Supima vs Sateen Sheets: What’s the Difference?

April 10, 2025

If you’ve ever looked at fancy bedsheets online or in a store, you might have seen the words Supima and Sateen. They both sound like something luxurious, don’t they? But here’s the thing—they’re not the same. In fact, they don’t even refer to the same part of the bedsheet!

Let’s clear up the confusion in plain and simple language.

Supima: A Type of Cotton

Think of Supima like a special kind of cotton—the good stuff. It’s grown only in the United States and is known for being softer, stronger, and longer-lasting than regular cotton.

What makes Supima cotton special?

It feels soft and smooth on your skin.
It doesn’t tear or wear out easily.
The color stays fresh even after many washes.
It gets even softer over time, not rough or faded.

So, when someone says “Supima sheets,” they mean the sheets are made from this top-quality cotton. It’s great for people who want comfort and durability.

Sateen: A Way of Weaving

Now, Sateen is not a type of cotton. It’s actually the way the cotton is woven into the fabric.

The sateen weave makes the sheet feel:

Silky and smooth, almost like satin
A little shiny or glossy on one side
Slightly heavier and warmer, which many people love in cooler weather

So when you hear “sateen sheets,” it means the sheets were made in a way that gives them a soft and elegant finish.

Supima vs Sateen?

Here’s the easy way to remember it:

Supima is the cotton – the material itself
Sateen is the weave – how the material is made into sheets

You don’t actually have to choose between them. In fact, some of the best sheets are Supima Sateen, which means they use high-quality cotton with a soft and silky weave.

But if you're comparing one to the other, here’s how to think about it:

Go for Supima if you want something strong, long-lasting, and soft, with no fuss.
Go for Sateen if you love a smooth, warm, luxurious feel when you get into bed.