What's the Best Thread Count for Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
These days, just about everyone is looking for a way to get more sleep. While work stress and economic anxiety might not have easy fixes, there are steps you can take to promote rest and relaxation in your daily life – and it all begins with your bedding. A key element in sleep, bedding can impact your comfort level throughout the night. With the right sheets, sleepers are more likely to stay cool, cozy, and dry, no matter the temperature. Still, selecting the right bedding can be a challenge. And while shoppers often assume that a high thread count correlates with a better-quality product, the truth tends to be more complicated. Wondering what’s the best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets? Keep reading for answers to this and other questions courtesy of the team at Pure Parima.
Understanding Thread Count
To determine the best thread count for sheets, you first need to understand the full meaning of this bedding element. Thread count is a measure of the number of threads making up one square inch of fabric. However, it doesn’t necessarily determine quality in the way shoppers may think.
Contrary to popular belief, only around 800 threads can fit in a square inch of Egyptian cotton. In other words, companies that claim to be selling sheets with higher counts are effectively misleading their customers. To accomplish this feat, manufacturers use two-ply yarn, in which multiple strands of lower-quality thread are woven together. On the other hand, Pure Parima only manufactures products using single-ply yarn. The result is a smoother, stronger, longer-lasting sheet.
Want to be sure the sheets you choose are the real deal? For best results, avoid brands selling products that claim to have thread counts of 1000 or higher, as they’re likely to be made from lower-end yarn.
Origins of Egyptian Cotton
If you’re wondering what’s the best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets, then you probably already know that this material is widely regarded as one of the best options for bedding. So where does Egyptian cotton come from? Derived from the Gossypium barbadense plants once found growing naturally along the Nile, Egyptian cotton was first cultivated by a Frenchman named Monsieur Jumel. After a series of experiments, Jumel created the high-end cotton that’s beloved by sleepers today.
Egyptian cotton owes its softness and durability to the climate in this part of the world. Not only is the soil in Egypt rich in vitamins and minerals, but the crops also benefit from the region’s temperate climate. Additionally, Egyptian cotton is picked by hand rather than with the aid of machines. The result is extra-long staple strands that are exceptionally fine. Not only does Egyptian cotton maintain its durability, resisting pilling, ripping, and tearing, but it also stays soft no matter how many times you wash it. This fact helps differentiate it from short-staple cottons that often pill and come apart in the laundry. If you’re passionate about silky, breathable bedding, long-staple Egyptian cotton is likely the way to go.
The Difference Between Thread Counts
So how do you go about selecting the right thread count for your Egyptian cotton sheets? Ultimately there’s no one right answer when it comes to bedding selection, and the right thread count is whichever one you prefer. In general, we recommend opting for sheets that provide high quality threads, rather than exceptionally large thread counts. You may want to avoid counts of 1000 or more likely contain lower-quality multi-ply threads that aren’t as soft.
Typically, thread count is associated with another bedding factor: weave. Referring to the way yarn is woven together, this factor impacts both the texture of sheets and how cool or warm they keep sleepers. Featuring a three over, one under pattern, sateen weaves are a popular choice thanks to their silk-like feel. Additionally, sateen boasts a light sheen that adds style and interest to any space. Although sateen tends to be wrinkle resistant, it is a little heavier than other bedding options. As a result, sateen may not be the right option for hot sleepers and those who suffer from night sweats.
If you prefer a more breathable sheet, percale may be the way to go. With its one over, one under weave, percale has a crisp, fresh feel that’s perfect for warm weather. Additionally, this fabric is moisture wicking, so you don’t have to worry about waking up in a pool of sweat on hot nights.
