The finest Egyptian cotton bedding sets to invest in this Christmas
You can't go wrong by placing slightly more emphasis on those little everyday luxuries: a fresh flower delivery, a well-chosen bottle of wine, or a soft set of hotel-style bed sheets. How our homes make us feel is crucial to our wellbeing – and most will agree that slipping into crisp bedding after a long day is a joy that’s hard to beat.
The luxury bedding market has boomed of late, and there are now plenty of options to choose from that lie outside the traditional realms. Linen bedding is having a moment thanks to its effortless, rustic aesthetic (no ironing required here), wool is gaining traction for its temperature-regulating properties, while silk will always be the final word in decadence (as well as providing additional benefits for skin and haircare). But for something that feels crisp, cool and looks entirely classic, Egyptian cotton bedding remains the gold standard.
What is Egyptian cotton, and what makes it so special?
“Pure cotton bed linen is renowned for its natural breathability and cool feeling which makes it so comfortable to sleep in,” says Mark Winstanley, chief creative officer of The White Company.
But Egyptian cotton enjoys greater prestige than that from any other part of the world – and for good reason. “Egypt, with its unique climate and fertile soil of the River Nile produces a cotton which has a longer length, making the finished fabric beautifully smooth, crisp and strong,” Winstanley says.
"Egyptian cotton is only authentic if it comes from the cotton species Gossypium Barbadense, is grown in Egypt, and is certified," adds Emily Attwood, founder of luxury bedding brand Scooms. “It’s usually hand-picked, which puts less stress on the fibres and helps them remain straight and intact, so they're stronger and more resistant to stress."
The result? A softer, finer and yet more hardwearing fabric than other cottons. The high-quality weave means washing won’t lead to pilling: in fact, you’ll likely notice your sheets become even softer over time.
What’s more, the porous weave of Egyptian cotton makes it a highly breathable fabric – good news for those who tend to run hot at night. So, if you're looking for a good year-round option, consider our edit of the very best Egyptian cotton bedding to invest in now.
Does the thread count matter?
Put in simple terms, the thread count is the amount of threads packed into any given area of fabric. This is measured by the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the denser the bedsheets are.
Typically, high thread counts indicate better quality bedsheets. Benefits of a high thread count include softer, smoother fabric for a more comfortable night's sleep, more durable bedding (Sheets with a higher thread count are better woven and have stronger fibres), and more absorbent and breathable fabrics.
However, thread count isn't the only thing to consider when purchasing new sheets. Higher thread count fabrics are usually heavier, which may not be ideal for summer - and be sure to check the yarn and weave quality, as that is equally as important.
The average thread count for quality Egyptian cotton sheets is between 300-400. Somemay even go up to 600, if you're after a particularly soft set.
The best Egyptian cotton bedding for a luxurious night's sleep
Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen
Heal's is a go-to for timeless home essentials that marry quality with refined design. The brand's hotel-style Egyptian cotton sheets have a 400 thread-count and are thick enough to feel luxurious while remaining airy enough for hot sleepers. Smart Oxford corners add some extra elegance, too. It's available in four sizes, from single to super king, and includes peach and pastel green varieties as well as clean, white varieties.
For a lower weave and satiny handle, the brand's organic cotton collection is also worth a look. And for the truly iron-averse? Consider the rustic, rumpled washed linen.
From £50.
Cavendish Bed Linen Collection
The White Company's most luxurious line, the Cavendish bedding collection, is woven from 800 thread-count Egyptian cotton into an incredibly soft, sateen fabric.
There's an all-white style for true classicists, but we love the impact of the contrasting black border. Style this set with black cushions and a matching throw for a sharp, monochrome result.
Available from single duvet to super-king, consider also the white and silver, as well as the white and mink, varieties.
From £45.
Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen
If you're looking to recreate a hotel-style, all-white look at home, Soak & Sleep is a good choice. This 600 thread-count bedding boasts one of the smoothest, heaviest fabrics we've seen, making for a sleek, crease-free finish on your bed. Available in sizes up to Emperor, there's bound to be a set that suits you. There are also four colour varieties, although they are all decisively neutral - if you don't want white sheets, you can try the ivory, grey, or grey lined varities.
From £28.
200 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Bedding
For everyday bedding in 17 colour varieties, John Lewis may well be the answer for its quality range at an excellent price. The retailer stocks its plush, 400 thread-count cotton sheets in a range of unique colours, from deepest mulberry to serene blue (which looks especially chic against dark oak flooring), as well as in single to super-king sizes.
From £20.
Egyptian Cotton Sateen Set
The long-staple Egyptian cotton fabrics used at Hampton & Astley are produced exclusively for the brand in factories that operate on renewable energy. Not just a sustainably-minded choice, these luxurious sheets are incredibly soft and silky, with a sateen finish that resists creasing and offers a lustrous sheen.
The brand's 'deep' fitted sheets are a smart purchase for anyone with an extra-thick mattress: they're cut to deeper measurements than the average sheet, meaning they won't slide off your bed. Available in pink, silver and classic white, this size bedding ranges for double to Emporer size bedding.
From £140
Egyptian Cotton Parisian Set
You can never go wrong with some timeless, crisp white sheets, but sometimes you want a little more oomph when decorating your homespace. If you're looking to add just a touch of a romantic, Parisian aesthetic to your bedroom, then look no further than this elegant set from Harrods. It's embroidered scallop trim gives a nod towards fancifulness without being too ostentatious. Available in white for double beds only.
From £359 for a full set.
Hella Bedding Set
Celso de Lemos knows that nothing says opulence quite like gold. Dip into the brand's maximalist aesthetic with the gilt-edged Hella collection, which marries crisp Egyptian cotton with just a touch of Regency charm. After a little more impact? Consider the brand's gold jacquard Waltz bedspread for the full Bridgerton effect. Available in king size only.
From £229.
Egyptian Cotton Bedding
Scooms shines in the sustainability realm: all of the brand's certified Egyptian cotton bedding is approved to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Essentially, this means that the material has been developed in a way that's free of harmful toxins and chemicals and has been made to an ethical standard. The brand has an excellent linen range, too. Available in white from sizes single to super-king,
From £237.50 for a full set.
Epsom Duvet Cover
For classic, English country style, you can't do better than Dusk's duvet cover, finished in a sumptuously smooth 400 thread-count cotton, with a horizontal jacquard-weave satin stripe that adds a subtle, textured pattern.
Dusk offers its duvet covers in white and sizes up to super king, and we'd recommend picking up the matching pillowcases, too, for the ultimate indulgent set.
From £45.
Washed Cotton Bedding
Piglet in Bed is widely regarded as one of the chicest brands with which to outfit your bedroom, with a variety of 12 colours to pick from. These pale rose, washed cotton sheets are a case in point: incredibly soft with a percale weave (that allows for a relaxed, matte finish) they're 200 thread-count and the epitome of low-key luxe.
Ranging from single to super king, these are a great option for the sustainably minded, as they're made from cotton sourced in partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative.
From £75.
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