Why Are Egyptian Cotton Sheets Expensive in 2023?
Sheets are an essential item, and just about everyone has a pair or two tucked away in the linen closet for a rainy day. Unfortunately, not every sheet set is created equal. While some sheets are smooth, durable, and silky to the touch, others are rough, poorly made, and prone to pilling. In the long run, those lower-priced sheets may end up costing you more, as they can interfere with sleep and affect your ability to be productive during the day. And of course, you’re likely to spend more money buying new sheet sets to replace the ones that wear out on the regular.
Although bedding is a personal choice, most sleep experts agree that Egyptian cotton bedding offers numerous benefits over other sheet materials on the market. While the term is often applied incorrectly to sheets made from lesser cotton blends, true Egyptian cotton is crafted from fibers grown and harvested in Egypt. Thanks to the weather in this part of the world, Egyptian cotton plants grow fibers that are long, strong, and highly durable. They’re then harvested by hand and manufactured into premium yarn. The result is a bedding material of superior quality and smoothness that lasts for years and feels like silk against the skin. Do you ever find yourself wondering “why are Egyptian cotton sheets expensive?” Read on for details on the history and qualities of Giza cotton sheets and discover how they can help you get better rest.
The History of Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton has long been the bedding material of choice. But how did this fabric come into being? The fact is that Egyptian cotton comes from a breed of cotton plant called Gossypium barbadense, which grows happily along Egypt’s Nile River. Originally, the plant was cultivated by Monsieur Jumel, who found some neglected cotton plants in a garden in Cairo. After a great deal of experimentation, the plant we now know as Egyptian cotton was born.
Thanks to the soil composition and climate in this part of the world, the cotton grown in Egypt boasts extra-long staple fibers, or small strands that compose the raw cotton. Less prone to breakage than short staple fibers, Egyptian cotton holds up through hundreds of washes and never loses its softness or strength. There’s a reason customers have been opting for Egyptian cotton bedding for decades and will continue to do so in the future.
Understanding Egyptian Cotton
It’s worth noting that products bearing the Egyptian cotton label aren’t always the real deal. In fact, well-known bedding retailers like Walmart and Target have gotten in trouble for advertising products as Egyptian cotton when they actually contain lesser cottons and blends – and some have even been fined by the FTC for misleading consumers. If you want to enjoy the benefits of true Egyptian cotton – including softness and durability – it’s important to seek out products made from 100 percent certified Giza cotton and no substitutes.
In an effort to educate customers about Egyptian cotton and monitor sales of this product, the Egyptian Ministry of Industry and Foreign Trade created a nonprofit association called Cotton Egypt. Along with promoting the advantages of this bedding material, the Cotton Egypt Association licenses manufacturers and labels products made from real Egyptian cotton to help create transparency. At Pure Parima, we’re proud to say that all of our Egyptian cotton bedding products bear the Cotton Egypt Association sale of approval, ensuring they’re made from fibers grown in the Nile River Valley.
What to Look for in Egyptian Cotton Bedding
Clearly Egyptian cotton bedding offers benefits over other sheet materials out there. However, customers sometimes struggle to choose among the different products found in stores and online. Looking for the Cotton Egypt Association seal on the package is one of the best ways to make sure the item you’re purchasing is the real deal. However, you should also consider the following factors when buying new Egyptian cotton sheets, pillowcases, or duvet covers:
Thread Count
Thread count gets a great deal of attention in the bedding world. Referring to the number of threads that make up a square inch of fabric, thread count varies from around 200 to 1000 or higher. Unfortunately, manufacturers aren’t always honest about the contents of their bedding. While the truth is that only around 800 threads can fit in an inch of cotton, dishonest companies may mislead customers by using multiple strands of lower-quality fibers woven together. On the other hand, Pure Parima uses only premium single-ply yarn made from pure Egyptian cotton grown in the Nile River Valley. If you want your bedding to feel softer and last longer, avoid those sheets with comically high thread counts, as they’re typically lower quality.
