Bamboo viscose versus Egyptian cotton

Short answer: Egyptian cotton is known from bedding and towels and has long, strong fibres. Bamboo viscose feels cooler and smoother but absorbs less water.

What the name covers

Egyptian cotton describes cotton grown in the Nile delta with extra long fibres. The name is also used loosely in marketing, so thread count and fibre length say more than origin alone.

In bedding

Egyptian cotton gives a cool, smooth sheet that softens over the years. Bamboo viscose starts softer and conducts heat away better, which shows if you sleep warm. See bamboo bedding.

In towels

Cotton absorbs more water than bamboo viscose and therefore gets heavier. Bamboo dries faster between uses and smells less in a damp bathroom. See bamboo towels.

Durability

Long cotton fibres make a fabric that can last for many years. Bamboo viscose wears faster, but it is also cheaper to replace. See bamboo sheets.

Frequently asked questions

Is a high thread count always better

No. Beyond a certain point more threads make the fabric heavier without making it better.

Which is coolest to sleep in

Bamboo viscose for most people, because it moves heat away from the skin faster.

Does bamboo bedding soften over time

Yes, a little, but it starts soft already and changes less than cotton.