by The best quality cotton available on the market is Supima cotton and Egyptian cotton. Egyptian cotton is among the best cotton versions, and Supima is even better.
These two are some of the most luxurious materials available for bed sheets and are made of long cotton fibers (check the top rated luxury bed sheets). Therefore, they both are soft and more durable than all other types of cotton.
They both are categorized as anti-pilling cotton variants. But still, they both are different from one another.
This guide will compare these two quality cotton types and find their similarities and differences. So, keep reading.
We recommend Egyptian cotton sheets from Pure Parima
What’s Supima Cotton?
The name “Supima” refers to being superior. This is a type of luxurious cotton that is developed in the US. It comes with extra-long staple fibers, which makes it unique among all other types of this material.
With these extra-long fibers, Supima becomes softer and stronger and has better color-retention properties. It is highly regarded as a luxury cotton fabric.
Egyptian cotton is the best available, and Supima is even better because it is softer and finer. Supima lasts longer than Egyptian cotton.
Nevertheless, this cotton is pretty expensive too. Despite being a high-quality fabric, it’s not that difficult to maintain. You can conveniently wash this fabric like any other type of cotton. It has long fibers. You won’t need to splice it much, which gives it a non-piling feel.
What’s Egyptian Cotton?
This luxurious cotton variant is durable and soft and is among the premium quality fabrics. It is developed in Egypt and is one of the long-staple cotton types. It only grows in a unique climate that surrounds the banks of the river Nile.
The production princess of this fabric is a highly specialized one. Therefore, any cotton that doesn’t come from Egypt can’t carry the Egyptian cotton labeling.
Pure Egyptian cotton is pretty expensive and top-notch. This material is exceptionally durable yet extremely soft to the touch. Some manufacturers blend this type of cotton with other types to make them durable and affordable.
These blends and variants might not come with the same luxurious feel as well as the longevity of pure Egyptian cotton. Therefore, when you buy Egyptian cotton, you must check those labels carefully because there is a high chance of mistaking a blend for pure Egyptian cotton.
Moreover, Egyptian cotton is easy to look after as you can wash this fabric like any other cotton materials. With each wash, Egyptian cotton tends to get softer and will continue to perform for a long time.
Egyptian Cotton & Supima Cotton – The Similarities
There are a few similarities between these two luxurious types of cotton and they are;
- Supima and Egyptian cotton fabrics are the two most luxurious cotton types that money can buy.
- These are both made of extra-long cotton fibers, which are soft and much more durable than all other cotton variants and types.
- Being luxurious, both these types of cotton are pretty expensive.
- Both these cotton types are simple to take care of, and you can wash them normally and regularly.
- Both these fabric types are highly breathable and suitable for warmer weather.
| Egyptian Cotton | Supima Cotton |
| High-end quality fabric that is durable and soft, and it is made in Egypt. | This top-notch fabric is of the highest quality and originates in the US. |
| Long-lasting, luxurious, and breathable. | More durable, luxurious, and breathable than Egyptian cotton. |
| Features long fibers with a decent thread count. | Comes with extra-long fibers and a higher thread count. |
| Egyptian cotton is expensive. | Supima cotton is even more expensive. |
Egyptian Cotton Vs Supima Cotton – Key Differences
Quality
Undoubtedly, Egyptian cotton is one of the most luxurious cotton types available on the market. This cotton feels soft, and it gets softer with every wash. It indicates that Egyptian cotton is a long-lasting fabric.
However, it might be super luxurious, but Supima cotton is even better in terms of quality and longevity. That is because it comes with a higher thread count and extra-long fibers (check the highest thread count bed sheets), making the fabric softer and more durable.
Color and selection
Both these cotton fabrics are available in a wide range of colors and textures. Egyptian cotton might be known more because manufacturers blend it with other materials. Supima is not blended with any different fabric.
The good thing is that dying both these fabrics is a relatively simpler process. They both can retina colors well, so manufacturers find it easy to produce these fabrics in different colors.
Both fabrics are extremely resistant to fades. You will notice that Supima cotton is slightly better in this regard too.
You need to remember that Supima is a highly luxurious material, and only 1 percent of all sheets are Supima cotton sheets. Egyptian cotton sheets have been faked, and many customers find it difficult to go for the original Egyptian cotton sheets.
You might be a bit uncertain whether you buy original Egyptian cotton sheets, but Supima cotton sheets are covered under regulatory standards.
Supima is much more expensive, even than the already experienced Egyptian cotton sheets. However, it all pays off with the much superior softness and quality of the fabric.
Temperature regulation
These cotton types are excellent for warmer months because they promote airflow and coolness. Since Supima cotton feels softer, it performs better than Egyptian cotton. These sheets are excellent for warmer climates because they come with long fibers (check the top rated bed sheets for summer).
Supima cotton comes with extra-long fibers, so it is slightly better than Egyptian cotton and promotes airflow better.
Comfort
Supima cotton is much more comfortable as compared to Egyptian cotton. It has extra-long fibers, so it feels much softer. You will feel very relaxed about it. It also is extremely easy to maintain, so it’s all about comfort. Egyptian cotton is top-notch, but it comes second to Supima cotton in everything comfort (check the most comfy bed sheets).
Care instructions
Supima and Egyptian cotton are excellent when it comes to care and maintenance. They both are among the most durable types of cotton.
But Supima is a bit superior in this department, too, as it has extra-long fibers that become softer and more durable with every wash.
However, care instructions for both these materials are very similar. You can conveniently wash these fabrics in any washing machine and don’t need to pay much attention.
