Silk vs Egyptian Cotton Sheets: Differences, Cost, Pros & Cons

Key Takeaway

• Silk feels incredibly smooth and glides against the skin, making it a go-to for anyone with sensitive skin or those chasing that hair-and-skin glow. Egyptian cotton has a soft touch and feels better the more you wash it.

• Silk naturally adjusts to your body, so it keeps you cool when it’s warm and cosy when it’s cold. Egyptian cotton is breathable and can wick moisture away, which hot sleepers especially appreciate.

• Silk’s smooth surface means less tugging on your skin and hair while you sleep. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic, so it keeps dust mites and allergens at bay.

• Both are premium, but silk tends to cost more due to its production process and added benefits. Egyptian cotton is more affordable.

• Mayfairsilk’s bedding is made with 100% Grade 6A Mulberry silk and finished with a modern matte touch. It’s Oeko-Tex certified, award-winning, and trusted by those who want silk that’s as stylish as it is comfortable.

Origins & Production

Silk sheets come straight from nature, specifically, the cocoons of mulberry silkworms. The process involves gently unraveling those cocoons into long, delicate threads and weaving them into smooth, glossy fabric. It takes time and skill, which is why silk bedding feels so luxurious and doesn’t come cheap.

Egyptian cotton, on the other hand, grows in the rich soil of the Nile Delta. What sets it apart is its extra-long fibres, hand-picked to keep them strong and smooth. These fibres are spun into fine yarns that create soft, durable sheets known for their comfort and quality. Even though similar cotton is grown elsewhere now, Egyptian cotton still holds the crown.

Texture, Feel & Aesthetic

Silk sheets feel like a gentle glide across your skin; cool, sleek, and feather-light. That smooth texture helps reduce friction, which is great for your skin and hair. The natural sheen adds a soft glow to your bedding and makes colours pop in a way that’s hard to miss.

Egyptian cotton starts off soft and crisp, then gets even better with each wash. Over time, the fabric relaxes into a cosy, breathable softness that many people swear by. The finish is more matte, but still elegant, especially in weaves like sateen that add a bit of subtle shine.

Silk’s surface glides effortlessly with a rich, natural glow that catches the light just right. 

Temperature Regulation & Breathability

Silk does an excellent job of keeping you comfortable no matter the season. It warms you up when it’s chilly and cools you down when it’s hot, all while quietly wicking away moisture. If you deal with night sweats or temperature swings, silk makes sleep feel effortless.

Egyptian cotton doesn’t actively adjust to your body temperature like silk, but it breathes quite well. Air flows easily through the fabric, helping you stay cool and dry, especially in warm climates or if you naturally run hot at night.

Durability & Longevity

Silk is a bit high-maintenance. It’s prone to fading, snags, and damage from too much sun or the wrong detergent. But high momme silk is durable enough for everyday use when cared for properly, and it outlasts cotton and most other fabrics by a wide margin.

Egyptian cotton long fibres and sturdy weaves hold up well, even with regular washing. Over time, it softens while staying strong, which is why some sets can last for decades with the right care.

Maintenance & Care

Silk sheets deserve a gentle touch. Hand washing or using a delicate cycle with cold water and silk-specific detergent works best. Let them air dry in the shade and avoid anything that might snag the fibres, like rough surfaces or jewelry. A low-heat iron is fine if needed, but most wrinkles can be smoothed out by hand.

Egyptian cotton is much easier to manage. You can toss it in the machine with warm water and a mild detergent, then tumble dry on low or line dry. It can handle regular use, but skip the bleach and fabric softener to keep the fibres in top shape.

Health & Beauty Benefits

Silk sheets are incredibly gentle on the skin. Their smooth texture helps prevent sleep lines and irritation, making them a favorite for those with allergies, eczema, or sensitivities. Silk also treats your hair with the same kindness, helping reduce breakage, frizz, and tangling overnight. As a bonus, silk naturally resists dust mites and mold, giving you a cleaner sleep environment without extra effort.

Egyptian cotton sheets are soft and breathable, making them comfortable even for sensitive skin, though not quite as friction-free as silk. While they’re not naturally hypoallergenic, the dense weave helps block out dust mites and allergens, especially when washed regularly. Their moisture-wicking nature also helps cut down on irritation caused by sweat or heat buildup.

Environmental & Ethical Considerations

Compared to Egyptian cotton, silk (especially the kind crafted by Mayfairsilk) offers a cleaner, greener choice. 

