Egyptian cotton versus Turkish cotton

Updated on December 14th, 2020 at 08:06 pm

If you are in the market for high-quality cotton Sheets or towels, you are probably wondering which material to choose – Turkish cotton or Egyptian cotton. When it comes to determining which one is better, you should know that there isn’t a definitive winner and that it all depends on your personal preference.

So, to help you make an informed choice, we will talk about the pros and cons of both materials, and you will see for yourself which one ticks more (or all the right) boxes.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Contents

What is Egyptian Cotton?

Egyptian cotton is considered the king of the finest cotton in the world. Since it has longer fibers, it enables manufacturers to weave the finest yarns without compromising on its strength and durability. The fabric is more resistant to stress compared to other types of cotton.

Egyptian cotton is known for its absorbency. The reason Egyptian cotton absorbs moisture is its thread length, which has a significantly greater surface area than Turkish cotton. Its ability to absorb liquids well also gives this fabric deeper, brighter, and more durable colors.

Since the cotton is handpicked, it 100% pure. Handpicking also doesn’t put any stress on the fibers making the cotton fabric gentle, soft, and long-lasting.

Egyptian cotton a great choice for both sheets and towels. However, if you are interested in buying hand towels, Egyptian cotton may not be the right choice since it dries very slowly. Also, the towel may get wet in humid weather by itself. All in all, the high absorbency properties may work against the towel’s utility.

If you are a hot sleeper, although very breathable, Egyptian cotton sheets may be uncomfortable to use during hot summer nights.

Pros:

A very breathable fabric
Absorbs moisture very well
Stronger than regular cotton and lasts longer
Absorbs colors very well
Softer than regular cotton
It has a more consistent finish
No piling

Cons:

Wrinkles easily
Needs a few washes to reach maximum softness
Gets damaged by softener and hot washes or dry cycles
Not suitable for hand towels

What is Turkish Cotton?

Turkish cotton is also considered among the highest-quality types of cotton in the world. It’s equally popular as Egyptian cotton. The fabric is made by spinning yarn, and that way, make threads with lesser joints. The material won’t be strong as Egyptian cotton, but the manufacturing process helps the thread to become stronger, more durable, and smoother.

Turkish cotton provides a great balance between texture and the material’s absorbency potential. It’s ideal to use in the manufacture of towels. It dries fast, and it’s very lightweight, which also makes it an excellent choice for bed sheets or beach towels.

If you live in an area with high humidity, Turkish cotton towels and bedsheets are an excellent choice. However, Turkish cotton may not be suitable for bath towels since it may leave you feeling more wet than dry.

One reason people love Turkish cotton is that it gets stronger, softer, and smoother with excessive washing.

Pros:

Dries very quickly
Lightweight and versatile
Sand doesn’t stick to this material, making it suitable for the beach
They pack light and store easily

Cons:

Pushes the water off your skin rather than absorbing it
Towels have a fringe some people can’t stand
Not fluffy
Can be expensive

Buying Guide

How to choose the right type of cotton for your needs?

As we mentioned in the beginning, it all comes down to personal preference. You should also consider the practicality of the chosen material. If you are looking to buy new bedsheets, both Egyptian and Turkish cotton have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are buying towels, it’s obviously clear that Egyptian cotton is a better choice for bath towels, while Turkish cotton is a better choice for beach towels.

Is Turkish Cotton the Same as Egyptian Cotton?

Turkish cotton is not the same as Egyptian cotton. Egyptian cotton is known for its absorbency, which, as mentioned, makes it great for sheets and certain types of towels. On the other hand, Turkish cotton provides a balance between absorbency and softness, making it a top choice for beach and hand towels. Turkish cotton, when used in towels, absorbs moisture quickly and efficiently, but it also dries very fast.

Is Turkish Cotton Good Quality?

Turkish cotton is considered one of the top quality types of cotton in the world. It is a symbol of quality in the linen business, the same as Egyptian cotton. This type of cotton is grown exclusively in the Aegean Region. Turkish cotton has long fibers that make the fabric strong, smooth, and durable, and the best thing about it is that the material gets softer with successive washings.

We hope this information was informative and helped you make a decision on Turkish and Egyptian cotton. If you liked this article, be sure to check out some of our other popular reviews that we just completed.