Silk vs Egyptian Cotton: Prices, Benefits & Downsides

Key Takeaways

• Silk offers unmatched softness, beauty benefits, and year-round comfort. Its smooth texture reduces hair breakage and skin creases, regulates temperature in all seasons, and is naturally hypoallergenic.

• Egyptian cotton is durable, breathable, and softens over time, making it a reliable choice for long-lasting bedding, though it lacks silk’s beauty-enhancing and allergen-resistant properties.

• Silk excels in year-round comfort thanks to natural thermoregulation that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, while Egyptian cotton is breathable and moisture-wicking but less insulating.

• Silk commands a higher cost and requires delicate washing, while Egyptian cotton is more affordable, easier to maintain, and better suited for those prioritising practicality over luxury beauty benefits.

• Mayfairsilk is crafted from the finest Grade 6A Mulberry silk, sustainably produced, award-winning, and designed to bring unmatched luxury, comfort, and eco-friendly living into your home.

Overview of Silk & Egyptian Cotton

Silk and Egyptian cotton are two of the most sought-after luxury fabrics in the world, each with its own charm. Silk, especially high-quality Mulberry silk, is prized for its incredible softness, natural sheen, and skin-friendly benefits. It’s lightweight, breathable, hypoallergenic, and feels effortlessly luxurious.

Egyptian cotton is known for its long fibres, which create strong, smooth, and durable fabrics. It’s highly breathable, softens over time, and is a staple in high-end bedding and linens.

While both promise comfort and quality, silk offers a unique blend of elegance, beauty benefits, and year-round comfort that sets it apart.

Benefits & Downsides of Silk vs. Egyptian Cotton

Texture, Comfort & Feel

Silk is famous for its irresistibly smooth, glossy surface that feels like a gentle caress against the skin. This ultra-soft texture feels indulgent and reduces friction, which means fewer hair tangles, less frizz, and minimal breakage. Even your skin benefits, as silk helps prevent sleep lines and creases that can form overnight. 

Egyptian cotton, while undeniably soft and plush with excellent breathability, doesn’t quite match the glide and luxury of silk’s surface. It’s cosy and inviting, but silk takes comfort to another level.

The smooth, flowing texture of silk showcases why this luxurious fabric feels so gentle against skin and hair.

Thermal Performance & Climate Adaptability

One of silk’s most impressive qualities is its ability to adapt to your body’s needs throughout the year. Its natural temperature-regulating properties keep you cool in the summer by wicking away moisture, yet warm and snug in the winter by holding in just the right amount of heat. This makes silk a true all-season companion. 

Egyptian cotton also breathes well and absorbs moisture, making it a solid choice for warm climates or hot sleepers, but it lacks the same fine insulating powers that give silk its year-round versatility.

Hypoallergenic & Health Benefits

Silk offers a cleaner, healthier sleep environment thanks to its natural hypoallergenic properties. It resists dust mites, mold, and other allergens, making it a dream for anyone with sensitivities or allergies. Its smooth protein structure also works wonders for skin and hair, helping to lock in hydration and maintain softness. These benefits have earned it a place in many dermatologists’ and hair specialists’ recommendations.

Egyptian cotton is still a breathable and fresh option, but without special treatments, it doesn’t naturally offer the same allergy-fighting or beauty-boosting qualities that come built into silk.

Durability & Lifespan

High momme silk, when treated with care such as gentle washing and appropriate storage, can last a long time. Silk fibres have remarkable tensile strength and maintain their integrity through prolonged use, often outlasting cotton textiles. 

Egyptian cotton is also durable, capable of lasting up to a decade or more with good care, but typically does not match the exceptional longevity attributed to fine silk.

Eco-Friendliness: Why Silk Excels

Silk, particularly from sustainable brands like Mayfairsilk, offers clear environmental advantages that make it a standout choice. Mulberry trees, the backbone of silk production, thrive without pesticides or chemical fertilisers and need little more than rainwater to flourish. 

The production process embraces a zero-waste philosophy; every part of the fabric and by-products is put to use. Lower-quality silk becomes duvet filling, silkworms are consumed or repurposed, and leftover stems from mulberry trees feed livestock or enrich soil as fertiliser. 

Even the water used in production is treated, with valuable proteins like sericin recovered for use in cosmetics, food supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Silk is naturally biodegradable too, completing a sustainable life cycle that leaves a minimal footprint. 

By contrast, Egyptian cotton tends to demand more from the environment, requiring heavy irrigation, significant pesticide use, and greater water consumption overall.

