Sheet Terms: Egyptian Cotton vs. Pima Cotton (With Bonus Info on Thread Count)

You’ve probably seen the terms on the labels: Egyptian cotton, Pima cotton, various thread counts. You may be thinking to yourself, are these just marketing terms or do they have meaning that you should know before you buy. Let us break these terms down for you so that you know what you’re purchasing.

Egyptian cotton

This term refers to a particular type of cotton that is grown in Egypt. This is an extra long staple cotton. Long staple cottons are known for their smooth glossy finish and their luxurious feel. As a general rule, longer cotton creates a more comfortable finished product than those made with shorter staple cottons.

Pima cotton

This term refers to a type of cotton grown mainly in southwestern United States, Peru, and Australia. Like Egyptian cotton, Pima is an extra long staple cotton that carries similar comfort benefits. Pima cotton is often sold under the brand name Supima, which guarantees that the product is an extra long staple cotton which is woven into softer and more durable fabrics than a shorter upland cotton.

And What About Thread Count?

Thread count in bed sheets is often used to determine quality, but it should not be the only consideration in purchasing sheeting. While a higher thread count generally means more comfortable, softer sheeting, the fiber the sheet is created from is most important. Pima cotton, Supima cotton, or Egyptian cotton sheeting in a lower count may be more durable and luxurious because of the length of the fibers and where and how the cotton was grown.

You will see sheets advertised at high thread counts such as a 1,000 thread count. Unless you know the manufacturer (your distributor or sales rep) who can guide you to the correct choice for your sheeting, you may be disappointed in the sheet’s performance and feel. You will also see sheets advertised as “like a 1,000 thread count” or “feels like cotton.”These sheets are usually at a very low cost. Be aware that if it is a very low cost, there is a reason for this. It may be that that it is a carded cotton product (not combed to soften). It could also be a combination of polyester or microfiber and cotton. As is often the case, you get what you pay for. Do not be fooled by a very low price and false advertising.

Using a reputable company to help you make the correct choice for your budget and property should be a priority when choosing linens.