The Best Bed Sheet

Are you losing sleep over bed sheets? Finding the perfect set might be overwhelming if you haven't done your homework.
Before you shop for linens, decide what matters most to you. Do you prefer sheets that feel cool and light against your skin, or are you looking for a warm, cozy sensation? Do you like crisp sheets or silky ones? Do you want them to look fitted and dressy or loose and casual? Do you know which fibers and weaves stand up best to washing and wear?

Here’s everything that you need to know for finding the perfect sheets and sleeping like a baby.

Thread Count

Thread counts should be at least 200, but don’t get hoodwinked into paying outrageously steep prices for higher counts with marginal benefits. It’s the quality of the thread that really matters. Yarns of low quality, no matter how many of them are woven into a sheet, don’t feel good against your skin or wear well.

Drawing attention to thread count was a marketing ploy. Consumers were meant to equate a higher number with better quality. Manufacturers were inflating the numbers by utilizing certain technology or changing construction methods. Deceptive practices for manipulating thread count became so widespread that the Federal Trade Commission cracked down on linen makers.

All the experts agree that counts between 200 and 400 are perfectly acceptable. There is no discernible difference in softness or quality in counts above 800. In short, weave, quality of workmanship, durability and comfort take precedence over thread count. Count sheep rather than threads.

Fiber

- Cotton

If you like to keep cool in bed, stick to breathable, 100 percent cotton. Cotton fibers absorb moisture from your skin. The moisture then evaporates, so you’ll never wake up feeling hot and sticky. Another advantage to cotton sheets is their stain-resistant quality.

Pima and Egyptian long-staple cotton sheets are expensive, but you can’t beat them for durability and softness. Their long, high-quality fibers prevent them from pilling or attracting lint.
- Cotton-polyester blend

Blended cotton sheets typically last longer and are significantly less expensive than 100 percent cotton sheets. They’re also wrinkle-resistant.

Many consumers insist that pure cotton feels more luxurious against their skin. It’s a matter of personal preference.

- Linen
Linen is woven from flax. Like cotton, it breathes well and gets softer with each washing.
This fabric is a good choice for a very casual look; it will definitely wrinkle and lose its fitted quality over time. Some manufacturers wash linen sheets multiple times before packaging them.

- Silk

It’s true that authentic silk is one of the most expensive fabrics on the market, but it’s far less costly than it was when Chinese emperors were sleeping on it 5,000 years ago.

With silk, momme is the equivalent of thread count. It refers to the weight of the fabric. Quality silk sheets should have a momme of between 16 and 21. If there is no momme indicated on supposed silk sheets, they’re probably made of polyester.

Real silk isn’t slippery like satin, and it’s much more durable than you might think. If you use a detergent that’s made especially for silk, your sheets will wash quite nicely and last for years.

- Microfiber

Microfibers are made in labs rather than formed in nature. They are tightly woven into bedding for comfort, pleasing appearance and durability.
- Polyester
There are pros and cons to polyester sheets. They don’t fade, wrinkle or lose their shape. They’re easy to wash and seem to last forever. They’re far less expensive than any other fabric. However, since polyester is synthetic, it’s not recommended for people with sensitive skin. Sheets tend to pill. Since the material conducts static electricity, it attracts dust, dirt and hair. Finally, polyester doesn't wick perspiration from the skin. Anyone who sweats during the night can count on waking up clammy.

Weave

Your sheets look and feel the way they do according to how they were woven. A basic, inexpensive weave has an equal number of horizontal and vertical yarns. Complex weaves cost more and last longer.

- Percale

This weave is popular for its strength, appearance and crisp texture after many trips to the washing machine. Percale is light to medium in weight.

- Satin

Satin weaves have a much higher gloss than silk. One side of the fabric is dull. Silk, nylon, polyester or a blend of all three can be woven into satin, so check labels. Nylon and polyester aren’t as breathable as silk.

- Sateen

Sateen looks very much like satin, but it’s always woven from cotton or rayon. It tends to be more durable than satin.

- Jacquard and damask

These lovely patterned weaves have alternating silky and coarse textures. Producing them requires special looms and techniques, so they’re fairly expensive.
- Batiste

Batiste is a very lightweight cotton weave that’s soft and sheer. It’s surprisingly durable for its weight.
- Jersey

Just like your favorite T-shirt, jersey sheets are soft, breathable and low-maintenance. They’ll stretch a bit and get softer with every washing.

Jersey is one of the most inexpensive fabrics on the market. Its casual look and durability make it ideal for baby cribs, kids’ rooms and college dorms.

- Flannel

In flannel sheets, the cotton fibers were brushed up for a soft, fuzzy texture. Flannel sheets are medium weight and perfect for cold nights.
Finish

Always wash your sheets before sleeping on them. Most are finished with toxic chemicals that enhance their appearance and prevent shrinkage. Some manufacturers offer pure-finish sets that are free of chemicals.
Construction, Fit and Care

The best sheets have double-stitched hems. Fitted sheets should have opposing bands of elastic at the corners to keep them in place. Some makers run the elastic all the way around the hem.

Measure your mattress thickness, including the topper or protective pad, to ensure a snug fit. Labels on fitted sheets usually indicate pocket depth.

Read the care instructions to make sure that you’re getting sheets you can live with. Some may require washing by hand, ironing or other special care.

For the Best Bed

- Taihu Snow 100 Percent Mulberry Silk Embroidered Sheet Set by THXSilk

Since the label mentions the mulberry worm and a 19 momme, you can rest assured that the silk is authentic. For just $445, you can sleep like a Chinese emperor.

- Cambay Linens 400 Thread Count Cotton Sateen Queen Sheet Set
This set is highly rated by customers. The price, $89, is quite reasonable for pure cotton.

- Night Sweats: The Original PeachSkinSheets
These breathable sheets were designed for people who get hot and sweaty through the night.
- Fair Trade Organic Cotton Sheets by SOL Organics Luxury Cal King Sateen

In order for cotton to be labeled organic, it must be farmed without the use of pesticides.
- Cosy House 1500 Series Bed Sheets Set – Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic sheets are made of materials that repel dust, dust mites, mold and other allergens.

Top Rated Bed Sheets

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New: Our editorial list of additional articles. We decided to gather informartion all around the internet and present you a list of helpful, external links to interesting reads about reviews, pros & cons and similar products.

Do you want to know more about bed sheets? Check out the links below to gain knowledge about the whole topic of bed sheet products.

This page about Bed Sheet was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-11-21 08:18:24 and has been viewed 4552 times.