Just tumble dry at low heat, and these materials will age better. The best part is that both these fabrics are wrinkle-free.
Thread count
Supima cotton has a higher thread count than Egyptian cotton, and for that, it will continue to perform year after year. It will only become softer and much more comforting.
Egyptian cotton has these features but has a lesser thread count than Supima. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform well. It goes softer with each wash and will continue to last long.
Price
It’s a no-brainer since we have already established that Supima is much superior to Egyptian cotton, which is the finest of all cotton fabrics. If something is more luxurious than already luxurious, it is bound to have a massive price tag, and the same is true with Supima cotton.
Warranty
Both these cotton types are high-quality fabrics, so they also come with an extended warranty. These two fabrics are the most durable types of cotton available on the market, and they both come with pretty hefty warranties.
Which is Better, Supima or Egyptian?
Egyptian cotton is one of the most luxurious forms of cotton that money can be. It is manufactured using a special process, and this cotton can only be grown in Egypt. So it comes with its Egyptian label. This exclusivity makes it unique, hence that big price tag on it.
It feels soft thanks to its long fibers, which tend to get soft with every wash. It means your Egyptian cotton sheets will feel much softer and stronger with every wash. Therefore, this fabric not only feels soft but is long-lasting too.
Everything that Egyptian cotton does is top-notch, but Supima does better. Supima cotton has a higher thread count and features extra-long fibers. So it performs better than Egyptian cotton. It feels softer, and it is much easier to look after.
Moreover, it lasts longer, but Supima cotton comes with a pretty hefty price tag. Egyptian cotton has a steep price tag, but Supima is even more expensive. So, affordability is a big concern here, and an Egyptian cotton is already a luxurious option.
Which is Softer, Supima Cotton or Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian cotton is pretty soft and breathable. It is made of long-fiber cotton, and it is the softest of all cotton types, as well as most other materials available too. The fabric will become more durable with each wash too.
Now, Supima, on the other hand, is even softer than Egyptian cotton because it features extra-long fibers. It means that this cotton feels much softer. Moreover, it will become more faded with every wash. It will last even longer than Egyptian cotton because it has a higher thread count.
What is the Best Thread Count for Supima Sheets?
Supima cotton sheets are available in different thread counts. In most cases, the thread count ranges from 250 to 600. The Supima cotton sheet with 600 thread count is the most experienced and is the softest available on the market.
You don’t need to go above that because this range is top-notch in its exceptional smoothness. It’s the ultimate luxury for your sleep surface. Of course, you can go higher than that, but it will be a waste of money because you are already at the top.
Key Takeaways: Supima Cotton Vs Egyptian Cotton
Defining Luxurious Cotton
The top-quality cotton types in the market are Supima cotton and Egyptian cotton. Both types are renowned for their softness and durability due to their long cotton fibers.
Origin and Properties
Supima cotton, synonymous with superiority, is grown in the US and is known for its extra-long staple fibers. On the other hand, Egyptian cotton, cultivated around the Nile River, has its luxurious feel and long-lasting quality, making it a premium choice for beddings.
Similarities Explored
Both Supima and Egyptian cotton are known for their luxurious feel, long-lasting durability, breathability, and ease of care. These cotton types provide comfort, especially in warmer climates due to their long fibers.
Key Differences Unveiled
While both types are luxurious, Supima has an edge in terms of softness, durability, and color retention. It’s crucial to note that Supima cotton is rarer, making it pricier than Egyptian cotton. Furthermore, when purchasing, it’s essential to ensure authenticity, as Egyptian cotton is often mimicked in the market.
Care and Maintenance
Both cotton types require simple care. They can be conveniently machine washed and are wrinkle-free. Supima, with its extra-long fibers, tends to get softer and more durable with each wash.
Price and Warranty
The luxury and quality of Supima cotton come with a heftier price compared to Egyptian cotton. Nonetheless, the premium nature of both these fabrics often comes backed with extended warranties.
Conclusion:
Both Supima and Egyptian cotton fabrics are luxurious. These fabrics are among the top-notch fabric types and come with a high price tag.
Egyptian cotton has long fibers, and the wrinkle-free fabric is resistant to any color fade. It feels extremely soft, but the material is pretty long-lasting. If you want to go up a notch, you should consider Supima.
Supima cotton does everything that Egyptian cotton does, only better. It feels much softer, and it is more durable. It is more resistant to fades and has a higher thread count.
But there’s a catch! Supima also comes with a much bigger price tag on it as compared to Egyptian cotton. So, these cotton sheets will be the most luxurious if you can afford them. For a more affordable option, you should consider going for Egyptian cotton.
Both these types of cotton are pretty extraordinary, and they will make your bedding experience ultra-luxurious. They both are highly breathable and are ideal for warmer weather.
Resources:
https://supima.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2019-SUPIMA-IDENTITY-GUIDELINES.pdf
https://supima.com/the-cotton/
Supima cotton vs Egyptian cotton FAQs
What sheets are better than Egyptian cotton?
Though Egyptian cotton is exquisite in this regard, Supima cotton is much more luxurious. It features a higher thread count, and it has longer fibers as well. It means that it feels much more elegant. This construction makes it more durable with every wash and stays resistant to any fades in color too.
Will Supima cotton shrink?
No, Supima cotton is much more durable than regular cotton. Therefore, it is not prone to shrinking. It will hold its shape pretty well, and that too for a long time.
Other types of cotton tend to shrink somewhat, but that is not the case with either Egyptian cotton or Supima cotton.