Supima vs Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets – How to Choose
Cotton is a popular choice for bed sheets. Cotton is soft, comfortable, smooth, breathable, and affordable. However, some 100% cotton sheets can be scratchy and uncomfortable due to low thread count or poor construction. This is not the case with premium cotton. Premium long and extra-long-staple cotton include Pima cotton, Sumpia, and Egyptian cotton. The stronger, softer, and longer fibers are why these types of cotton offer premium quality that is also durable. The length of traditional cotton fibers is 1.1 inches. Long-staple measures 1 1/8 to 1 5/16 inches. The length of extra-long staple (ELS) is1 3/8 inches or longer. However, these premium are more expensive than products with traditional types of cotton. The question is which premium cotton is better? This article focuses on the comparison of Supima vs Egyptian cotton.
About Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton has a reputation for high-quality cotton products. However, only a smaller percentage of Egyptian cotton produced each year is extra-long-staple cotton. The majority of Egyptian production is a long-staple cotton variety called Giza 86.
In the last half of the 19th century, cotton production in Egypt grew dramatically because of the expansion of irrigation and increased demand because of the United States civil war. Egyptian cotton has been important ever since. Since Egypt produces cotton with a variety of fiber lengths, the terms “Egyptian long-staple” and Egyptian extra-long staple” are sometimes used.
Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt along the Nile River. It’s a luxurious choice with a high price tag. Many companies may blend Egyptian cotton with other inferior fabrics to make them more affordable. To enjoy true Egyptian cotton products, it is recommended to shop from reputable brands or certified products.
Egyptian cotton is handpicked to minimize stress on the fibers. As a result, the fibers are straight and intact. Egyptian cotton’s long fibers are stronger and softer. Since Egyptian cotton fibers are finer threads, one can weave more fibers into each square inch to produce a finer and more consistent finish. The end product is a softer and more flexible fabric.
What is Supima Cotton?
In essence, ‘Supima’ means superior Pima. Supima fibers are even stronger, softer, and more durable than Pima. Supima is only manufactured in the United States. Besides, this super luxurious material is highly regulated. The Supima Association is the owner of the Supima trademark. Contrary to Pima cotton, most Supima products are genuinely U.S. Supima cotton. Supima cotton sheets are crisp, cool, and the most luxurious on the market.
While rare, Supima bedding products are available at a premium. They are typically in high-end retail stores and brands. As expected, Supima products are very expensive. In many cases, they are twice the price of Prima products and as much as three times more expensive than regular cotton products.
Supima vs Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Due to its rarity and superb quality, Supima bed sheets’ price tags are usually at a premium. Some of them maybe twice as much as Prima products and three times the costs of regular cotton products. However, due to strict regulation, the authenticity of Supima products is almost always verified. This means buyers can enjoy all the benefits from their Supima investments. The following is a comparison on Supima and Egyptian cotton sheets.
Supima Cotton Sheet
Egyptian Cotton Sheet
Key Features
- American Extra-long durable threads
- Extremely soft and durable
- Easy to care for
- Strictly regulated and verified for authenticity
- Long and extra-long durable threads
- Softer after more use and wash
- Durable
- Easy to care for
Cost
- Typically higher than Egyptian cotton sheets
- Typically slightly lower than Supima cotton sheets
Ease of Care
- Mostly straightforward care
- Some special textile or dye may require special attention such as water and drying temperature
- Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions
- Mostly straightforward care
- Some special textile or dye may require special attention such as water and drying temperature
- Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions
As shown in the table above, the two fabrics are very similar. However, Supima products are typically even softer than Egyptian cotton. Moreover, unlike Egyptian cotton, it is highly regulated with minimal imitation products. While Egyptian cotton sheets have the reputation to be the standard of luxury sheets, Supima cotton sheets have received patrons that are willing to pay for the additional benefits. It is important to consider certified products and reputable companies. The following are a few recommendations that may help kick start the buying process.
For more information and tips, please also check out our articles on how to select bed sheets and how to choose the color of your bed sheets.
Supima Cotton Sheets – Top Recommendations
| Thread Count | Item Descriptions | Key Trait | Color / Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 | Threadmill Extra-Long-Staple Supima Cotton | Certified | Various | Check |
| 1000 | Threadmill Extra-Long-Staple Supima Cotton | Certified | Various | Check |
| 600 | Elinen Long Staple Combed Cotton | Oeko-Tex Certified | Various | Check |
Certified 1200 Thread Count American Supima Cotton
Threadmill Home Linen 4-pc Supima Extra-Long Staple Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, Deep Pocket
Treadmill Home Linen’s extra-long-staple Supima cotton sheet set provides luxurious softness and durability. The 4–pc percale sheet set has a 4.6 rating from more than 160 reviews. The certified American Sumpia sheet set is manufactured in a factory entirely powered by solar and wind energy. The 4-pc set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The full elastic on the fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 15 inches. The 100 percent cotton collection is available for 3 mattress sizes in 3 different colors.
