Egyptian Cotton vs. Regular Cotton: What’s the Difference?

Egyptian cotton has a reputation of its own compared to other cotton, thanks to its unparalleled quality and unique fabric. If bedding uses Egyptian cotton, it will typically be flagged as a key selling point for the product. Here’s what you need to know about what Egyptian cotton actually is, as well as its various benefits.

Egyptian cotton, although the name suggests otherwise, does not always come from Egypt (its country of origin), but instead refers to a “species” of cotton. Egyptian cotton uses distinctively long fibres - between 1⅜ inches to 2 inches long – giving the material its unique softness and durable quality. This is because the Egyptian cotton process uses a different part of the cotton plant – the Gossypium Barbadense – that provides the longer fibres.

Regular cotton typically uses fibres up to 1⅛ inches long, in comparison to 1⅜ inches to 2 inches for Egyptian cotton. Regular cotton can vary vastly in quality, especially organic cotton in comparison to cheaper cotton that uses chemicals in its manufacturing process. Regular cotton uses the “bolls” of the plant – the soft white fruit the plant produces – which is then spun and woven to create the fabric.

Regular cotton is a good option for soft, comfortable bedding on a limited budget. It is commonly used in bedding, such as in pillowcases or in bed linen, as the fabric is highly durable, being able to withstand frequent usage and several washes.

In addition to the core difference in fibre length, Egyptian cotton also has a far higher thread count, with regular cotton roughly between 200-400 thread count, and Egyptian cotton often topping 500 – even sometimes up to 1,000 – thread count.

The difference in fibre creates a more breathable, luxurious-feeling material, being able to adapt to room temperatures with greater ease, preventing excess sweating or uncomfortable sleep. The longer, more plentiful fibres also ensures greater strength, meaning that Egyptian cotton bedding is likely to last much longer and endure more washes than regular cotton.

This difference in quality, however, comes at a price – an often much more expensive one, at that. Regular cotton bedding, particularly that of organic materials and high thread count, can provide much of the buttery soft bedding and durability than that of Egyptian cotton at a fraction of the cost. Egyptian cotton can be woven during manufacturing in a percale style, so it is common when shopping for bedding to see “Egyptian percale cotton” in the product name.

Egyptian cotton is considered a premium quality material, especially for bedding. The pros of purchasing Egyptian include its breathable fabric, able to wick away moisture - such as sweat and humidity – away from the sleeper, offering optimum temperature control and comfort, year-round.

Egyptian cotton’s longer fibre length and thread count offer an unmatched strength, able to withstand frequent use and regular washes, and will not be torn as easily as inferior fabrics. Often, the material gets softer with use, in comparison to regular cotton, which can become rough and worn with use.

As for its cons, Egyptian cotton’s peerless strength may not match your other bedding in its initial washes, as it is made of coarser material, which can cause the material to wrinkle. Its strength, however, is also limited, as the material can become damaged in hot washes.

The price is a major turn-off for many consumers, with the highest-grade Egyptian cotton can reach three or four figures – which many are unwilling to spend on bedding. This can be problematic with lower-grade Egyptian cotton that is on the market with poor quality suppliers, who intentionally mislead customers into paying premium prices for material that isn’t 100% Egyptian cotton.

Instead, a blend of Egyptian and lower-grade premium to make the manufacturing process cheaper is marketed as an Egyptian cotton process. When shopping for Egyptian cotton, it is important to check for terms like “100%” or “pure”, that guarantees that the bedding is not being bogged down by an inferior material.

Percale cotton refers to a specific type of cotton weaving, using a criss-cross style that creates an overall strong, tight bedding material. Percale cotton offers many of the same benefits as Egyptian cotton bedding, such as durability and sheen.

The key difference between percale and Egyptian cotton is that percale is a weaving style during the manufacturing process, whereas Egyptian cotton is created using a specific part of the cotton plant. Together, percale and Egyptian cotton make high-strength, high-thread count bedding that can provide durability and extra softness simultaneously.

Egyptian cotton is widely considered the best cotton available on the market, largely in thanks to its high thread count, smoother material, and stronger, breathable fabric. A specific strain of Egyptian cotton, Giza cotton (named after the city in Egypt) is thought to be the highest-grade cotton in the world, with the highest possible thread count and fibre length.

If you’re looking to make a smart purchase that will be economically beneficial in the long run, Egyptian cotton is certainly worth it in terms of longevity, being able to withstand greater wear and tear from use compared to regular cotton. This will prevent the need to purchase bedding more frequently, helping you save money over time.

Its upfront price, however, can certainly be hefty, with the highest price Giza cotton even going over the four-figure sum mark. Not everyone can afford to pay for this kind of bedding at once with the budget they’re working with. In that case, regular cotton bedding, particularly linen cotton bedding, offers the benefits of high-quality, breathable materials, that provide premium softness and temperature control.