When purchasing sheets for the bed, paying a little more will pay off. The average person spends a third of her lifetime in sheets. If you can fit it into your financial budget, it’s worth investing. When you’re spending that kind of money, you must know what you want to purchase. Here’s a comprehensive guide on two well-known products on the luxury bedsheet today: Egyptian cotton and Sateen.
What is Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian cotton is derived from a specific plant, the Gossypium barbadense, the exact name.
Egyptian cotton sheets are a matte appearance and a soft feel. They may appear rough initially but soften when worn and after a few washes. This is the most sought-after option for luxury. However, the top cotton sheets are available with similar price tags (often up to $500).
What is Sateen?
Sateen can also be made of cotton fibers. They are lengthened by the process of combing or by carding. The main difference between Sateen and conventional cotton is how these fibers are treated. In Sateen, the cotton fibers that are long are mercerized. They are soaked in the lye (sodium hydroxide) followed by acid. It “seals” to the threads, which makes them stronger and longer long-lasting than untreated cotton. This also means that the fibers in Sateen can absorb dye better. The process of mercerization provides the fibers with an even, smoother surface. This process offers Sateen its unique sheen.
Sateen is also made of an entirely different weave from conventional cotton. Sateen is made of treated cotton fibers rather than the natural satin filament. Close up; Sateen appears to have the appearance of a diagonal weave. Its goal is to blend the smooth, soft silky touch of satin and the toughness and endurance of cotton.
Beware of fakes: Plenty of “fake” Sateen sheets are on the market. They are not mercerized. They’re “calendared,” which means rolling or pressing for a light surface sheen. The initial shine wears off after a couple of washes, so the sheets are not left with any of Mercerization’s real and practical advantages.
What’s the difference?
The main differences between Egyptian cotton and Sateen are in the different ways of construction and the different types of the finish. Egyptian cotton comes from a specific cotton plant’s long, untreated fibers. It is woven in the traditional one-over-one-under fashion. Sateen is made from cotton’s mercerized fibers plant and incorporated into an elegant satin weave. Thus, multiple threads in the same direction are found on any surface.
Egyptian cotton can be described as smooth, sharp, durable, lasting, and frequently more expensive. Sateen is more smooth and delicate, has more of a sheen, drapes gracefully, and is generally more affordable.
Sateen Egyptian Cotton
- Cheaper and less expensive
- More susceptible to pilling, less likely to be snagged, and lasts longer
- You will feel slippery and have a shiny shine. The first wash may be rough, but it will become softer with each wash
- Traps are more efficient at transferring heat: Great to cool
The Benefits of Both
Egyptian cotton is tough and has a longer life span (up fifty years in certain cases), which is the reason for the higher cost. Fibers from the Egyptian cotton plant are low in amounts of lint. This is why they aren’t pilled, meaning they appear new and fresh for a long time. High thread counts mean it is sturdy and is not likely to break or become thin with time.
Egyptian cotton is attractive visually since it absorbs dye well and doesn’t fold easily. It’s, however, much less matte and doesn’t possess the luxurious shine or drape Sateen has.
Egyptian pieces of cotton and Sateen are both breathable. But, Egyptian cotton has been deemed to be superior in terms of temperature control. This is due to its weave and clarity, meaning it drapes farther off the skin.
Due to the mercerization process, Sateen becomes water-resistant and thus can ward off mildew. This makes it a great choice for people who have sensitive skin.
Sateen sheets look attractive due to their distinctive shiny finish and can drape well. Mercerization is a process that aids in distributing the color evenly and last for a long period, which means they appear appealing and bright.
Drawbacks of both
A new collection of Egyptian cotton sheets may be uncomfortable at first. They’re initially hard and coarse but become soft and malleable with time and after a few washes.
Egyptian cotton can be costly. It is justified through their long-lasting power, but they still need to catch up to many people’s budgets.
Similar to Sateen, There are issues with mislabeling in some areas of the Egyptian marketplace for cotton. Many manufacturers utilize a tiny amount of Egyptian cotton mixed with other, less expensive fibers. This means that you will have a partial Egyptian cotton feel.
Due to the satin weave used to produce Sateen, it has numerous threads laying over the surface of the material, instead of only one line at a given time, as with cotton. This makes it more difficult to pull or grab Sateen. It also makes it more susceptible to pilling. This can cause the sheets to appear aged and worn. They may wrinkle easily and need ironing.
Sateen can be slippery contact. It could struggle to hold the duvet. This could result in it falling out of the cover or clumping in an unfinished corner.
The most significant drawback of Sateen, however, is its capacity to store heat. Due to its structure, the fabric is usually draped tightly around the body, which can retain heat and help insulate it. This could be a problem during the summer or for those in hot climates.
Which one is best for me?
The decision between Sateen or Egyptian cotton is based on your situation and what is important to you regarding sheets. If you’re looking for something that’s immediately soft, smooth, visually appealing, and affordable, Sateen may be good for you. We suggest using Egyptian cotton if you’re looking for something durable, matte, and comfortable at any temperature.
