The best Egyptian cotton bedding sets for hotel-worthy sheets at home

To offer more choice for every budget and bedroom, our sleep editors have also shared their favourite sets (they've reviewed a lot of bedding after all).

To find the best Egyptian cotton bedding sets, we test a duvet cover, pillowcase and sheet from each collection. The sets are sent out to our reader panel (we enlisted over 100 people), who sleep with them for up to a month. They then report back in detail on the bedding's softness, comfort, breathability and design, including what it’s like to make the bed with, how comfy it is to snuggle up with (no one wants scratchy sheets), and if it washes well.

Back in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, our experts take a duvet cover from each set and carry out multiple wash tests. They measure its size before and after washing to check for any changes in shape or shrinkage. They also analyse any fading or colour changes using our specialist tech. If a set comes in a selection of colours, we'll do this with two different shades to get a fuller picture.

Our experts then collate all this information to award each bedding set a score out of 100. All the sets that have gone through this rigorous process are stamped with the GHI Approved logo.

And in case you can’t find the colour or design you're looking for, we’ve also included some of our shopping editors' best buys on our list – all from brands we've tried ourselves – to give you even more choice.

At the Good Housekeeping, we’ve been testing products for the home for over a century, and we tested hundreds of sleep buys each years, from the best mattresses to the best sleep gadgets, so we know a thing or two about how to achieve the perfect bedroom set-up.

Blossom Boothroyd, our homes testing manager, and Kim Hawley, our senior sleep and wellness tester, design rigorous testing protocols to ensure fair and unbiased results. They analyse all the panel feedback, and oversee our in-house lab testing, too.

Priyankaa Joshi, our sleep and wellness editor, looks after this guide and has written about hundreds of sleep products (and tested many herself), so she knows exactly what to look for in the best Egyptian cotton bedding sets, and what matters to shoppers.

What is so special about Egyptian cotton?

Thanks to the growing conditions in Egypt, the cotton plants produce long, fine fibres, which make a more premium yarn when spun. This means that as well as sharing cotton’s typical soft and breathable properties, Egyptian cotton is also more durable.

So, although it will set you back more, it should last longer. And it has that crisp, clean look we associate with the best luxury hotels.

What is the difference between Egyptian cotton and cotton?

It really is all down to the fibre length. Standard cotton is still a great pick for bedding. But if your budget extends to Egyptian cotton, then you’ll be investing in a longer lasting and even softer set.

Both Egyptian cotton and cotton generally come in two different weaves: percale, which is slightly looser, making it crisper and more breathable; and sateen, which is tighter and therefore glossier and silkier. Both are soft and smooth against your skin – so it all comes down to personal preference.

What is the best thread count for Egyptian cotton?

Let's first define thread count. This number refers to how many threads there are in a square inch of the fabric. The higher the number, the more tightly woven the material is.

You'd assume that a higher count is better, but that's not always true. Linen bedding, for example, has a typical thread count of around 200, but that's what makes it so breathable and gives it that soft texture.

So the right thread count for you will depend on your particular tastes; if you're looking for an indulgent hotel feel, go for a higher number.

The tried and tested products in our list all have a thread count of between 400 and 500. Just note that our testers found all the sets creased, so it may not be quite right if you don’t want to use your iron and you don’t like the look of wrinkles.

How to choose Egyptian cotton bedding

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing your perfect Egyptian cotton bedding set.

• Fabric: Look for bedding labelled 100% Egyptian cotton (all the products in this round-up fit the bill) and consider certifications from organisations such as the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) and OEKO-TEX, which help verify fibre authenticity and ensure the fabric has been tested for harmful chemicals.
  
• Care: If practicality is priority, look for sheets that can be machine-washed and tumble-dried, as this makes them easier to care for day to day.
• Design: Egyptian cotton bedding comes in a range of styles and patterns, from classic whites to bold, patterned designs. It ultimately depends on the look you want in your bedroom. It's also worth considering practical details such as button or zip fastening, which can make changing your bedding easier.
• Temperature regulation: If you're a hot sleeper, percale sheets may be your best bet, as they offer a cooler, crisper feel. Sateen weaves tend to be slightly heavier and warmer.
• Fit: Before buying, check the dimensions and depth of the fitted sheet, particularly if you have a deep mattress. Many brands list the maximum mattress depth their sheets will accommodate online.
  

If you're after some top-quality sheets, our top-scorer, The White Company Savoy Bed Linen Collection, won't let you down. Our testers loved snugging up with these sheets each night, plus they still remained luxuriously soft after several goes in the washing machine.

If you're looking for indulgence on a budget, the Dunelm Dorma Egyptian Cotton Duvet Cover is a sound choice. It's soft, cosy and comes in a range of colourways.

For those who run hot at night, M&S' Egyptian Cotton 230 Thread Count Bedding is a great choice. It kept the hot sleepers on our panel cool and comfortable all night long.

• Best mattress toppers
• Best pillows
• Best blankets