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The events of the past few years have encouraged many of us to place greater weight on little everyday luxuries: a fresh flower delivery, a well-chosen bottle of wine, or a soft set of hotel-style bed sheets. How our homes make us feel is now even more important – and few will disagree that slipping into crisp bedding after a long day is a joy that’s hard to beat. Hair Towel
The luxury bedding market has boomed of late, and there are now plenty of options to choose from that lie outside the traditional realms. Linen bedding is having a moment thanks to its effortless, rustic aesthetic (no ironing required here) while silk will always be the final word in decadence. But for something that feels crisp, cool and looks entirely classic, Egyptian cotton bedding remains the gold standard.
“Pure cotton bed linen is renowned for its natural breathability and cool feeling which makes it so comfortable to sleep in,” says Mark Winstanley, chief creative officer of The White Company.
But Egyptian cotton enjoys greater prestige than that from any other part of the world – and for good reason. “Egypt, with its unique climate and fertile soil of the River Nile produces a cotton which has a longer length, making the finished fabric beautifully smooth, crisp and strong,” he says.
"Egyptian cotton is only authentic if it comes from the cotton species Gossypium Barbadense, is grown in Egypt, and is certified," adds Emily Attwood, founder of luxury bedding brand Scooms. “It’s usually hand-picked, which puts less stress on the fibres and helps them remain straight and intact, so they're stronger and more resistant to stress."
The result? A softer, finer and yet more hardwearing fabric than other cottons. The high-quality weave means washing won’t lead to pilling: in fact, you’ll likely notice your sheets become even softer over time.
What’s more, the porous weave of Egyptian cotton makes it a highly breathable fabric – good news for those who tend to run hot at night. So, if you're looking for a good year-round option, consider our edit of the very best Egyptian cotton bedding to invest in now.
Heal's is a go-to for timeless home essentials that marry quality with refined design. The brand's hotel-style Egyptian cotton sheets have a 400 thread count and are thick enough to feel luxurious while remaining airy enough for hot sleepers. Smart Oxford corners add some extra elegance, too.
For a lower weave and satiny handle, the brand's organic cotton collection is also worth a look. And for the truly iron-averse? Consider the rustic, rumpled washed linen.
If you're looking to recreate a hotel-style all-white look at home, Soak & Sleep is a good choice. This 600 thread-count bedding boasts one of the smoothest, heaviest fabrics we've seen, making for a sleek, crease-free finish on your bed. Available in sizes up to Emperor, there's bound to be a set that suits you.
The White Company's most luxurious line, the Cavendish bedding collection is woven from 800 thread-count Egyptian cotton into an incredibly soft sateen fabric.
There's an all-white style for true classicists, but we love the impact of the contrasting black border. Style this set with black cushions and a matching throw for a sharp monochrome result.
If you often feel too hot at night, switch your higher thread-count bedding for a lower alternative: you'll still get all the long-staple strength and quality of Egyptian cotton, without the weight of the additional thread.
Christy doesn't offer pre-made bundles in its 200 thread-count range, but that does give you free rein to pick up exactly what you need. This sandy hue is a great neutral shade that will add just a bit more warmth to your space than classic white options.
Scooms shines in the sustainability realm – all of the brand's certified Egyptian cotton bedding is approved to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Essentially, this means that the material has been developed in a way that's free of harmful toxins and chemicals and has been made to an ethical standard. The brand has a linen range, too.
For everyday bedding in specific colours, John Lewis may well be the answer. The retailer stocks its plush 400 thread-count cotton sheets in a range of unique colours, from deepest mulberry to serene teal (which looks especially chic against dark oak flooring).
The long-staple Egyptian cotton fabrics used at Hampton & Astley are produced exclusively for the brand in factories that operate on renewable energy. Not just a sustainably-minded choice, these luxurious sheets are incredibly soft and silky, with a sateen finish that resists creasing and offers a lustrous sheen.
The brand's 'deep' fitted sheets are a smart purchase for anyone with an extra-thick mattress: they're cut to deeper measurements than the average sheet, meaning they won't slide off your bed.
For when only the best will do, head to Italian design house Frette. From its home base in Milan, the brand is committed to using only the finest extra-long staple Egyptian cotton threads in its bedding, which is then woven together by Italy's most skilful artisans. The result? Sumptuously soft bedding in innovative designs, like this basket-weave patterned set.
In as little as five years, Dusk has grown to become a go-to for modern luxury bedding. Combining fair pricing with the best Egyptian cotton, the Mayfair collection is a failsafe choice for any lover of timeless, minimalist style. The sleek black edging brings a hint of hotel-style detailing to the pure white cotton fabric.
There's more than a hint of cottagecore charm to Harrods' own Egyptian cotton bedding collection. The Fuschia Frill design, with its neatly embroidered edges, offers a gentle nod to the trend while feeling simultaneously timeless. The low thread-count cotton weave makes this a great set for warm sleepers.
From £479 for a full set.
Encapsulating crisp yet cosy Scandinavian styling, Magniberg crafts bedding made for lazy Sunday mornings. The Wall Street collection is made from Egyptian cotton in Portugal, and features a fun blue and white pinstripe pattern, punctuated by a signature black logo.
Celso de Lemos knows that nothing says opulence quite like gold. Dip into the brand's maximalist aesthetic with the gilt-edged Hella collection, which marries crisp Egyptian cotton with just a touch of Regency charm. After a little more impact? Consider the brand's gold jacquard Waltz bedspread for the full Bridgerton effect.
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