We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Home Reviews Bedding Reviews The 6 Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets of 2024, According to Testing You’ll feel the difference with luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, which are known for being soft, supple, breathable, and extremely durable over time. By Kathleen Felton Kathleen Felton Kathleen Felton is a writer and editor with more than a decade of experience at women’s lifestyle publications. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on January 25, 2024 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Key Terms to Know Other Egyptian Cotton Sheets We Tested The Bottom Line How We Tested What to Know About Egyptian Cotton Sheets Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are What Is BHG Recommends? Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Whether it’s a classic cotton option, crisp percale pick, or sumptuous sateen and cooling fabrics, there are countless types of sheets on the market that can transform your bed and improve sleep quality. But few sheets are as synonymous with “luxury” as those made from Egyptian cotton. “Egyptian cotton is a long-staple natural fiber which is used to produce high-quality yarns, and, subsequently, luxurious sheeting fabrics,” says Jennifer Woodson, a textile developer from JMW Textiles in Costa Mesa, California. “Whether percale or sateen—the two most common types of sheeting—sheets made from Egyptian cotton will feel soft and supple.” What’s more, Egyptian cotton is known for being highly durable (the fiber is generally less likely to rip and pill) as well as having excellent breathability. To determine the best Egyptian cotton sheets on the market, we tested more than 200 sheet sets in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, closely examining each pair for its ease of care, quality, texture, breathability, durability, warmth and how well they wash. Key Terms to Know Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label means a product’s entire supply chain has been reviewed to confirm it’s organic. OEKO-TEX Standard 100: This popular certification means that the manufacturer produced the sheets without treating them with any substances deemed harmful by OEKO-TEX.Pocket Size: The pocket size on sheets refers to the size of the mattress it'll be able to fit on based on the measurement of the length of a corner seam. What We Tested We’ve tested over 200 sets of sheets in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and at home. When testing sheets at home, we used them for two to six months at a time.During testing, we’ve tried a variety of materials and weaves, including cotton, percale, eucalyptus, bamboo, silk, satin, sateen, hemp, flannel, and linen. Each set was evaluated based on durability, care, quality, texture, breathability, warmth, and how they washed. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Parachute Sateen Sheet Set at Parachute ($169) Jump to Review Best Budget: Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets at Amazon ($90) Jump to Review Best Splurge: Crane & Canopy Percale Cotton Sheet Set at Craneandcanopy.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Percale: Banana Republic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set at Brhome.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Flannel: Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set at Peacockalley.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Colors: Parachute Percale Sheet Set at Parachute (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Parachute Sateen Sheet Set Parachute View On Parachute $169 Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Breathability 5/5 Why You Should Get It These all-season sheets have a lovely drape and excellent breathability. Keep in Mind The set is not offered in a twin size. Overall, the best Egyptian cotton sheets are the Parachute Sateen Sheet Set. We thought they were high-quality, breathable, and durable, and we liked that you can choose from a variety of colors as well. There’s a lot to love about these sheets, but the texture is particularly impressive. Soft, silky, fluffy, and clearly high-quality, they have a beautiful handfeel and are simply amazing against the skin. We found these lightweight, airy sheets to have excellent breathability, too. There’s plenty of airflow when you’re snuggling up in them, but they still have a nice weight to maintain some warmth. We thought they’d work well in any season, whether it’s on their own in summer or under a duvet for cooler nights. These sheets also performed well in durability tests in the lab, and we believe that they’d continue to maintain their high-end appearance for many years. These Parachute sheets also held up nicely after being washed, with no color changes or visible wear and tear on the stitching. Stains entirely came out of the fabric, too. We did notice, though, that the sateen shine was slightly diminished after the second wash. The texture still felt very soft, but the sheets were less silky. The fitted sheet is easy to get on the bed and the elastic holds the corners snugly. Once on the mattress, it remained perfectly in place as we tested its strength by moving around on top. The flat sheet is also generously proportioned with a beautifully luxurious drape. Worth mentioning: As with other Parachute sheet sets, you need to opt to add on the flat sheet, which isn’t included in the cost of the set. How It Performed After Six Months We tested these sheets at home for six months and we found that they were in just as good condition as when we first received them. During testing, we dyed our hair and it stained the pillowcase. While one color could be easily washed out, another color was not completely removed. However, we felt the stain was a small price to pay given the quality of the sheets and continued to use them. Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size:16 inches | Certifications: Oeko-Tex | Care: Machine washable Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Best Budget Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets Amazon View On Amazon $90 Our Ratings Quality 4.5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Breathability 5/5 Why You Should Get It These soft, breathable sheets look and feel much more expensive than they are. Keep in Mind They become a little less silky after going through the wash. Though the least expensive option on our list, the Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets are made with 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton, a characteristic Woodson recommends looking for. We immediately noticed how expensive these sheets looked and felt thanks to their smooth feel, high thread count, and embossed tonal stripe. These sheets scored well for breathability, and our body temperature felt well-regulated while lying on them. We appreciated the medium weight that felt simultaneously airy but still dense enough to maintain some warmth on cooler nights. The fitted sheet in the set was a little loose (though we were able to tighten it by adjusting the corners) and the flat sheet was generous and draped beautifully. After going through the wash, these sheets did experience some shrinking and emerged mildly wrinkled and ever-so-slightly less shiny. But overall, we were impressed by the fabric’s post-wash performance. The sheets seemed to get even softer and didn’t show any color fading, tearing, or loose strings. The fabric also successfully repelled stains, which even many of the more expensive best Egyptian cotton sheets didn’t do as well. You have plenty of choices with these sheets, too: They’re available in every mattress size (including less-common twin xl and split king) and more than 20 beautiful color options. Given how well they performed in every category and the affordable price point, these easily nabbed the best value spot on our list. How It Performed After Six Months Over time, we found that we liked these sheets more than any other set we had. They held up well during testing and even after washing them often, the color and softness didn’t change. We also appreciated that they didn’t appear to shrink or have any wear and tear. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine washable in cold water Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Best Splurge Crane & Canopy Percale Cotton Sheet Set Crane & Canopy View On Craneandcanopy.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Texture 4.5/5 Durability 4.7/5 Value 4/5 Breathability 5/5 Why You Should Get It Crisp quality defines these Egyptian cotton sheets, which look as good on a bed as they feel to snuggle up in. Keep in Mind Color options are limited. While undeniably a splurge, the Crane & Canopy Bright White Percale Cotton Sheet Set was one of the highest-scoring Egyptian cotton sheet sets in our lab. The sheets earned a near-perfect score for quality and high marks for durability, breathability, and texture. As soon as we unwrapped these Crane & Canopy sheets, it was clear that were well-constructed. We didn’t spot any flaws or snags, and were impressed by the bright white hue and crisp, lightweight texture. With their pleasant feel and high-end appearance, these sheets simply make a bed look good — and the option to add a monogram is a nice feature. The fitted sheet was easy to get on the mattress and stayed in place tightly during movement. In durability tests, these sheets also performed very well. The abrasion test didn’t result in any pilling, and actually managed to look even smoother. These sheets were stain-tested, and while the coffee and oil stains came out of the fabric, some of the foundation did remain. As nice as the texture of these sheets is, it’s worth mentioning that they’re not the softest. As expected with percale, we found them to be similar to high-end hotel sheets: Crisp, cool, and very well-made, but not particularly silky or ultra soft. If you’re searching for high-quality sheets that have a structured rather than relaxed-looking appearance, these may not be the best Egyptian cotton sheets for you. How It Performed After Six Months After six months, we didn’t notice any changes in the quality of these sheets. The texture remained unchanged, they still fit our mattress, and there was no discoloration either. Overall, we felt that these all-season sheets were a worthy investment. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king, and split king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine washable in cold water Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Best Percale Banana Republic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set Banana Republic View On Brhome.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 3.8/5 Breathability 2/5 Why You Should Get It Lightweight, airy, and soft, we love the texture of these percale Egyptian cotton sheets. Keep in Mind Sizes are limited. Cotton sheets with a percale weave (which means the fabric yarns have a one-over, one-under design) are known for their crisp, cool feel. And the Banana Republic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set doesn’t disappoint: In the lab, we were wowed by the ultra soft but still crisp texture, noting that these sheets felt lightweight, airy, and instantly cooling against the skin. Despite their lighter weight, we were pleased to find that the material was also very durable. There were no loose strings or stitching inconsistencies on the initial inspection, and both the sheets and pillowcases appeared to be very well-made. After going through the wash, there was virtually no difference between the texture of the washed and unwashed sheet, with no changes in color and no shrinking. In the abrasion test, no pilling, thinning, or tears appeared, another indication that these sheets are very durable. As airy as they are—and therefore ideal for summer nights—they still feel substantial enough for colder seasons with a warmer duvet. We noticed that the material warms up slightly when it’s manipulated, a sign that the sheets still help maintain warmth on cold nights. One disappointment we had about these sheets was that they didn’t seem nearly as breathable as most cotton percale sheets. In the absorption test, the drop of water sat on top of the sheet for a few minutes before spreading, indicating the fabric isn’t the best at moisture management. These percale sheets also didn’t perform extraordinarily well in stain testing, leaving behind some visible oil and foundation marks. Product Details: Sizes: Queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: Not listed | Certifications: None | Care: Machine washable Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Best Flannel Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set Peacock Alley View On Peacockalley.com Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Breathability 3/5 Why You Should Get It Warming, soft, and very durable, these are the perfect sheets for cold nights. Keep in Mind These sheets aren’t available in the very common Queen size. The fabric can also pill over time. Made from brushed 100% Egyptian cotton, the Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set delivered serious comfort and warmth. In testing, we found the fabric to be thick and impressively soft, and the sheets did an incredible job trapping heat without being stifling. The sheets felt pleasant to the touch, slightly textured, and very clearly made of high-quality materials. The sheets are OEKO-TEX certified as well, which is a nice bonus. Though the fabric experienced a small amount of shrinkage and pilling after going through the wash (particularly on the fitted sheet), we didn’t notice any color fading or loose threads. The texture remained otherwise unchanged, if a little softer. Other than the pilling, which we found to be a normal amount for notoriously pill-prone flannel sheets, we imagine that these sheets would be highly durable over time. We found that these sheets were also easy to use. The deep 17-inch pocket fits easily on a mattress (we especially appreciated the ample elastic), and the flat sheet is generous as well. Just keep in mind that like many flannel sheets, these are on the heavy and thick side. They’re wonderfully warming but you may find them less breathable than some other options on the market. How It Performed After Two Months After testing these sheets for an additional two months, we found that the sheets kept us warm and comfortable without stifling us, which can occur with some flannel sheets. We were satisfied with the overall quality of the sheets, though we did notice some pilling after we washed them twice. However, it seemed like a normal amount of pilling given that they’re flannel sheets and it didn’t appear to get worse after we washed them more. