth sheets are made of Egyptian cotton that's actually DNA-tested, meaning you're able to sleep soundly at night knowing your sheets are made of actual Egyptian cotton.
With deep pockets and thick elastic corner bands, the sheets fit nicely over most mattresses up to 16 inches and stay securely in place. There's a chic embroidered design along the flat sheet and the pillow shams for an added touch of elegance, and the pillowcases have an envelope closure to keep the pillow completely hidden inside.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: Our testers loved the look of these sheets and highlighted the quality stitching on the embroidered trim. They said the sheets looked great on their beds, including one who commented, "They were SO soft and so beautiful." Our testers also appreciated how well the sheets stayed put at night, thanks to the corner straps.
While testers gave the sheets high ratings across the board for appearance, softness and temperature regulation, the sheets didn't perform quite as well in our Lab evaluations. They earned average scores for fabric strength, pill-resistance and wrinkling.
RELATED: Best Sateen Sheets
| Material | 100% Egyptian cotton sateen |
| Sizes | Queen, King and California King |
| Colors | 8 options (some limited stock) |
Pros
- Affordable
- Testers liked the double-elastic edges on the fitted sheet
- Excellent abrasion-resistance scores
Cons
- Testers said they felt stiff at first but got softer with washing
If you want to sleep in lavish comfort, but don't want to wait or just prefer the convenience of shopping for sheets on Amazon, these from Sweave are available with fast Prime shipping. The lightweight sheets are made with a percale fabric, which is particularly ideal for hot sleepers. They also come in a wider range of sizes than other brands we've tested, so you can outfit your entire home in coordinating sheets – from Twin beds to Split or California King-sized mattresses.
✔️ WHAT TESTERS SAY: In our Textiles Lab tests, the sheets performed better for durability than sheet sets more than twice the price. They earned some of our highest scores for resisting pilling after being rubbed 1,000 times by our Martindale Abrasion machine.
At-home testers appreciated the double-elastic band on the fitted sheet, which made making the bed easier and helped the sheets to stay in place. They also highlighted the crisp yet comfy material; just know that testers said the sheets could feel a little rough right of the box, but they said the texture of the material improved with washing.
One tester shared, "I like these sheets better than the ones I usually use. They feel... soft, comfortable." Another said they had "higher quality of material than sheets I have purchased in the past."
RELATED: The Best Sheets on Amazon
| Material | 100% Egyptian cotton sateen |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King and California King |
| Colors | 5 options |
How we test Egyptian cotton sheets
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we rigorously test all kinds of sheets, including those made with Egyptian cotton. We also share sheets with consumer testers who try the sheets on their own beds before providing us with their real-world feedback.
In recent years, we've evaluated more than 350 different sets of sheets and have reviewed thousands of survey answers from our testers. Here's what we consider when we test sheets in our Lab:
✔️ Washability: Each sheet is washed multiple times according to its care label, and we evaluate shrinkage and appearance after laundering.
✔️ Wrinkle resistance: Immediately after the sheets are done drying, we assess them in a specialized light room to visually measure any wrinkles or creases.
✔️ Dimensional stability: We use a standardized tool to measure any shrinkage or growth that occurred to each fitted sheet after the initial wash and then again after multiple launderings.
✔️ Fabric strength: Our specialized Instron machine tests the tensile strength of each sheet by pulling apart a prepared fabric sample to measure the force required to break the fabric.
✔️ Pilling resistance: We use a Martindale abrasion machine to rub fabric swatches together, which mimics the effect of a sleeper tossing and turning at night and the regular wear and tear that sheets face. Then we visually score any pilling according to industry standards.
✔️ Softness testing: We invite dozens of testers to feel and rate each sheet in a blind comparison. The sheets are compared to other sheets of similar fabrication — e.g. sateen sheets, linen sheets and lyocell sheets.
