For those searching for a luxurious sleep, an Egyptian cotton bedding set is the best place to look. This prestigious material is soft and renowned for its superior quality. Egyptian cotton is one of the best bed linen, celebrated for its breathability, ensuring a serene night's sleep. The main difference between the cotton from Egypt and other countries is in the length of the fibres. These longer fibres result in an extremely fine yarn that's resistant to stress, making it incredibly strong, soft and long-lasting.
Egyptian cotton is unmistakably known for being a top-tier bedding. When it comes to bedding, natural fibre sets are the way to go. From cotton to linen to silk pillowcases - these are bed linens worth investing in. Cotton, in general, is a versatile and breathable fabric that has been used for centuries in various parts of the world. It's derived from the cotton plant and is a natural fibre known for its softness, strength, and ability to be woven or knit into many different fabrics. Plus, cotton is also highly absorbent, making it a popular choice for everyday wear, bedding and more. Its natural properties allow for air circulation, which helps reduce moisture, keeping night sweats at bay and regulating your body temperature, so you don't need an electric blanket at night.
The aesthetic appeal of this bed linen is undeniable. It offers that pristine, polished appearance often associated with upscale hotels. Nothing quite beats jumping into crisp sheets on holiday, and you can replicate that feeling at home with these gorgeous bedding sets.
The best Egyptian cotton bedding set at a glance:
• Best Egyptian cotton bedding overall: The White Company Symons Duvet Cover - View on White Company
• Best Egyptian cotton bedding for colour selection: Marks and Spencer Egyptian Cover - View on M&S
• Best Egyptian cotton bedding on a budget: Homescapes Egyptian Cotton Duvet Cover - View on Homescapes
So, let's get into our pick of the best cotton bedding sets. From the artistry of their stitching to the soft touch, these bedding sets will certainly upgrade your bedroom's decor and sleep quality.
Best Egyptian cotton bedding set
Best Egyptian cotton bedding overall
www.thewhitecompany.com
White bed linen with a touch of elegance and the highest-quality fabrics. The White Company do bed linen to a high standard with fine extra details and amazing finishes for a crisp white bedding look, always at an affordable price point. Crafted in Portugal from the finest 1000-thread-count Egyptian cotton sateen, it promises nights of sheer comfort. The smart double row of cording adds a nice touch, making it as delightful to look at as it is to snuggle into. With a matte sheen, too, it will feel like you have jumped into a hotel-ready bed.
Customer review: "I have yet to use the items, but I am very pleased with them."
Pros
- 1000-thread-count Egyptian-cotton satin
- Soft and silky
- Finished with a double row of cording
Cons
- It doesn't include pillowcases
Best Egyptian cotton bedding for colour selection
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S do an amazing job of offering affordable yet high-quality bedding from their high-street stores, and they have a range of thread counts available to suit everyone's sleep and a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from. This fantastic Egyptian cotton offering is soft, breathable, and made from the highest quality material. Plus, with 19 colours to choose from, you know you will find the perfect fit for your room.
Customer review: "Lovely duvet set. And helpful, it is non-iron too! Very pleased with this product."
Pros
- Soft Egyptian cotton
- Many colours to choose from
- StayNew™ technology with a non-iron finish
Cons
- 230 threat count isn't as luxurious as others on the list
Best Egyptian cotton bedding on a budget
www.homescapesonline.com
This Homescapes Egyptian cotton bedding set is hotel-quality, even though it comes at a lower price. In colours such as rich chocolate and crisp white, this duvet cover has both style and comfort. Crafted using single-ply finely combed pure cotton yarns with a 200 thread count. Hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite, this duvet cover set is luxurious and kind to your skin. Plus, with every wash, the softness intensifies, too. Complement it with matching sheets and a variety of pillowcases for a cohesive look, and you're good to go.
Customer review: "Fast delivery, great duvet cover, lovely cotton."
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and anti-dust mite
- Made using single-ply finely combed pure cotton yarns
- 14 colour options
- Excellent value
Cons
- A 200 thread count - less compared to most on the list
Best Egyptian cotton bedding for the highest threat count
www.johnlewis.com
Insanely luxurious, this is John Lewis's highest thread count bedding. Woven exclusively from the world's finest Egyptian cotton, grown in the Nile Delta, this bed linen offers unmatched softness and durability. The secret lies in the long, fine fibres and the meticulous weaving process, resulting in a smooth and silky feel. With a 1000-thread count, this collection promises nights of lovely rest.
Customer review: "This range of bedding feels very luxurious. It washes and irons brilliantly and is a joy to sleep in."
Pros
- The extremely high thread count of 1000 for a silky feel
- Made using the finest quality fibres from the Nile Delta
- Four colours
Cons
- With such a high thread count, this duvet cover set needs ironing
Best Egyptian cotton bedding for value
www.johnlewis.com
This John Lewis bedding is a blend of style and comfort. With a 200-thread count, this bedding set is crafted from premium Egyptian cotton. Coming in white or white and grey, this bedding is excellent value and will make you feel like you are jumping into fresh hotel bed linen night after night.