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 17 inches Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine washable in cold water Better Homes & Gardens / Grant Webster Better Homes & Gardens / Grant Webster Better Homes & Gardens / Grant Webster Better Homes & Gardens / Grant Webster Best Colors Parachute Percale Sheet Set Parachute View On Parachute View On Nordstrom $199 View On Zola $249 Our Ratings Quality 4/5 Texture 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Breathability 4/5 Why You Should Get It The texture of these sheets felt soft and crisp but still had a cozy feeling. Keep in Mind The top sheet is sold as an add-on, making the set a little more pricey than other sets. Another excellent set of percale sheets, the Parachute Percale Set is made of high-quality 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton that’s OEKO-TEX certified. We were immediately struck by the texture of these sheets: They feel soft, cozy, and crisp but never crunchy. As we unwrapped them, we also noticed that they didn’t have any off-putting smells—always a nice feature. A major selling point is that these sheets are lightweight and highly breathable. The weave isn’t overly tight—when you hold the sheet up to the light, you can clearly see how airy the material is—and they received high marks from hot sleepers in testing. The cozy texture and medium weight would work well in all seasons, making them a solid year-round pick. And after going through the wash, they came out with a pleasant lived-in look that’s not too wrinkly. As much as we loved these sheets, there are a few details worth mentioning. For example, the top sheet is sold as an add-on, so you have to make sure to include it in your order. It also costs an additional $90, making the set more of an investment. We also would have liked if there were direction labels on the fitted sheet, a small feature that makes it easier to make a bed and is always appreciated on higher-end sheets. How It Performed After Three Months After three months of home testing, we continued to be impressed by how well these Parachute sheets held up to frequent use and washing. Stains easily washed out of the fabric, the material dried quickly, and the sheets didn’t reveal any noticeable wear and tear over time—even after being in a home with pets. The wide variety of color options is wonderful, too, including the mix of classic and seasonal hues. Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine washable Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson Other Egyptian Cotton Sheets We Tested Pure Parima Ultra Percale Sheet Set Hotel Collection True to their name, the Pure Parima Ultra Percale Sheet Set Hotel Collection sheets were crisp and supple, with a substantial weight much like hotel sheets. But they experienced color loss after going through the wash and the brushed fabric is a little on the rough side . Overall, the sheets received a lower value score for these reasons and didn’t make our list of the best Egyptian cotton sheets. L.L. Bean Premium Egyptian Percale Sheet Collection Though the L.L. Bean Premium Egyptian Percale Sheets are percale, we found them to have a slick, soft texture that’s a little less crisp than similar percale sheets, almost sateen-like. They felt high quality, but the material scored on the lower end in our tests for breathability and value, and we had concerns about how well they’d hold up over time. Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson The Bottom Line After testing more than 200 sheets in our lab and home settings, we chose the Parachute Brushed Sateen Sheet Set as the best Egyptian cotton sheets. Made of long-staple Egyptian cotton, these sheets have a lovely sateen finish and are wonderfully soft and smooth. How We Tested To find the best Egyptian cotton sheets, we reviewed more than 200 sheet sets both in home settings and our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We tested sheets made of a variety of materials and weaves, including cotton, percale, eucalyptus, bamboo, silk/satin, sateen, hemp, flannel, linen, and Egyptian cotton sheets. Each set of Egyptian cotton sheets that we tested was evaluated for its ease of care, quality, texture, breathability, durability, warmth and how well they wash. Based on all these insights, we then created a final list of the best Egyptian cotton sheets. What to Know About Egyptian Cotton Sheets Before Shopping Sizes Mattress size is always an important factor to consider when buying sheets. Egyptian cotton sheets can be found in all sizes, though brands most commonly offer standard sizes such as twin, full, queen, and king, while others also have less-common sizes like twin xl, California king, and split king. Pocket Size The depth on a fitted sheet is often referred to as its pocket size, which you should be able to comfortably extend over your mattress. Fitted sheets typically have a pocket size that’s somewhere between 15 and 18 inches, and while a deeper sheet doesn’t necessarily mean better quality, it typically will likely look better than one that’s too short, Woodson notes. “A fitted sheet with a pocket larger than the mattress may require a bit of extra tucking,” she says, “but it will look better than an exposed mattress.” Material Because they’re known for being so luxurious, many bedding companies sell Egyptian cotton sheets. But not all varieties are equally luxurious and high-quality, Woodson says. “In the past, we were taught that Egyptian cotton was the top tier cotton to be found in the world, but that is simply not the case because not all cotton grown in Egypt is long-staple,” Woodson says. Genuine long-staple Egyptian cotton grown within the Nile Delta is considered a premium fiber, she explains—but cotton grown elsewhere in Egypt will not have the necessary climate or fertile soil to produce fibers that are as high-quality. For shoppers, this can be frustrating, since it’s difficult