Instead of being mercerized, they are simply “calendared,” which means pressed or rolled to give the material a superficial surface sheen. It aims to combine the soft, smooth, luxurious feel of satin with the strength and durability of cotton.īut buyer beware – there are a lot of “fake” Sateen sheets on the market. Up close, Sateen appears to have a diagonal weave effect. Sateen is also made from a different weave than traditional cotton: the satin weave, although unlike satin, Sateen is made from treated cotton fibers instead of natural, satin filament. This process is what gives Sateen its signature sheen. Mercerization also gives the fibers a smoother, more reflective surface. It also means the fibers used in Sateen take dye better. This sort of “seals” the fibers, making them more durable and long lasting than untreated cotton. In Sateen, the long cotton fibers are mercerized, meaning soaked in lye (sodium hydroxide) and then in an acid. The difference between Sateen and cotton is because of these fibers’ treatment. Sateen is actually also made from cotton fibers, which are combed or carded to make them longer. Nile Threads, an Egyptian Cotton Sheet Brand What Is Sateen? It’s the most popular luxury choice, but the best cotton sheets come with a similarly luxurious price tag, often as much as $500. They can initially seem rough on the skin, but soften up with wear and after some washes. Įgyptian cotton bedsheets have a matte look and a crisp feel.

Egyptian Cotton (Nile Threads) vs Sateen (SOL Organics) Sheets What Is Egyptian cotton?Įgyptian cotton comes from a specific cotton plant: the gossypium barbadense, to be exact. Here’s a comprehensive guide to two of the most popular items on the luxe bedsheet market: Egyptian cotton and Sateen. But when spending money, it’s even more>important to get exactly what you want. You spend a third of your life in them, so if it’s in your budget it really can be worthwhile to invest. When it comes to buying bedsheets, sometimes spending a little extra pays off.

Egyptian cotton sheets