✔️ Sleep tests: We share sheet sets with our panel of consumer testers, and after they try the sheets out on their own beds for several weeks, we ask the testers to score properties like ease of making the bed, overall comfort, temperature regulation, appearance and more. Along with scoring the sheets, testers are able to provide open-ended feedback about their experiences.
What to look for when shopping for Egyptian cotton sheets
When you're in the market for a set of Egyptian cotton sheets, here are a few things to keep in mind:
✔️ Fabric construction: How a fabric is built plays a big role in how the sheets feel and perform. Most Egyptian cotton sheets are made with percale or sateen construction. You'll typically be able to find the fabric construction in online product descriptions or listed on product packaging.
- Percale: One of the most common sheet fabrications, percale is a basic weave that has a lightweight and crisp feel. It's also breathable, making it an ideal option for a hot sleeper.
- Sateen: Another popular pick, sateen weaves have a softer and smooth texture. Sateen isn't quite as breathable as percale, but it's loved by our testers who tend to prefer the softer feel of sateen over the crisp feel of percale.
✔️ Thread count: Thread count is a measurement of the total number of threads in a square inch of fabric and isn't quite as important as fabric construction or fiber type when shopping for sheets. It doesn't necessarily equate to a higher quality sheet, but a higher thread count fabric is made with finer fibers, which allows for a tighter weave. The finer fibers are typically smooth and durable, which can result in an overall more luxurious feel, but a higher thread count can also lessen the breathability of the fabric and may feel heavy. It's also important to note that thread count is really only ever valid for 100% cotton fabrics. We find that cotton sheets in the 300 to 500 thread-count range offer the ideal balance of durability and softness.
✔️ Care: The majority of sheets are machine washable, but some require special care like a delicate wash cycle or cold water. It's always helpful to check the care instructions before buying, which are usually located on the care label or in the product description online. Sheets get the cleanest in warm or hot water, so it's best to choose sheets that can withstand a higher temperature.
✔️ Price: Egyptian cotton sheets are luxurious, but they don't have to cost a fortune. According to our research, most quality Egyptian cotton sheet sets range between $100 and $250, but there are some picks both above and below that price range depending on what you're looking for; more luxurious sheets cost more, while basics are more affordable.
You can also consider shopping for your sheets during holiday weekends, which coincide with sales in the bedding industry. Labor Day, Black Friday, President's Day and Memorial Day are all great times to buy. If you're really looking to save, some brands offer sets of Egyptian sheets without the top sheet (only a fitted sheet and two pillowcases or shams) for a better value.
Is Egyptian cotton better than other types of cotton?
There are many different species or types of cotton, each with its own unique properties. Egyptian cotton is considered one of the more luxurious species. Egyptian cotton is a long- or extra-long-staple (ELS) cotton fiber, so the fibers are fine, long, smooth and durable.
As the name implies, Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt, which possesses the ideal climate to grow such high-quality cotton. Other conventional cotton species like Upland are shorter and less uniform, resulting in an overall rougher feel and less durable fiber. Pima cotton is another long-staple cotton fiber that possesses properties similar to Egyptian cotton but is primarily grown in the United States.
How can I be sure that my sheets are Egyptian cotton?
Proceed with caution when shopping for Egyptian cotton sheets because it can be difficult to prove if a brand is actually using Egyptian cotton. There have been instances in which brands advertise 100% Egyptian cotton but use other cotton types, synthetic fibers or fiber blends instead. As a result, some brands have started DNA testing their cotton and consulting third parties to verify its origins in order to ease doubts.
We recommend looking for a certification that says the sheets have been tested and are validated to be Egyptian cotton, but this still isn't completely foolproof. There have been some cases in which even certified Egyptian cotton isn't the real deal.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst. She has tested and evaluated bedding of all kinds, including silk sheets, affordable mattresses, duvets and comforters. She has also conducted sheets testing for Good Housekeeping's Best Bedding Awards programs. For this article, she reviewed sheet testing data for relevant information and researched popular Egyptian cotton sheets from well-known, high-performing brands.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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