Why Turkish Cotton?

Why is Turkish Cotton the Best Choice for Sheet Sets?

With literally thousands of options available, it can be hard to decide which sheet sets work best for you and your family. Whether you’re scouring retailer shelves for the latest clearance sale or perusing through any number of home décor websites, the task of finding high-quality affordable sheet sets can be a daunting one at best.

When choosing the perfect sheet set, there are a few things to take into account. How durable are these sheets? How soft are these sheets? Most importantly, how will these sheets feel against my skin? While Egyptian cotton has widely attained the status of “king” of the cottons, it's fast seen its crown threatened by Turkish cotton and its resurgence in popularity.

What Is Turkish Cotton?

Turkish cotton is a premium long-fiber cotton grown exclusively in the Aegean Region. Much like Egyptian cotton, the long fibers yield stronger and smoother threads than regular cotton. And also like Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton becomes even softer and more comfortable over time.

Dating back to as early as the 7th century, what we know as “Turkish cotton” had already been used to create fabrics for clothing, rugs, and a variety of other items by locals. It proved to be an important product for their society and a cultural cornerstone. Currently, Turkey is responsible for approximately 40% of the world’s organic cotton, making them a global market powerhouse.

Due to the warm climate and rich soil, cultivators, today and in the early centuries, would find that there was plenty of the crop to go around. For centuries, much of the cotton produced in Turkey has been handwoven in local homes by artisans with weaving and looming techniques inherited from generations of expertise.

What are the Benefits of Turkish Sheets?

Turkish cotton has proven the perfect fabric for sheet sets. Turkish bedding is crafted with care from the ancient cotton, which spins into strong and soft threads. Woven with a flat-weave, these threads produce a final product that is lightweight and possesses super soft and cozy properties. The final product is what we’ve come to know as Turkish sheet sets.

This lightweight textile has earned a cult-like following around the world, due to its versatility, functionality, and style. In addition to this, Turkish sheets are extremely durable and long-lasting when compared to your standard cotton sheet set.

 

What’s the Difference Between Egyptian Cotton and Turkish Cotton?

Egyptian cotton was first cultivated by a Frenchman, named Monsieur Jumel, in the early 1800s. Stumbling upon some neglected cotton plants, while admiring a garden in Cairo, Monsieur Jumel harvested the fluffy fiber. After a bit of experimentation, he was able to produce extra long-staple cotton. The ruler of Egypt was taken by the results and soon Egyptian cotton was flourishing throughout the region. Egyptian cotton has maintained popularity over the years. Currently among the world’s most in-demand materials, Egyptian cotton has gained a reputation for its strength and softness. This cotton is hand-picked and spun into fine lengthy yarns, allowing for higher thread counts. Egyptian cotton is also known for its absorbency, which is well-suited for clothing, towels, and a wide array of other wear.

However, this absorbency makes Egyptian cotton a poor choice for sheet sets, as the fabric holds onto moisture long after use--potentially causing that funky mold and mildew aroma. In humid climates, this could create a perpetual problem. 

Conversely, Turkish cotton provides a balance between absorbance and softness. When flat woven into Turkish sheets, this results in a fabric boasting a lightweight and efficient quick-drying. These factors equate to a fabric that’s ideal for sheet sets, pillowcases, and all bedding.

The Verdict

When you picture the perfect sheet set, what thoughts come to mind? If you see a cozy, soft, fashionable set that’s quick-drying and durable, then you’re thinking of purchasing yourself some high-quality Turkish sheets. Whether you need these sheets for yourself at home or as a gift, these sheets are will be an all around favorite.

Of course, the material you like in your sheets is ultimately a matter of personal preference. But if you haven’t used Turkish cotton sheet sets yet, give them a try. You could be missing out on the best night's sleep you’ve ever had!