Benefits of Egyptian Bedsheets

It’s no secret that sleep is crucial to health and function. And while experts frequently tout the importance of getting to bed on time and avoiding stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, they tend to spend less time talking about the effect of bedding on your ability to rest easily. Given that many of us spend a third of our lives in bed, it’s only logical that we’d want to invest in bedding made from premium materials. That’s where Egyptian cotton comes in. At once soft and durable, Egyptian cotton offers comfort and quality in one convenient package. However, not all sheets that bear the Egyptian cotton label are actually made from these high-end fibers. Keep reading to learn about the history and origins of Egyptian cotton along with the many benefits of choosing this fabric over its competition. 

The Origin of Egyptian Cotton Sheets

You might be wondering, how is Egyptian cotton produced? Unsurprisingly, all Egyptian cotton comes from Egypt. In fact, the Nile River Valley is the only area of the world where certified Egyptian cotton grows. These limitations mean that just 1 percent of the cotton in the world can bear the coveted Egyptian cotton designation. 

There’s a reason that the Nile River area produces a bedding material like no other. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the soil along the Nile riverbed couples with the moderate climate in this part of the world to help cotton fibers grow longer and stronger. After growing throughout July and August, Egyptian cotton is ready to be harvested come September and October. Leading Egyptian cotton producers hand pick these fibers to protect them from injury and ensure they maintain their size and quality. 

Ultimately, Egyptian cotton’s extra-long staple fibers are softer than the competition and resistant to fraying, tearing, and pilling. So it’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin. While Egyptian cotton may represent a larger initial cost, the fact that this bedding option lasts for years means that your investment won’t go to waste. 

Why Choose Egyptian Cotton Bedsheets 

Strong and luxurious, Egyptian cotton bed sheets provide a rare combination of silky soft comfort and superior strength. As a bonus, the fact that it’s grown only along Egypt’s Nile River Delta means it’s one of the rarest and most desirable cottons worldwide. Here are some of the many reasons shoppers continue to choose Egyptian cotton bedding over the competition:

1. Enhanced Durability 

People often tout the advantages of extra-long-staple cotton fibers without understanding their benefits. The fact is that the length and strength of Egyptian cotton fibers lead to fewer breaks. The result is a bedding material that won’t rip, tear, or pill, with repeated use. So you don’t have to worry about bumpy fabric scratching your skin while you sleep or causing rashes.

2. Superior Softness

The fact that Egyptian cotton is picked by hand helps this material maintain its silky soft texture. Large machines put stress on the cotton fibers, leading to breaks that impact the softness of the final product. When you pick fibers by hand, they stay long and strong. The end result is a delightfully soft fabric that feels like silk while offering all the benefits of natural cotton. 

It’s worth noting that Egyptian cotton sheets come in two different weaves: sateen and percale. Soft and smooth, sateen has a tighter weave known for keeping sleepers warm. On the other hand, percale has a looser weave that allows more air to pass through, thereby keeping you cool. Both weaves are strong and durable, ensuring your sheets stay cozy for years to come. 

3. Greater Endurance

People often ask, how long do Egyptian cotton sheets last? While lesser-quality sheets tend to break down, frequently pilling and tearing, Egyptian cotton is known for its durability. In fact, some customers have found that their sheets last up to 15 years with proper laundering and storage. 

4. Ease of Use

The benefits of Egyptian cotton extend to the way the sheets fit the bed. The Martha Stewart website went so far as to note that Pure Parima’s “...sheets have a sateen weave that feels smooth and silky, while the deep 18-inch pockets ensure that they won't slide off thick mattresses.” To that end, it’s a great option for those who toss and turn throughout the night. Additionally, deep pockets expedite the bed-making process, so you aren’t spending long minutes trying to arrange your fitted sheet on the mattress.

5. Brighter Colors

When it comes to what makes Egyptian cotton special, many customers prize the material’s ability to hold colors. Highly absorbent, Egyptian cotton takes in dyes well. The result is that even the deepest colors maintain their beauty and brightness no matter how many times they go through the wash. For best results, wash your bedding in cold water with a mild, liquid biodegradable detergent and dry it on a gentle setting. You can also choose to line dry your sheets and pillowcases to keep them looking and feeling their best.

6. Better Breathability

If you’re a hot sleeper, Egyptian cotton may suit your needs better than other options on the market. This material provides sufficient airflow to keep even the warmest individuals cool and cozy throughout the night. As a bonus, Egyptian cotton tends to absorb moisture while you sleep. That means you don’t have to worry about waking up soaked in sweat. 