Customer review: "Simple white bedding that goes with most bedroom decor. Easy to wash and, if you're happy with ironing, gives a nice luxurious finish."
Pros
- Good value
- It comes in white and white with a grey seam
- Silky soft feel
Cons
- Reviewer says it's not easy to iron to a smooth finish even when items are still slightly wet
- 200 thread count might not be as luxurious as higher thread counts
Best Egyptian cotton bedding for 400 thread count
www.dunelm.com
Dunelm is known for its accessible home range, and their Dorma's 400 Thread Count bedding range is no different. With its smooth texture and elegant white colour, this duvet cover will make your bedroom feel fresh and clean. However, it's not just about looks; the low pilling feature ensures longevity, while the easy-care nature promises hassle-free maintenance, too.
Customer review: "Love them it was so lovely getting into bed I won’t buy other than the Egyptian cotton so cosy."
Pros
- 400 thread count
- Made with responsibly sourced cotton
- Part of a range so good for coordinated bedding sets.
Cons
- One colour only
Best Egyptian cotton bedding for hotel quality
www.soakandsleep.com
This authentic Egyptian cotton bedding set from Soak and Sleep has a 600-thread count and is the epitome of luxury. This bed linen is irresistibly smooth and will stand the test of time. With its timeless design, it's no wonder this range is a favourite among boutique hotels and interior designers. Grown exclusively along the Nile, this certified Egyptian cotton promises nights of outstanding comfort.
Customer review: "Fabulous quality Egyptian cotton sheet. Sizing is good, as is the extra depth of the fitted sheet."
Pros
- 600 thread count
- Made with 100 per cent certified Egyptian cotton
- Four colour options
- Bundle sets are on sale
Cons
- May require ironing
Best Egyptian cotton bedding for styles
If you are looking for an Egyptian cotton bedding set with beautiful prints and pops of colours, this collection is for you. Made from 100 per cent Egyptian cotton, this bedding has paisley print through to boho patterns to suit your bedroom decor. The active environmental protection printing ensures no fading, while the breathable and hypoallergenic nature promises a restful night's sleep. Easy to maintain and machine washable, with a generous 800 thread count, this duvet cover set is a great all-rounder.
Customer review: "Love this duvet cover! I bought it for my campervan, but my husband wants to bring it inside! Great quality, so soft, and the colour is fab!"
Pros
- Made from 100 per cent Egyptian cotton
- Active environmental protection printing and dyeing for no fading
- Breathable and hypoallergenic
Cons
- The styles might not appeal to everyone
What to consider when buying Egyptian cotton
Thread count: A higher thread count often means a softer and more luxurious feel. However, it's essential to ensure that the count is genuine and not artificially inflated by using multiple threads twisted together. You will find bedding up to 1000 thread count and as little as 200 on the list.
Weave: The weave can affect the texture and durability of the bedding. Sateen offers a silky feel, while percale is crisp and cool. Also, genuine Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt. Always check the origin to ensure you're getting authentic quality.
Sets: Bedding sets typically focus on providing coordinated sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases to help with the overall coherent look of a bedroom, but they are usually sold separately, so bear this in mind with your budget. You can check out our
Care instructions: Proper care can extend the life of your bedding. Always check if the set is machine washable and if any specific care, like cold wash or line dry, is recommended. Some bedding with a higher thread count will require ironing, too, so bear that in mind.
Buyer's guide: Best cotton bedding
What is Egyptian cotton bedding?
Egyptian cotton is renowned for its longer fibres, grown exclusively along the Nile River's banks. These long fibres produce smoother, more durable threads, offering a luxurious feel and exceptional quality. When you choose Egyptian cotton, you're opting for bedding that's both soft to the touch, long-lasting and a breathable natural fibre. Most bedding is made from Egyptian cotton and will not come with a print or pattern, so if you are looking for a printed cover, check out our best duvet covers guide.
Is a higher thread count always better?
While a higher thread count often indicates a denser weave and a softer feel, it's essential to ensure the count is genuine. Some manufacturers might inflate the thread count by twisting multiple threads together. Authentic Egyptian cotton with a genuine thread count offers a truly luxurious experience.
How do I care for my Egyptian cotton bedding set?
Egyptian cotton bedding benefits from regular washing. It's best to use a gentle cycle with cold water and avoid harsh detergents. Tumble dry on low, and consider removing from the dryer while slightly damp to prevent wrinkles. This care ensures the longevity and softness of your bedding. Also, as mentioned, bedding with a higher thread count will often require ironing, too.
Why is Egyptian cotton more breathable than other materials?
Egyptian cotton is a natural fibre known for its breathability. Its unique structure allows for consistent airflow, reducing the chances of overheating during the night. Therefore, this makes Egyptian cotton bedding sets a favourite for those living in warmer climates, who have night sweats or those who tend to get hot when sleeping. If you are a sensitive sleeper or have allergies, it could be a good idea to look at specifically anti-allergy bedding.
Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Yours, specialising in natural health and beauty. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.
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