Which is Better, Pima or Egyptian Cotton Sheets? - Pure Parima Guide

Trying to buy luxury bedding is an overwhelming experience. You might get lost in the number of options available. Two of the most well-known premium cotton options are Pima and Egyptian cotton. Both claim unmatched comfort, longevity, and that desired hotel-quality sleep we want. The key to making the best investment for your bedroom is fully understanding the differences between Pima cotton and Egyptian cotton. As a customer, brand marketing can complicate the differences since both claim to be premium. This comparison guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Pima and Egyptian cotton sheets, and will help you make an educated purchase.

Understanding Pima Cotton

Pima cotton is an American-grown cotton and is mostly grown in California, Arizona, and Texas. Pima cotton is sometimes called Superior Cotton and gets its name from the Pima Indians, who grew extra-long staple cotton in the American Southwest. What actually makes Pima cotton exceptional is the fact that it has long fibers, longer than ordinary cotton fibers. These long fibers result in the production of smoother yarns, which also produce bedding with better durability and comfort. All cotton, including Pima, is processed to have a desired strength and softness. But once woven into sheets, Pima cotton stands out because the fabric will become softer with every wash and maintain its strength. Due to the continuous quality assurance in American cotton production, you can trust that real Pima cotton sheets will provide the luxurious experience that is promoted, night after night.

Understanding Egyptian Cotton

Egyptian cotton has been seen as the best cotton in the world for centuries because of the cotton is grown in the Nile River area. The special geography, soils, and their tradition of growing cotton all combine for exceptionally long staple fibers that are up to 2 inches long. The superior fiber length allows manufacturers to make finer, stronger threads that create incredibly smooth surfaces with polished fabric. Real Egyptian cotton sheets feel silky on the skin while providing a breathable nature, allowing temperature control throughout the night. The method for picking Egyptian cotton is done by hand, and retains the integrity of the fibers, meaning the strength and natural sheen of the fibers stay intact. The fame behind Egyptian cotton has also created many fakes, so you should purchase from a reputable company that can verify it. Egyptian cotton sheets are a wonderful investment because they create bedding that gets better over time, providing more softness and comfort with the years of use.

Thread Count Reality: Quality Over Numbers

The thread count marketing has misled so many shoppers into believing that higher numbers equal to better sheets. Both Pima and Egyptian cotton should be used in the best range of 200-400 thread counts, where the quality of the natural fibers can shine without being compromised by too much weaving. Manufacturers have been known to exaggerate thread counts using multi-ply yarn or weaker cottons to build larger numbers that will create a heavy, less breathable fabric. Quality Pima cotton sheets with a 300-thread count will outperform cheap 1000-thread-count sheets made of short-staple cotton. Egyptian cotton follows the same idea, and with Egyptian cotton, the best range is often 300-400 threads per square inch. As you are buying your sheets, focus on the quality of the cotton, the weave construction, and the manufacturing standards. Do not focus on the sociological marketing aspect of thread count. All of these premium cotton types leverage their superior fiber length and natural attributes for comfort, and not to follow the environmental manipulation of artificially inflated thread count.

Durability and Longevity

When comparing durability, Pima and Egyptian cotton sheets will be extremely durable, and you will not be disappointed by their high cost. Pima cotton is strong because of its consistent fiber quality, consistent weaving, and finishing. Pima typically retains its appearance and feel for 10-15 years with a little care, and so from a longevity point alone, they represent value over time. Egyptian cotton is also durable, and this is because they are made from extra-long staple fibers and is made by artisans who make fabric that lasts decades. The strength naturally woven into Egyptian cotton means the sheets actually get better with washing and overall care. Thus, all manufactured quality cotton types, Pima and Egyptian, will be resistant to pilling, tearing, and fading if you follow laundering, care, and use instructions. When considering your use and care patterns on the cotton options mentioned above, it is best to consider whether you wash your bed sheets often. If you wash sheets often, you may prefer the durability of Pima cotton, given the regular laundering; if you wash sheets less often, it would be better to go for Egyptian cotton.

Comfort and Feel

In the end, the actual experience may vary in feel between Pima to Egyptian cotton, but you will experience significant comfort from either option. Pima cotton sheets are crisp and smooth. The breathability associated with Pima cotton prepares you for sleeping comfort during temperature transitions, and the smooth surface of the cotton fibers serves to reduce friction against skin and hair. Once you lie down on Egyptian cotton sheets, they will feel luxurious the moment you settle into the bed, with a silky feeling among a natural luster. The extra-long fibers give a higher proportion of yarn holes and thus develop fabric with very little surface friction to your skin, so you will find the sheets super smooth and cool against your skin. Both cotton types perform wonderfully from moisture wicking and temperature regulation. With all that said, if you are a hot sleeper, you will be satisfied with either cotton type option, ultimately, as you will enjoy one of these two options more based on the crisp hotel-like feel experience associated with Pima cotton fitted sheets and linens, or the smooth, silky feel experience associated with Egyptian cotton.

Conclusion

Once you have considered the whole guide, the choice between Pima and Egyptian cotton is finally based on your own needs and budget. Both offer a superior quality of bedding that is far superior to generic cotton, and if maintained properly, will deliver you years of comfortable sleep and great return on value. For those of you who want a product that equally balances luxury, durability, and value, Pure Parima is the very place to visit. Pure Parima, in particular, shows that quality control, ecological farming, and customer satisfaction are among the very best at making luxury bedding that performs to its promise. There is no question to be asked as there is no fabric that provides luxury bedding as affordably as Pure Parima, where you know you are supporting sustainable American craftsmanship, quality control, and value with luxury sleep quality, and without the stress of worrying about value with foreign alternatives.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com