Maintenance & Care

Silk requires delicate care to maintain its lustre and durability. Hand washing or machine washing on gentle cycles with mild detergent is recommended, and air drying is essential. It is sensitive to stains, water marks, and snagging, which necessitates careful handling and storage.

Egyptian cotton is easier to care for, generally machine washable without special detergents and more resistant to day-to-day wear and stains. It tends to soften and improve in texture with repeated washing.

Pricing & Value

Silk sits firmly in the luxury category, with prices reflecting its labour-intensive production and indulgent qualities. High-quality silk fabric can range anywhere from £15 to £150 per metre depending on the type and finish. Premium silk bedding runs higher, with pillowcases between £54 and £105, and sheets or duvet sets spanning from £275 to well over £1,125. 

Egyptian cotton offers a broader price range, making it more accessible. In the UK, 600-thread count bedding starts around £19.60 to £28.00, while top-tier 800-thread count sets range from £110 to £180.

Note: The price ranges mentioned above are approximate and subject to change over time and across different locations. Costs may vary based on factors such as pricing policies, the provider's experience, and evolving market conditions.

Uses of Silk & Egyptian Cotton

Silk and Egyptian cotton may both be luxurious, but they shine in slightly different ways. Silk is perfect for bedding, pillowcases, eye masks, elegant clothing, scarves, and even hair accessories thanks to its smooth, skin-loving texture. Many people also love silk for its beauty benefits and hypoallergenic qualities.

Egyptian cotton, on the other hand, is most popular for bed sheets, duvet covers, and towels. It’s durable, breathable, and gets softer with every wash, making it a go-to for everyday luxury in home textiles.

Egyptian cotton offers durability and versatility but lacks the specialised skin and hair benefits that make silk unique.

Silk vs Egyptian Cotton Comparison Table

Mayfairsilk Combines Quality, Comfort & Sustainability

Folded pink silk bedding set with a duvet cover, pillowcase, and sheets stacked neatly.

Mayfairsilk is dedicated to delivering luxury, comfort, and sustainability in every silk product we create. Our range is made with the finest Grade 6A Mulberry silk, renowned for its exceptional softness, durability, and skin-loving benefits. Every piece is designed to elevate your sleep experience while adding an elegant touch to your home.

Our collection features 25 Momme silk pillowcases in a variety of styles, along with silk bed sheets and duvet covers in 22 and 25 Momme for year-round breathable comfort. We also offer silk accessories like eye masks, scrunchies, and cushion covers, all crafted to complement a refined silk lifestyle.

Quality is at the heart of everything we do. Our silk carries the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, ensuring it’s free of harmful chemicals and dyes. It’s naturally hypoallergenic, thermoregulating, and gentle on skin and hair, with dermatologist endorsements to back it up. 

We’re big on keeping things green, so we make sure our production process cuts down on waste and keeps our environmental footprint as small as possible. Plus, we’ve teamed up with The Eden Reforestation Projects—meaning every time you place an order, a tree gets planted in your name.

Our commitment has earned us multiple awards, including recognition as the Best Luxury Silk Bedding & Accessories Company in 2024. With thousands of happy customers worldwide, a 30-night sleep guarantee, and attentive customer care, we aim to make every purchase an investment in both comfort and conscious living.

Experience what it feels like to rest in the world’s finest Mulberry silk with Mayfairsilk and bring home the kind of luxury that’s both indulgent and responsible.

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes silk better than Egyptian cotton?

Silk has a smoother, softer texture that glides over the skin, reducing friction and preserving skin and hair health. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, more thermoregulating, and can last longer than Egyptian cotton when cared for correctly.

Is silk suitable for all seasons?

Yes. Silk naturally regulates temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it a perfect year-round bedding choice.

How do I care for silk bedding?

Use a gentle detergent designed for silk, wash on a delicate or hand-wash cycle in cool water, and air-dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and tumble drying to preserve silk’s quality and longevity.

Is silk environmentally friendly?

When produced responsibly, like the Mulberry silk from Mayfairsilk, silk production is eco-friendly. It uses minimal land and water, avoids harmful chemicals, and is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable textile compared to many alternatives.

Why choose Mayfairsilk over other brands?

Mayfairsilk is an award-winning luxury silk brand, repeatedly recognised by both industry experts and consumers. Our silk is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals, and we take pride in our sustainable production methods. Choosing us means choosing exceptional quality, elegance, and care for both you and the planet!