How to Select Perfect Bed Sheets?
You spend almost one-third of your life in bed– shouldn't you spend more time selecting the perfect sheet that wraps around you?
The right bed sheets are a truly worthwhile investment. Just as the right bed or quilt cover provides the perfect warmth for your cosy cocoon, the ideal bed sheets provide a comforting layer of your skin. Slipping into a silky set of sheets is a relatively inexpensive luxury, while sheets of low quality will affect your comfort during your down time.
Here's what you need to know to get the sheets that suit you best.
Thread count
Thread count refers to the quantity of threads woven into a square centimeter of the sheet's fabric. Look for a minimum of 400 to give you the assurance of a reasonable comfort level.
Fabric of thread count of above 400 gives you the smoothness and thickness that is required for more comfort and durability. However, this is not the only factor to consider.
Type of Fabric for Bed Sheet
Cotton is still considered the go-to material when it comes to bed sheets. It is a natural organic breathable fiber and is healthy for our environment. It's comfortable all year-round and easy to care for. Cotton comes in different qualities, so be prepared for some variety in pricing. The most significant advantage of cotton fabric is that cotton fabric does not peel. In other words, there is no development of cotton balls.
Luxury sheets falling within the thread count above 400 will have a smooth, soft, absorbent and breathable feel. They will wear better and shrink less, meaning you'll replace them less often than their cheaper counterparts. Best of all, they're widely available at all price points.
Egyptian cotton is the ne plus ultra of bed linens. It produces durable, luxuriously soft sheets.
Organic cotton is grown without pesticides and is a great choice for environmental friendly consumers. Sheets made of organic cotton are carried by an increasing number of shops and can be found online.
Tencel is a soft, durable fiber made from beech pulp, often blended with cotton.
Silk is a warm and luxurious material for winter sheets, but it's not suitable for summer months. Remember to wash and dry your silk sheets using the delicate cycle.
Linen stays cool, making it a great option for warm-weather months. Linen's a true luxury fiber and requires extra care to make sure it looks its best. However, if properly cared for, linen sheets will last for decades, unlike any other fabric.
Microfiber is composed of very finely woven synthetic fiber, defined by their thickness. Good quality Microfiber bed sheets are exceptionally smooth and comfortable. It is lightweight and more economical than cotton.
Weaves
The way a fabric is woven affects its look, feel and durability (not to mention price point). The most common weaves for sheets include:
Percale: Look for combed cotton percale, which refers to a durable, supple, luxurious-feeling sheet with a minimum thread count of 400.
Sateen: Used on higher thread count sheets, sateen has a lustrous sheen, but can snag easily, which affects it's appearance over time.
Jersey: A fine-knit (rather than weave), a jersey is known as the t-shirt fabric. Sheets are soft, breathable and casual looking.
Flannel: Napped and fuzzy flannel sheets are super-cozy, making them perfect for winter.
Jacquard: Jacquard fabrics feature patterns woven in using special looms. Damask and brocade are two examples of jacquards. Jacquard sheets can be pricey.
Caring for your investment
• Taking care of them to maximise your comfort – and your sheets' shelf life.
• Launder bed linens weekly. Rotate sets to ensure even wear.
• Use a mild, eco-friendly detergent. It's gentler on sheets, your skin, and the planet!
• Wash in warm rather than hot water.
• Dry on low heat and remove your sheets just before they're completely dry.
• To iron or not to iron: unless you have linen sheets (which definitely need it), ironing is completely optional.