What is the Ideal Thread Count for Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
To maximize comfort and achieve the best night’s rest, we recommend choosing sheets made with superior fibers and avoid looking to thread count for quality. Customers should do their research, seeking out bedding made from extra-long staple, small diameter Egyptian cotton. Exceptionally fine and delightfully durable, certified Giza cotton sheets maintain their strength and comfort for years and hold up through hundreds of washes. When you choose high-end single-ply yarn, you can feel confident knowing you’ll get a great night’s sleep and wake feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
What To Look For When Buying Sheets
Other elements can impact the durability of your sheets as well as the way they feel to the touch. Here are some considerations when hitting the (online) bedding shop:
Weave
Weave is one of the most essential bedding factors to consider in that it affects both sheet softness and longevity. If you love the feel of silk but want to enjoy the health benefits of cotton, sateen sheets are likely the way to go. As a bonus, the lustrous appearance adds style and sophistication to a room. On the other hand, some sleepers appreciate the fresh, crisp feel of five-star hotel bedding. If you want to stay cool all night while enjoying the texture of luxury, you’d likely do best with percale. Additionally, individuals who reside in a warm climate will likely prefer percale due to its breathability and moisture wicking qualities.
Breathability
Speaking of breathability, Egyptian cotton percale sheets are a great choice for anyone with a skin condition. Whether you suffer from acne, rashes, or just a sensitive complexion, porous percale sheets are perfect for keeping your skin dry and clear all night long. Not only do they let moisture flow through freely, but they also allow heat to escape. So you won’t wake up in a ball of sweat on hot summer nights. Breathability is also important in pillowcases, making percale weaves a popular option.
Authenticity
Anyone investing in Egyptian cotton sheets likely wants to ensure they’re getting what they paid for. Unfortunately, retailers have been fined in recent years for selling bedding labeled Egyptian cotton when it’s actually made from lesser cottons and blends. To ensure your items are the real deal, we suggest looking for the Cotton Egypt Association label on the package. This seal shows that a product is made with 100 percent pure Egyptian cotton that was grown in Egypt’s Nile River Valley.
Safety
It’s hard to sleep at night if you don’t feel good about the bedding on which your family members are resting their heads. In an effort to protect our customers while providing peace of mind, Pure Parima only sells products with OEKO-TEX certification, meaning they’re made free from harmful chemicals and substances. The result is a worry-free night’s rest on silky soft bedding.
Style
Of course, sheet softness and breathability are only part of the equation. If you truly want to love your bedding, style is equally important. The color and design of your bedding can have a significant effect on your ability to rest. After all, if your sheet shade is too energizing, you might struggle to relax and drift off to sleep. On the other hand, if your bedding design or embroidery pattern doesn’t meld with the rest of your decor, you might feel like the space lacks cohesion. For the ultimate in calming bedding, consider shades associated with rest, such as White, Ivory, Tan, or Charcoal. Our Midnight sheets are also a great option, as the dark blue hue is reminiscent of a still lake or lovely night sky.
What Kind of Sheets Do Five-Star Hotels Use?
There’s something special about spending the night in a five-star hotel. Built for luxury, these spaces offer a level of indulgence and relaxation that’s virtually unmatched, and a large part of that is due to the superior bedding found here. Extravagant and relaxing, hotel bedding helps sleepers rest easy at night no matter what happened during the day. So why are hotel sheets so luxurious?
Typically, hotels stock Egyptian cotton sheets with a percale weave. Boasting the classic one over, one under pattern, this sheet has a fresh, crisp, cooling texture that’s both relaxing and restorative. As a bonus, percale tends to last longer, so hotels don’t have to switch out their sheets as often. These same qualities help make percale a perfect choice in the home.
Wondering what’s the best thread count for Egyptian cotton sheets with a percale weave? You might be surprised to know that hotels rarely buy sheets with high counts. Doing this helps ensure the sheets are truly made from single-ply Egyptian cotton rather than substitutes.
How Do I Wash and Care For Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
Thanks to the extra-long staple, super fine fibers, Egyptian cotton sheets can last for years. However, proper washing and drying is crucial to maintaining the lifespan of your bedding. For best results, we recommend following the instructions on the package with care. When in doubt, adhere to these rules and guidelines to ensure your bedding stays smooth and durable.
