What Is Turkish Cotton? Is It Any Good or Better Than Egyptian Cotton?

Depending on the growing and harvesting conditions, cotton fiber can be different lengths. The longer the fiber (also known as the staple), the fewer edges it will have when it’s woven into a fabric. As a result, longer fibers produce stronger and softer fabrics.

Despite what you may have heard about thread counts, the quality of the fibers is what gives bed and bath linens their softness and durability. (See this article to learn more about Why Thread Count Doesn’t Matter.)

Bed linens crafted with long-staple Turkish cotton are more plush and less likely to fray, pill or fade than cotton fabrics using shorter staples. So, if you’re wondering “is Turkish cotton soft,” the answer is 100% yes.

Turkish Cotton vs. Egyptian Cotton and Other Types of Cotton

Compared to “regular” cotton, including pima, Turkish cotton fabric feels softer and more plush due to its longer fibers.

Egyptian cotton has the longest fibers, which creates a more plush fabric than Turkish cotton. Although this might lead you to believe that Egyptian is the superior fabric, there can also be too much of a good thing. Because of its density, towels and bed linens made with Egyptian cotton can feel heavy, and the high absorbency rate means Egyptian cotton bath towels can take extra long to dry. (You can learn more in this What is Long-Staple Egyptian Cotton guide.)

In contrast, fabric made with long-staple Turkish cotton fibers produces a lightweight fabric that doesn't absorb as much water. Because they take less time to dry, Turkish cotton bath linens are less likely to still be damp after a drying cycle. That reduces the chance for mildew to form, so your towels and robes don’t get that musty smell.

A Brief History of Turkish Cotton

Turkish cotton, unsurprisingly, comes from Turkey. But to understand why it’s such a treasured fabric, you’ll have to go back — way back — to the Ottoman Empire.

Turkey was once part of the vast Ottoman Empire that was founded at the end of the 13th century and ruled by a long line of Sultans surrounded by royal families.

Over the hundreds of years that the Ottoman Empire existed, textiles were reserved for royalty and thus had to be of the highest quality. So the region developed a lasting reputation for having the finest fabrics, which continues to this day.

But not all Turkish cotton is created equal — there are three major cotton production regions within Turkey: the Aegean region in the west, the Cukurova region in the south and the Eastern Mediterranean region. The Turkish cotton from the Aegean region is known for its superior quality because it produces a longer staple than the cotton from the other regions.

If you enjoy your towels and robes feeling soft and smelling fresh, Turkish cotton is the ideal fabric for you. The luxury bath linens are plush and absorbent, leaving you feeling fresh and clean. 

Whatever your comfort level or style, check out these benefits when selecting Turkish cotton bath and bed linen for your home.

Turkish Cotton Towels

When investing in a high-quality towel, you really can’t beat Turkish cotton towels. They’re plush and long-lasting — and you don’t need to spend all day drying them.

One excellent choice is a set of Classic Turkish Cotton Supreme Towels with fibers loomed at 700 grams per square meter, offering an exceptionally soft feel.

If you’re in the mood for both comfort and exceptional durability, look into a set of Soft Rib Towels, crafted using Spinsoft Technology. This is a special process that results in a greater fiber surface area, making the towels super soft and long-lasting. The sculpted rib design also provides more surface area to ensure a faster drying time.

Turkish Cotton Robes

The lighter weight of Turkish cotton makes it the ideal fiber for robes you can snuggle into year-round. They’re plush enough to quickly absorb moisture away from your skin (goodbye, shivers!) but light enough to comfortably don on a balmy day.

Whether you prefer to wrap yourself up in one right out of the shower or would rather lounge around while sipping your morning coffee, get lost in a super-plush Classic Turkish Cotton Robe. Or wear a light and airy Cloud Cotton Robe for all-day comfort, or re-create the ultimate spa experience in a textured Waffle Robe.

Make your day of comfort complete by slipping into Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers or an ultra-cozy Waffle Bootie. (For the ultimate in relaxation, see our guide on Cozy Loungewear and Bathrobes.)

Turkish Cotton Bath Mats

When it comes to bath mats and rugs, you want something soft and cozy underfoot. Turkish cotton bath mats offer that experience, but they’re also light enough to dry quickly so you don’t end up stepping out onto a damp mat or a wet floor.

Start with a Classic Turkish Cotton Tub Mat for a luxurious addition to your bath routine. This classically-styled mat is made of the same superior Turkish cotton as high-quality soft and durable towels. 

If you prefer a more minimalist look when it comes to your bath rug style, a Braided Hand-Knit Rug can offer a subtle texture in neutral colors, with the same plush feeling.

Curious about whether to go with a bath mat or rug for your bathroom? Learn more in the Bath Mats vs Bath Rugs guide. 

Turkish Cotton Shower Curtains

Shower curtains can define the look of your bathroom, but they also need to be durable enough to make them worth your investment.

A Turkish cotton shower curtain gives your bathroom an instantly fresh, light look, but can also take a spot cleaning and hold up after a round in the washing machine.

There are plenty of Turkish cotton shower curtains on the market to fit your style, whether you want to create a serene, minimalist look with a Cloud Cotton Shower Curtain, add some spa-inspired texture with a Waffle Shower Curtain, make it playful with a Speckled Shower Curtain or update your look with the stylish stripes and fringe of a modern Turkish Shower Curtain.

Can’t decide which shower curtain is right  for you? Explore the Guide to Shower Curtains.

Turkish Cotton Bedding

The luxurious comfort of Turkish cotton doesn’t end at the bathroom. Achieve a dreamy, cloud-like look and feel with bedding that’s made with long-staple Turkish cotton. 

Comforters and shams feature layers of the premium, long-staple Turkish cotton, giving your bedding a light and airy appearance that just begs to be cuddled. For those chillier nights, consider adding a Cloud Cotton Quilt or Marble Cloud Cotton Quilt to the end of your bed. (For more tips to make your bed even more inviting, see this Layering and Styling Your Bed guide.)

Even the littlest dreamer can elevate their sleep experience with a Cloud Cotton Toddler Quilt, made with fluffy, warm layers of premium Turkish cotton.