Weave
While thread count is important, weave can have an even greater effect on your comfort and ability to stay cool throughout the night. When it comes to Egyptian cotton, shoppers have two options: sateen and percale. One of the most popular weaves among Egyptian cotton lovers, sateen features a pattern of three over, one under. The result is a silky soft fabric with a gentle feel. Additionally, sateen is a warmer weave that tends to resist wrinkles. If a smooth bed is important to you, sateen may be the way to go.
On the other hand, plenty of customers prefer their sheets with a percale weave. Boasting a one over, one under pattern, this weave option feels light and fresh to the touch. In fact, the crisp sheets found in luxury hotels tend to have a percale weave. In general, percale is more breathable than sateen, meaning it’s a great choice for hot sleepers and anyone living in a warmer climate. It has a matte finish rather than a shiny one and works well for those prone to night sweats.
Size
Of course, size is an important consideration in the bedding world. After all, purchasing the wrong size sheets can cause them to slip off the mattress when you move or turn in the night. Moreover, wrinkled or crumpled bedding may make it hard to get a good night’s rest. Before heading out to the sheet store or shopping online, check your mattress to see if it’s a twin, full, queen, king, or California king, which is longer but wider than a traditional king bed.
Style
The texture and breathability of bedding can have a profound effect on one’s ability to sleep. Still, style is almost as important when it comes to your sheets. After all, you’re unlikely to get a good night’s rest if the color of your sheets is displeasing or the embroidery doesn’t meld well with your other bedding items. For sheets that create a sense of calm and comfort, we recommend colors like White, Ivory, or Tan, as they’re associated with relaxation. On the other hand, if you want bedding that stimulates creativity, brighter shades may be the way to go.
What to Avoid When Shopping for Egyptian Cotton
Anyone wondering “why are Egyptian cotton sheets expensive” likely wants to avoid overpaying. That means doing your research. When shopping for Egyptian cotton, it’s important to recognize that the price tag may be slightly higher than that found on other sheet materials. In other words, deeply discounted bedding with an Egyptian cotton label probably isn’t the real thing. The good news is that Egyptian cotton sheets are built to last, holding their form through hundreds of washes. So it’s an investment that will likely pay off in the long run.
Additionally, shoppers should avoid products made from mixes of Egyptian cotton and other materials. If the sheets are crafted from lesser cottons or synthetics, they won’t confer all the benefits of true Egyptian cotton. For best results, take some time to research the company selling the bedding, reading both user reviews and press from other sources. Doing this helps ensure you won’t waste your money on low-end bedding products that come apart in the laundry.
Get Better Sleep With Egyptian Cotton
There are various reasons that customers consistently choose Egyptian cotton over the competition. Want to get more sleep in the New Year? Here are just a few of the benefits associated with this exceptional bedding material:
Breathability
One of the biggest advantages of Egyptian cotton is that it’s highly breathable. In other words, both heat and moisture can slip through this porous fabric with ease. The end result is that sleepers can rest easy all night long rather than waking up in a pool of sweat. Fabric breathability is particularly important for those who live in a hot climate or suffer from periodic night sweats. For best results, pair your Egyptian cotton sheets with a matching duvet cover to help you stay cool while you slumber.
Softness
Is there anything worse than the feel of fabric pills rubbing against your skin while you’re trying to sleep? It’s a well-known fact that low-end cottons and synthetics are prone to pilling. The result is that your sheets become rougher every time you wash them. On the other hand, when you invest in Egyptian cotton, you don’t have to worry about the fibers producing lint. Egyptian cotton tends to get more comfortable with time and resists pilling, tearing, ripping, and snagging.
Smoothness
Speaking of comfort, Egyptian cotton sheets are generally smoother and softer than other options. This is because the fibers are both longer and smaller in diameter than the fibers in ordinary cotton. Whether you prefer the silky comfort of sateen or the fresh crispness of percale, Egyptian cotton has a delightful smoothness that won’t scratch your skin or pull your hair. If you suffer from thinning hair or alopecia, Egyptian cotton pillowcases are a must-have item.
Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
The good news is that there are plenty of options out there when it comes to Egyptian cotton bedding. So you can invest in a sheet set that suits your tastes and preferences along with your budget. Here are some of the most popular Egyptian cotton sheet collections among Pure Parima customers:
Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set | Hotel Collection
Is softness your primary consideration when it comes to sheet shopping? If so, the Triple Luxe Sateen Sheet Set is a natural choice. Part of our beloved Hotel Collection, this stunning sheet set boasts a silky smooth and deliciously soft fabric and a triple embroidered stitching for extra style. They’re made from certified Egyptian cotton and come in an array of stripe shades, including Teal, Graphite, Nickel, and Black. Choose from sizes queen, king, and California king.
Ultra Percale Sheet Set | Hotel Collection
Not everyone enjoys a sheet set with a sateen weave. Some sleepers get more rest on crisp, fresh-feeling percale. If you want bedding that feels like the sheets in a luxury hotel, you’re sure to enjoy our Ultra Percale Sheet Set. Boasting a matte finish, these calming sheets are exceptionally breathable. The end result is a cooling night’s sleep no matter the climate. These long-staple Giza cotton sheets are available in an array of on-trend hues, including White, Carbon, Bone, and Slate. They come in sizes twin, full, queen, king, and California king, meaning you can easily use them for any bedroom in the home.
Hira Sheet Set
Seeking a more sophisticated and luxurious bedding design? Those with a taste for elegance are likely to be drawn to our Hira Sheet Set. This sateen collection is crafted from extra-long staple cotton fibers. Additionally, they boast contemporary accent diamond embroidery to add serious style to your space. The Hira set comes in all the latest shades including White, Tan, Soft Peach, and Midnight. It’s available in all mattress sizes.
Yalda Sheet Set
For a timeless, classic bedding collection, it’s hard to beat our Yalda Sheet Set. Boasting style and comfort in a single sophisticated package, the Yalda Sheets are made from extra-long staple cotton and feature exceptionally soft double-hem stitching. This collection boasts a sateen weave and comes in a wide selection of colors, including Icy Blue, Linen, Charcoal, Olive, and Canyon. Along with the traditional sizes, this set is available in twin XL, making it a great choice for college dorms.
Protecting Your Egyptian Cotton Sheets for the Long Haul
Egyptian cotton sheets provide a superior sleep experience while adding elegance and sophistication to your space. However, if you want these bedding items to last for years to come, it’s important to treat them with care. To start, we recommend sorting your bedding with care. Avoid washing your sheets and pillowcases with your clothes, as the zippers and snaps can snag on the delicate fabric. And of course, you should sort your laundry by color, washing light hues with light and dark with dark.
One of the best things about Egyptian cotton sheets is that they can typically be washed in the machine. However, it’s important to use a mild, liquid, biodegradable detergent rather than harsher options. For best results, avoid washing your bedding with brighteners, whiteners, softeners or bleach. Additionally, you should use cold water in the washing machine and add just half the recommended quantity of detergent. Doing this helps keep your bedding stronger longer. It’s also wise to avoid pouring your detergent directly onto the laundry.
Once your linens have finished washing, remove them from the machine and shake them out a little. Doing this helps minimize wrinkles during the drying process. Ideally, you would hang your Egyptian cotton sheets on a line to dry. However, it’s fine to put your bedding in the dryer on a low-heat setting such as delicate or permanent press. For best results, avoid overloading the dryer. It’s also a good idea to remove your sheets before they’re completely dry. This step helps ensure your bedding stays smooth and free from wrinkles.
Caring for your bedding is a multi-step process. Once you’ve washed and dried your sheets, it’s important to store them in a cool, dry part of the home if you aren’t immediately making the bed. The good news is that Pure Parima purchases come complete with a fabric pouch that can be used for long-term storage. Place the bag in a recyclable bag or box to prevent dust and oils from seeping in and damaging your Egyptian cotton.
Make Pure Parima Your Choice for Sleep
At Pure Parima, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality bedding that protects their skin and hair while helping them get better sleep. With that in mind, we carry only those products made from 100 percent certified Egyptian cotton grown along Egypt’s Nile River. Customers can feel confident in what they’re purchasing because every product bears the Cotton Egypt Association seal of authenticity. Additionally, we manufacture all our bedding free from harmful chemicals and substances. Our goal is to deliver a worry-free night’s rest for you and every member of your family. Shop our sheets online today and start getting better sleep.
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