The Mulberry trees are grown without chemicals, use mostly rainwater, and support a near-zero-waste production cycle where even the by-products are repurposed (e.g., silkworms being consumed as a delicacy in Asian countries). Silk is also biodegradable and breaks down naturally without leaving harmful traces behind.

Egyptian cotton, while soft and breathable, tends to rely more on pesticides and heavy irrigation, which takes a toll on the environment. For those who care about both comfort and sustainability, Mayfairsilk makes a strong case for choosing silk over cotton.

Egyptian cotton delivers breathable softness that’s gentle on skin and durable over time. While it doesn’t glide like silk, its moisture-wicking weave and clean feel still support a healthy, restful sleep.

Cost & Value

Silk sheets often come with a higher price tag, ranging from £150 to well over £740 depending on the quality of silk and momme weight. While the initial cost is steep, many feel it’s worth it for the luxurious feel and beauty benefits. 

Egyptian cotton sets usually fall between £75 to £300, with individual sheets available for less. Though not cheap, they’re known for holding up over time, growing softer with every wash and lasting for years. 

Just be cautious with labels, as some products marketed as “Egyptian cotton” or “silk” might be blends or lower-quality alternatives.

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.

Pros & Cons

Pros of Silk Sheets

• Luxuriously smooth and temperature-regulating

• Naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking

• Excellent temperature regulation for all seasons

• Made from renewable Mulberry silk grown without pesticides, with a zero-waste production cycle and fully biodegradable end product

• Beauty benefits for skin and hair

• Long lifespan when cared for properly

Cons of Silk Sheets

• High cost and maintenance 

• Requires delicate handling and gentle cleaning

Pros of Egyptian Cotton Sheets

• Soft, plush, and increasingly comfortable with use

• Highly durable and long-lasting

• Breathable and moisture-wicking, ideal for hot sleepers

• Easier to care for, machine washable

Cons of Egyptian Cotton Sheets

• Still a premium price, though less than silk

• Not as smooth or friction-free as silk

• Lower allergen resistance than silk

• May feel stiff initially before softening with washes

• Cotton farming is highly water- and land-intensive 

Comparison Table: Silk vs. Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Why Mayfairsilk Is Your Ultimate Choice for Silk Bedding

Luxury lives in the little things, and you’ll feel that every time you slip into bed with Mayfairsilk. Our entire collection is made using 100% pure Grade 6A Mulberry silk, considered the finest in the world. 

A specially developed weave and finish give the fabric its smooth texture and elegant matte appearance. It’s thick, breathable, and built to last, without the overly shiny look found in lower-quality silk.

Mayfairsilk blends softness, breathability, and refined design into every detail. With rich prints, a matte finish, and pure Mulberry silk, it turns everyday sleep into something effortlessly elegant.

You’ll find everything you need for a better night’s sleep, including bed sheets, pillowcases in 25 momme, soft duvet covers, fitted and flat sheets, as well as light-blocking eye masks, silk scrunchies, cushion covers, and gift-ready bundles. Each piece is gentle on the skin, helping to retain moisture, reduce irritation, and support hair health overnight.

With its pH balance close to that of your skin, our silk helps maintain hydration and comfort while you rest. It's also hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and temperature regulating, making it a perfect pick for those with allergies, sensitive skin, or anyone who simply values clean, healthy sleep.

Praised by dermatologists, loved by customers, and featured by top media outlets, we've earned awards and recognition for both its quality and craftsmanship. 

When you choose bedding from Mayfairsilk, you're choosing comfort with integrity, sustainability without compromise, and a better way to end each day. 

Shop our collections today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are authentic silk and Egyptian cotton sheets so expensive?

It comes down to how they're made. Silk takes thousands of cocoons and a delicate process that can’t be rushed. Egyptian cotton uses long, strong fibres and careful handling, which keeps quality high and costs up.

How can I tell if my Egyptian cotton or silk sheets are authentic?

Look for Cotton Egypt Association certification on cotton. It should feel soft, last for years, and resist pilling. For silk, try the burn test; it should smell like burnt hair and leave ash, not melted plastic. A real silk fabric also slips through a ring smoothly but bounces back into shape.

Do silk or Egyptian cotton sheets wrinkle less?

Silk wins here. It’s naturally elastic and smooths out easily. Cotton wrinkles more, though sateen weaves help. Taking them out of the dryer slightly damp and laying them flat helps both.

Are Mayfairsilk products safe for sensitive skin and allergies?

Absolutely! Mayfairsilk products are naturally hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and mite-resistant. It’s also Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning it’s free from harmful substances and safe for even the most sensitive skin.