A good night’s sleep is so important for good health, but getting one can be tough if you don’t have comfortable sheets on your bed. Picking the right sheets can mean the difference between tossing and turning all night long and waking up refreshed and ready to face the day. To help you figure out which type of sheets are best for you, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide on how to pick the perfect sheets based on your individual needs, no matter what they are.
Materials
The first thing to consider is what material you want. Here is a breakdown of the most popular materials.
Cotton
Cotton-polyester blend sheets are wrinkle-resistant, durable (polyester lasts longer than cotton), and relatively inexpensive (up to half the cost of all cotton). But if you’re looking for that cool, soft feel, nothing beats 100% cotton. You’ll rarely wake up clammy on cotton sheets since the fiber wicks moisture away from your skin. And cotton sheets are less likely to stain than polyester blends; a water-loving fiber, cotton releases dirt easily when wet.
All types of cotton share these wonderful traits, but long-staple (or long-fiber) cotton makes for a noticeably softer sheet, and the surface won’t pill and lint like one woven from shorter fibers. The words “Egyptian long-staple,” “Pima,” and “Supima” all denote high-quality long fibers.
Bamboo
Bamboo bed sheets are not only exceptionally soft and sustainable, but they’re also naturally moisture-wicking and breathable with unique temperature-regulating abilities.
Another option is bamboo. Bamboo has had a moment over the past couple of years—many people swear by its temperature-regulating properties, and they aren’t wrong. Bamboo tends to keep you warmer in cold weather but cooler in warm weather; however, if you live somewhere like Florida where there isn’t much seasonal temperature variation, bamboo sheets might not be necessary since you probably won’t have much use for extra blankets or layers of clothing during your sleeping hours anyway!
Linen
Linen is another popular fabric choice for luxury bed sheets. Breathable, natural linen bedding exudes laid-back luxury and is an excellent choice for warmer climates due to its natural wicking qualities.
The natural fibers of luxury linen sheets offer texture and dimension to your sleep experience, which is the opposite of cotton sheeting which feels smooth and crisp. Those who enjoy the simple and textured style of luxury linen sheets include them among the finest sheets in the world.
Thread Count
In the past, the higher the thread count, the better the quality. That isn’t always true anymore. The number of threads in a sheet’s fabric can certainly make it nicer, but the thread itself matters more than the thread count.
The “thread count” indicates the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch. A higher thread count just means the threads are spaced farther apart and doesn’t necessarily say anything about the quality of the thread.
Some brands will cut corners by twisting multiple, thinner yarns together to bump up the thread count. (These twisted threads are typically referred to as two-ply.) Problem is that these thinner yarns are not as durable as single-ply yarn. When you’re only focused on the thread count, you’re not paying attention to the quality of the actual yarn.
There isn’t really the best thread count for sheets. Depending on the budget, aim for a thread count between 400 and 1,000.
The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality. This is because manufacturers use thinner cotton to cram in as many threads as possible, increasing the ply or the number of single threads twisted together.
Sheets that are 800 thread count are almost always double-ply, meaning they are twice as thick as 400 thread count sheets. Double-ply sheets are thicker and more durable, so they tend to last longer, justifying higher prices. They are also ideal if you sleep with pets because they’re better at resisting pet hair.
Another advantage of 800 thread count sheets is that they allow the body to retain more heat.
A thread count of 600 is the highest possible for single-ply sheets. These sheets tend to be less expensive than 800 thread counts. While comparably soft, they are often less durable. However, they are better at keeping the body cooler during the warmer months.
While 400 thread count sheets are the minimum you should look for, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re low quality. In fact, 400 thread count sheets made of premium quality material can feel as soft as higher thread count sheets, possibly even softer. Long staple cotton is an ideal fiber for sheets, but particularly for lower thread counts.
Style and Design
Regular sizes, like queen or king, are sized by length and width only, not thickness. So if your mattress is thick or you’re using a mattress topper, make sure to measure the thickness before buying sheets. You might require sheets with an additional extra-long and deep pockets.
Sheets aren’t always labeled as such, so be sure to check the size listed on the packaging to find the appropriate sheet size. Also, take into account that depending on the fabric you have chosen, there may be shrinkage when you wash.
The design is the fun part! Decide what color or pattern will calm you and give you a sweet send-off to dreamland. If you can’t decide on one, even better. Maybe you want a summer weight and a winter weight fabric. So maybe there are two colors that you find particularly soothing. Buying two sets of sheets will help them both last longer and give you a little variety.
Luckily there are so many options out there so you can find the sheets that are exactly right for you.
Stop by Family Mattress & Furniture for a consult and we will help match you to your perfect sheets.