What people liked about the product:
- Soft, silky, luxurious
- Heavy, thick, good quality sheets
- Great sheets at an awesome price
Certified 1000 Thread Count American Supima Cotton
Threadmill Home Linen 4-pc Supima Extra-Long Staple Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, Deep Pocket
Treadmill Home Linen’s extra-long-staple Supima cotton sheet set provides a silky smooth and soft feel. The 4–pc percale sheet set has a 4.3 rating from more than 120 reviews. The certified American Sumpia sheet set is manufactured in a factory entirely powered by solar and wind energy. The 4-pc set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The full elastic on the California King fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches. The collection is available for 3 mattress sizes in 3 different colors.
What people liked about the product:
- Great all-weather performance sheet
- Beautiful and breathable
- Great quality, smooth, durable sheet
Oeko-Tex Certified 600 Thread Count Supima Cotton
Elinen 4-pc Spima Long-Staple Combed Cotton Sateen Sheet Set, Deep Pocket
Elinen long-staple cotton sateen sheet set provides breathability, softness, and durability. The 4–pc percale sheet set has a 4.5 rating from more than 360 reviews. The Oeko-Tex certification ensures the product is manufactured environmentally friendly and tested for harmful substances. The 4-pc set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The full elastic on the fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 18 inches. The collection is available for 3 mattress sizes in 9 different colors.
What people liked about the product:
- Fine, silky feel
- Comfortable and no pilling after washing
- Great quality sheets
Egyptian Cotton Sheets – Top Recommendations
| Thread Count | Item Descriptions | Key Trait | Color / Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | Thread Spread long-staple Egyptian cotton | Oeko-Tex Certified | Various | Check |
| 600 | Kemberly Home long-staple Egyptian cotton | Oeko-Tex Certified | Various | Check |
| 400 | Pure Prima CEA Certified Egyptian cotton | CEA Certified | Various | Check |
| 400 | MyGiza long-staple Giza Egyptian cotton | Giza Cotton | Various | Check |
Oeko-Tex Certified 1000 Thread Count Single Ply Long Staple Egyptian Cotton
Thread Spread 4-pc Single Ply, Long Staple Egyptian Cotton Sateen Weave Sheet Set, Deep Pocket
This top-selling long-staple Egyptian cotton sheet set has a 4.2 rating from more than 17600 reviews. Its STANDARD 100 by Oeko-Tex certification provides the quality assurance that it is eco-friendly and harmless for human health. The single-ply sateen weave offers a luxurious silky feel. The deep pocket fitted sheet’s top-quality elastic accommodates mattresses up to 18 inches. The 4pc sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The collection is also available in more than 20 colors and various mattress sizes.
What people liked about the product:
- Great sheets at a super price
- Sheets are not too cold, not too hot
- good weight but not scratchy
Oeko-Tex Certified 600 Thread Count Long Staple Egyptian Cot
Kemberly Home 4-pc Long Staple Egyptian Cotton Sateen Weave Sheet Set, Deep Pocket
This sheet set offers the quality and durability of hotel sheets and crisp pillowcases. The 4.5 rating from more than 390 reviews makes this one of the popular sheet set in its category. With STANDARD 100 by Oeko-Tex certification, this product is produced environmentally friendly and tested for harmful substances. The fade-resistant 4pc set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The all-around elastic on the fitted sheet accommodates mattresses up to 16 inches. The collection is available in 11 colors and various mattress sizes.
What people liked about the product:
- Soft and luxurious
- Super soft and comfortable
- High quality product and great value
CEA Certified 400 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton, Double Hem-Stitched
Pure Parima 4-pc Certified Egyptian Cotton Sateen Weave Sheet Set
The pure, CEA certified 100% Egyptian Cotton sheet set has a rating of 4.6 from more than 80 reviews. The premium sateen weave gives this 400-thread count sheet a silky-smooth feel. The sheets are soft, breathable, and offer all-night cool comfort. This set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two matching pillowcases. It is available in 9 colors and various mattress sizes.
What people liked about the product:
- Certified Egyptian cotton
- Soft and comfy
- Well worth the investment
400 Thread Count Giza Egyptian Cotton Sheets
MyGiza Sheets 4pc Long Staple Giza Egyptian Cotton Sateen Weave Sheet Set, Deep Pocket
With a 4.6 rating from 150 reviews, the 100% long-staple Giza cotton fabric makes it ultra-soft, breathable, and stain-resistant. Its sateen weave and the 400 thread count structure give provides a luxurious finish. The 4pc sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The fitted sheet’s fully enclosed elastic hems accommodate mattresses up 18 inches deep. It is available in 7 colors and various mattress sizes.
What people liked about the product:
- Soft and comfortable
- Great temperature control
- Quality at great value
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