Buying Sheets – What You Need to Know

Buying sheets can be a comforting thing or an exercise in frustration. After all, there’s nothing better than a nice, cozy bed. It makes such a welcoming environment when you lay down, and your bed wraps you up in a restful hug. But not all sheets are created equal. Sheets use varying types and qualities of thread to make them last longer or feel softer. It’s more involved than you might think. So let’s take a look at what you need to know when buying sheets.

Buying Sheets is About More than Thread Count

Thread count gets a lot of emphasis when people talk about sheets, and it should – Thread count is important. A higher thread count absolutely means a better quality sheet, however it’s not the end all be all of sheet shopping.

Thread Count

Thread count plays a key role in the comfort of sheets, but it’s not necessarily THE only thing to look for. Quality of the threads also counts for something. It’s a classic case of quality over quantity. For example, if you have a choice between a 500 thread count sheet of low quality or a 180 thread count sheet of high quality, go with the lower thread count. Although 500 thread count seems like it would be more durable, it won’t matter if the thread is already weak.

Fiber Type

These days, you can get sheets in cotton, cotton-poly blends, and even microfiber. I recommend cotton or microfiber for the most comfortable nights sleep. Cotton is highly breathable and wicks moisture away from the body overnight, so you’ll always stay nice and cool. Cotton/poly blends are designed to be durable, but you will sacrifice some comfort as the poly portion of the blend can cause you to heat up. Microfiber can be exceptionally soft and comfortable, but only if you get a high quality sheet. And those can be quite expensive.

Weave

Thread count is just one aspect of the weave of a sheet. There are several types of weave. The most common is a basic plain weave. It’s so common and basic, that it won’t even be mentioned on this sheets. This weave is a simple weave with the same number of vertical and horizontal threads. There is a higher quality basic weave call Percale which features a thread count of 180 or higher. It’s known to be crisp and long lasting.

Sateen is another weave that you’ll see quite often. It features more vertical threads than horizontal ones, resulting in an extremely soft fabric. Be aware, however, that this weave sacrifices durability for comfort and is more prone to pilling and tearing.

Jacquard and damask weaves are highly intricate and can have a textured or patterned surface. Their textures vary between super soft and smooth to nubby and coarse and everything in between. They are as durable or more so than plain weaves, but they cost quite a bit more.

Dye Type

The most affordably priced colored or patterned sheets on the market are dyed after they’re woven. This usually translates to a stiff feel until they’re washed a few times. In addition, because they’re dyed after weaving, the colors can fade in a non-uniform way and become dull. That’s because the colorant cannot always adequately penetrate the threads after they’ve been woven into a fabric.

Higher quality – and subsequently more expensive – colored or patterned sheets are made of yarn that is dyed before weaving. This results in more even color and wear and none of the loss of color richness that can happen in lower quality sheets.

Know What’s What when Buying Sheets

Buying sheets is fun, but only if you know what to look for. A great set of sheets can make you feel like you’re being wrapped up in the most relaxing, luxurious hug that lasts all night. A bad set of sheets can keep you up all night! Know what to look for when buying sheets, and you’ll be enjoy a cozy, restful night’s sleep curled up beneath your sheets and duvet cover too.

Interested in reading more like this – don’t miss what happened when we got a new Douglas Bed Canadian Mattress. 

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