If you have spent time researching the best linens for your home, you may have
seen some products produced with Turkish cotton and some produced with Egyptian cotton. While there are many similarities between Turkish cotton and Egyptian cotton, the differences are worth noting and may make all the difference in the comfort you experience while using the products and the life you get out of them.
Both Turkish cotton and Egyptian cotton have long hair fibers that make the cotton softer and more durable than regular cotton. Turkish cotton consists of several long fibers that are twisted together to form the thread making it stronger than regular cotton and are a great choice for linens that you will use daily or will need to be washed often. While Turkish cotton is known for its absorbency, it is not as absorbent as Egyptian cotton right out of the package. Turkish cotton needs to be broken in through washing and drying the fabric several times. Once the cotton fibers have been “trained” in this way to absorb the water, it will become more absorbent than Egyptian linens and will have a longer lifespan.
Turkish Cotton Pros:
- high quality
- soft (becomes softer with each wash)
- absorbent (becomes more absorbent with each wash)
- durable
Turkish Cotton Cons:
- Needs to be broken in, can take 4-6 washes to get to its optimal softness and absorbency levels
Egyptian cotton has long fibers as well, but they are not as thick as Turkish cotton fibers. Egyptian cotton gets its durability through the density of the threads in the linen instead of how strong the individual fibers are. This allows Egyptian cotton to make fabric that is more durable than regular cotton but it is still not as durable as Turkish cotton. Egyptian cotton is soft and absorbent right out of the package which is a benefit for people who do not want to break in their towel or bed linens but it does not have the benefit of becoming softer and more absorbent with each wash like Turkish cotton linens.
Egyptian Cotton Pros:
- high quality
- soft (right out of the package)
- absorbent (right out of the package)
Egyptian Cotton Cons:
- In the long run, not as soft or absorbent as Turkish cotton
- Wears quicker
- Not quick drying (which traps odors)
So, which is better, Turkish cotton or Egyptian cotton? The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in a fabric. Turkish cotton overall is more durable, soft and absorbent than Egyptian cotton but needs to be broken in. The best uses for Turkish cotton are for garments that will be worn often and washed often, such as sheets, towels, and T-shirts. Egyptian cotton is softer and more absorbent out of the package but does not improve with use the same way a Turkish linen does. It is better suited for items that don’t require as much wear and tear, such as tablecloths and napkins.
