Luxury Bed Linen: The Differences Between Egyptian Cotton and Silk Sheets

When it comes to choosing bed linens, most of the market is geared toward women — soft bed sheets, beautiful shiny colors, cozy and warm. But if you aren’t a woman, you face many different issues when it comes to bedding. You may not be looking for a bed sheet in patterns or one that will keep you warm in the winter. You’re probably looking for a breathable, effective fabric that will stand the test of time. Since we spend about a third of our lives in bed, it’s key to invest in good bed linens. This is the part that your body touches each night and the piece of the puzzle that is so important. While luxury bed linen may seem like an unnecessary cost, when you spend so much time in bed, you can’t afford to compromise on bed linen.

Getting a full night’s restful sleep can make for much more productive and pleasant mornings. It can boost mood and keep you healthy. Getting a full night’s sleep can make your workouts more effective too, speeding your metabolism. It can even lengthen your life. Bed linen is a vital piece of the puzzle. You don’t want to spend half the night tossing and turning because you’re too hot or your bed linens aren’t comfortable or breathable. Egyptian cotton and silk are two of the most luxurious materials for bed linen. While the price tag can be heftier than cheap cotton or polyester, a good night’s sleep is worth it.

 

Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen

While the luxury bed sheets named in many a TV show and movie may include high thread counts, the quality of the yarn is just as important. Egyptian cotton is the highest quality yarn available. It is grown in warm, dry Egypt where cotton grows most effectively. Egyptian cotton plants are highly regarded for their ability to grow extra-long fibers which are thinner than other kinds of cotton. These staple fibers are easier to spin into thread and are much stronger than standard cotton. You don’t want your bed sheets wearing out after a few hundred nights in the sack. You want them to stand the test of time, whatever your needs.

Egyptian cotton’s thin, durable fibers can be woven extra-tight to produce a lightweight, breathable fabric. The longer fibers also prevent material from pilling in the wash. Cheap pieces of cotton with high-thread counts over 800 may make you think you’re getting a bargain, but these are woven with additional threads that increase the thread count but not the quality. Look for thread counts over 200 for softness, but no higher than 600 to guarantee a luxurious single-ply material. Egyptian cotton softens the more you use it, so you will have soft, comfortable, breathable sheets for years to come. It is also easy to throw into the washer and dryer without worrying about dry-cleaning, ironing, or hang drying.

Silk Bed Linen

Silk is often seen as the top of luxury fabrics, and for good reason. Silk offers a host of health benefits that outshine even premium Egyptian cotton. Bombyx Mori silkworms from China produce fine silk threads when creating soft, strong cocoons. Named mulberry silk due to the silkworms' diet of mulberry leaves, this silk is the best on the market and quality is measured in mommes. Silk mommes are the weight of 100 yards of silk in pounds. Silk fabric on the market typically runs between 6 and 30 mommes.

Gingerlily is a leading silk bed linen specialist. Gingerlily’s ranges of bed linens boast extensive benefits. Silk is excellent for those with allergies, as it is naturally hypoallergenic. The structure of the strands makes it hard for dust mites to breed, improving dust and mite allergies immediately. Silk fibers are double-stranded, like human hair, making it the perfect thermal regulator. It is breathable, but insulating when you need it. It is perfect year-round as it will adjust to fit your needs, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Silk bed linen can also stop stubborn bedhead. Save yourself time in the morning by heading straight to your work or school day with silk sheets that will not crease your hair. Tame stubborn cowlicks with a silk pillowcase, and allow your partner to have a luxurious experience with silk. Silk is moisture-wicking, just like athletic fabrics, allowing you to stay cool and dry all night long. Many silk bed linens can be machine washed and will outlast cheap bed linens to provide the ideal bedtime experience for years to come.

While both materials make appear expensive, investing in proper bed linens can transform your nightly sleep experience into a luxury. A grown man deserves the best out there. Luxury bed linen will ensure you wake up each morning ready to take the day on, whatever it may bring.