How to Tell if Your Egyptian Cotton Sheets Are the Real Deal

The above factors help reveal why exactly Egyptian cotton is so good. Still, it’s a mistake to assume every bedding product that bears the Egyptian cotton label is the real deal. Unfortunately, some manufacturers sell products that say they’re Egyptian cotton while actually containing lesser kinds of cotton or even fabric blends. 

So how do you know if your sheets are made from 100 percent pure Egyptian cotton? To be considered Egyptian cotton, bedding must be made from the extra-long staple fibers of Gossypium Barbadense that were grown and harvested in Egypt. Here are some ways to evaluate a potential bedding purchase to see if it’s really Egyptian cotton:

1. Look to the Thread Count

Sheet shoppers often make the mistake of equating a higher thread count with better-quality bedding. However, the truth is that companies that purport to sell 1000 or 2500 thread count sheets are effectively lying to their customers. In fact, it’s impossible to fit more than 800 threads in a given square inch of fabric. Companies that label their sheets with higher numbers are deceiving buyers by weaving multiple strands of lower-quality thread together. The result is a bedding article that’s rougher to the touch and more prone to pilling, ripping, and tearing. 

2. See the Certification

Plenty of products bear the 100 percent Egyptian cotton label, but only some of them actually contain the materials they claim. If you want to be sure you’re getting what you pay for, we recommend checking the certification. At Pure Parima, every product we sell bears the coveted Cotton Egypt Association seal of approval. This label signifies that our products are made with 100 percent Egyptian cotton that was grown and hand-picked in the Nile River Valley. Additionally, the CEA performs an audit on the manufacturer mill and DNA tests products to make sure they contain what they claim and nothing more.

3. Get Experts Recommendations

If you want to avoid purchasing lesser-quality cottons, we recommend asking the experts. Do your homework to determine which brands the independent review sites are suggesting. For example, the Sleep Sherpa site recommends Pure Parima products, noting the following:

“Having slept on these sheets I love how light and airy they feel. They are definitely worth the investment.” Similarly, Cosmopolitan noted that Pure Parima sheets provide the “best rest you'll ever get.”

Eco-Friendly Sheets and Duvet Covers

These days, many of us are concerned about our carbon footprint. One of the benefits of Egyptian cotton is that it tends to be biodegradable. This is particularly true of companies like Pure Parima, which manufacture their cotton free from harmful chemicals. The result is that you can feel good about where you’re laying your head at night. Here are some of the many eco-friendly sheets and duvet covers available through our website. 

 Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set | Hotel Collection | 100% Giza Egyptian Cotton

Those who prefer the smoothness of silk sheets but want to enjoy all the health benefits of Egyptian cotton will likely appreciate Pure Parima’s Triple Luxe Sateen Sheets. Part of our Hotel Collection, this exceptionally luxurious set is incredibly soft and warm enough to use all winter long. As a bonus, this set features triple embroidered stitching and a subtle stripe pattern. Choose from an array of shades, including Arctic, Gold, and Teal.

 Ultra Percale Sheet Set | Hotel Collection | 100% Giza Egyptian Cotton

Of course, not everyone enjoys the feel of silk sheets. If you prefer fresh, crisp bedding like the kind found in a five-star hotel, the Ultra Percale Sheet Set is a natural choice. Smooth yet brisk, this cooling collection will keep you cool on even the hottest of summer nights. Plus, the beautiful matte fabric comes in an array of colors that look lovely with any bedroom decor. Opt for traditional shades like White and Carbon or go with new colors Bone and Slate. The Ultra Percale collection is an especially good choice for those who tend to sleep hot. 

 Hira Duvet Cover Set | 100% Giza Egyptian Cotton

Sheets are the foundation of any comfortable bed, but they aren’t the only important element in getting a good night’s sleep. If you want to rest easy no matter the temperature, having the right duvet cover is essential. Not only does a quality duvet cover protect your duvet, but it also keeps your skin safe from itching and irritation. Those with a penchant for softness are sure to appreciate the silky, lustrous sateen weave of our Hira Duvet Cover Set. Boasting contemporary accent diamond embroidery, this stunning set comes in an array of shades, including Tan, Soft Peach, Charcoal, and Midnight.

Experience a Better Night’s Sleep With Pure Parima

Choosing the right sheets can be stressful. Not only do you want to ensure you’re getting what you pay for, but you also want to be certain the bedding matches your preferences of comfort and style. Fortunately, Pure Parima offers a 100-night risk-free trial on all its bedding products. Try your new sheets for up to 100 nights, and if you aren’t fully satisfied for any reason, return them within that time frame for a full refund. Ready to get a great night’s rest? Shop our sheet selection online today. We look forward to helping you discover the many benefits of Pure Parima Egyptian cotton.