Before washing your Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowcases, take time to separate your bedding by type. It’s best not to wash bedding with clothes, as the zippers and snaps can catch on the fabric. Additionally, you should sort sheets by color, washing light shades with light and dark with dark.
When it’s time to put your Egyptian cotton sheets in the wash, we advise using a gentle liquid detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleaches, as the harsh chemicals can damage your bedding. You can feel free to pretreat any stains by rubbing a little detergent on the spot in question. To protect your bedding for the long haul, we suggest using a gentle washing cycle and cool rather than warm water.
The best way to protect your Egyptian cotton sheets for the long haul is to hang them on the line to dry. However, few people have time to take this step. Fortunately, Pure Parima’s Egyptian cotton bedding can be safely dried in a machine. To preserve the softness and smoothness of your bedding, we suggest using the permanent press or delicate setting. It’s a good idea to remove your bedding from the machine before it’s fully dry, as this helps prevent wrinkles. For best results, avoid overloading the dryer with clothing or other items.
While some of us don’t mind wrinkles, others are bothered by folds and lines in our bedding. The good news is it’s fine to iron your sheets and pillowcases, provided you use the cotton setting and employ a towel. Doing this helps to protect stitching and embroidery.
If you aren’t immediately making the bed, it’s important to take care when storing your bedding. To protect your Egyptian cotton sheets, you should stow them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area of the home. Fortunately, every Pure Parima sheet set comes complete with a complimentary fabric pouch. You can use this to preserve your bedding when it’s not in use.
Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets at Pure Parima
It’s clear that Egyptian cotton bedding offers advantages over other sheet materials. Regardless of thread count, Egyptian cotton tends to be softer, stronger, and longer-lasting than other fabrics. Still, shoppers have a choice to make when it comes to selecting the perfect sheet set for their tastes and preferences. Here are some of the popular bedding sets currently available online at Pure Parima:
Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set | Hotel Collection
Seeking a luxuriously soft bedding set that feels like silk while offering the benefits of Egyptian cotton? The Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set is your perfect choice. Part of Pure Parima’s Hotel Collection, these luxurious sheets feature an opaque and lustrous fabric and subtle stripe design. Boasting a white background, the sheets are accented by a stripe in an array of on-trend shades, including Teal, Gold, Arctic, and Graphite. Sizes range from queen to king and even California king.
Ultra Percale Sheet Set | Hotel Collection
While some people appreciate the silky feel and cozy warmth of sateen, others are drawn to the fresh, cooling texture of percale. If you tend to get hot while you sleep, Pure Parima’s Ultra Percale Sheet Set is a natural choice. Part of the Hotel Collection, this set comes complete with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two coordinating pillowcases. At once crisp and beautiful, these matte sheets feature a simple design that melds well with a wide range of decor styles. Shoppers can choose from four popular colors: White, Carbon, Bone, and Slate. Sizes range from twin to king and California king.
Yalda Sheet Set
Looking for a sateen bedding set that works well in any bedroom? The Yalda Collection is a natural choice. Clean yet sophisticated, the Yalda sheets feature a silky soft weave and a durable construction thanks to the double-hem stitching. Extra-long staple Egyptian cotton fibers ensure your sheets will last for years without losing their smooth texture. Plus, the elegant design is available in a range of modern shades, including classics like White and Spa and surprisingly bold options like Canyon and Olive. The set comes in all the traditional sizes as well as split king.
Ariane Sheet Set
Then again, maybe you’re looking for a bedding option with a little more romance. Enter the Ariane Sheet Set. Sleek and stylish, this set gets added drama thanks to the self-colored scroll embroidery. Made from extra-long staple Egyptian cotton with a sateen weave, the set is known for being both warm and wrinkle resistant. Customers can select from an array of classic shades, including neutrals like White, Ivory, and Grey. It’s available in all the common sizes from twin to California king.
Leave a comment