to ascertain the quality of a sheet’s Egyptian cotton just from the product description on a brand’s website. But sheets that say they’re made from ‘long-staple Egyptian cotton are generally more likely to be legitimate, Woodson says. When it comes to our favorite Egyptian cotton sheets, the Crane & Canopy Bright White Percale Cotton Sheet Set, Parachute Sateen Sheet Set, Peacock Alley Egyptian Cotton Flannel Sheet Set, and the Parachute Percale Set are all noted as being long-staple options. Certifications Though it’s certainly not a must, some people may prefer to prioritize Egyptian cotton bedding that’s received an additional certification. While there are several certifications, there are the most common options you may find: Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX: Egyptian cotton sheets with this certification have been produced without any substances that are deemed harmful.GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): If the sheets have been made with any natural fibers such as cotton, this certification verifies that they were organically grown. Care To keep your Egyptian cotton sheets in top shape for years to come, follow these tips: Wash them once a week. Once-weekly is a good amount of time to refresh your sheets, Woodson says. In the wash, your best bet is to wash sheets alone: Clothing that has snaps, zippers, or hooks can snag the fabric, for example. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. The care label on your Egyptian cotton sheets is your guide on how to wash, dry, and maintain the fabric over time. In particular, check the recommended washing and drying temperatures (many of the best Egyptian cotton sheets should be washed in cold water, for example). Don’t go too heavy on the detergent. “Using too much detergent will often result in sheets that feel stiff or have a noticeable residue,” says Woodson. “Aside from not feeling comfortable to sleep on, this damages the fiber and thus shortens the lifespan of sheets.” Store when not in use. “If the sheets will not be used for an extended time, launder and keep them in a storage bag to maintain their condition and prevent damage by pests,” Woodson recommends. Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock Your Questions, Answered How long will Egyptian cotton sheets last? Though many factors impact how long you can use a set of sheets — fiber type, length, thread count, and construction, to name a few — many of the best Egyptian cotton sheets can have a lifespan of several years before needing to be replaced, Woodson says. “With continued use and laundering, the cotton fiber deteriorates and weakens, making the fabric more susceptible to tearing, which is one of the more common reasons for needing to replace bed linens,” she explains. Following the manufacturer’s care instructions can help your sheets last longer, as can storing them safely when not in use to maintain their condition. After testing these sheets at home, we found that the Parachute Sateen Sheet Set, Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets, and the Crane & Canopy Bright White Percale Cotton Sheet Set were all good as new after six months of testing. How much should I expect to spend on Egyptian cotton sheets? As with any type of bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets are available in a wide range of price points. The sheet sets on this list range from $85 to $360, with a median price of $192. “Generally, I would expect to spend between $200 to $300 for a standard set (fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases) of genuine Egyptian cotton sheets, though you may be able to find something in the $100 range,” says Woodson. For reference, our best budget pick, the Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets, are $85 for a queen set and the Crane & Canopy Bright White Percale Cotton Sheet Set, our best splurge set, is $280 for a queen set. She warns shoppers to be mindful of Egyptian cotton sheets that are shockingly affordable. “I would be wary of the authenticity of the fiber,” Woodson says. “It may not be Egyptian cotton, or it could be a blend using a small percentage of Egyptian cotton with the majority of the fiber being a less desirable traditional cotton.” What are the benefits of buying Egyptian cotton sheets? There’s a reason why genuine Egyptian cotton sheets are so sought-after: The long-staple fiber is known for its soft, luxurious handfeel. But there are other benefits, too. Egyptian cotton sheets are highly durable, Woodson tells us. “Yarns spun with this long fiber are quite strong so they will generally yield a durable fabric that is less susceptible to rips or tears,” she says. “And because the yarn is smooth, the fabric is less likely to pill.” Plus, as with most cotton fabrics, Egyptian cotton sheets are very breathable and naturally help regulate your body temperature while you sleep. Who We Are Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best Egyptian cotton sheets, Kathleen spoke to Jennifer Woodson, a textile developer with over a decade of experience from JMW Textiles in Costa Mesa, California. What Is BHG Recommends? Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit