2011 August | Slumber Village

Shopping for Bed Linens

Variety in styles and patterns in bedsheets

I have been writing about thread counts and bed linens, and I have recently found some interesting information on the durability of cotton for bed sheets. Because it is stronger when wet than when dry, cotton can be washed frequently without damage to the fibers. It can absorb up to 40% in moisture which means it acts as a wick when exposed to such. If you notice when removing a cotton sheet from the dryer, there isn’t much static which can attracts soil and cause the fabric to cling. Heat doesn’t necessarily soften cotton, so you could boil it in some cases. However, most of the time, this is not recommended in the care instructions. Cotton is non-irritating to skin and soft to the touch. Gone are the days of the stiff, harsh cotton sheets. Instead, we have percale sheets, sateen sheets, Egyptian cotton sheets, pima and supima cotton sheets. Cotton is a versatile fabric and is found in commercial settings such as hotels and hospitals as well as in homes.

If you remember when the only fabric for sheets was cotton and the only color for sheets was white, you will be amazed at the variety of colors, prints, and details offered today in bed linens. You can spruce up your bedroom by adding amazing colors and styles in bedding. Here are some tips to think about as you shop. First of all, know the size of your bed. We are all familiar with king, queen, full, and twin sizes, however, there is no consistent measure for each of these sizes. You will want to measure the mattress from head to foot, from side to side, as well as measuring the depth of the mattress. Most bed sheets are of a consistent size, however, you might find some made for extra long beds or for deeper mattresses.

Most department stores carry name brand sheets as well as their own brand. Know what you want in a sheet and shop around. You may need to look for a while until you find what you want. If price is something you need to consider, take your time and find just exactly what you want at the price you can afford. There are a lot of choices as to pattern, color, and style to consider. You may find that you want to shop online which will offer unlimited possibilities. However, if you just want basic sheet sets perhaps for a guest room, you can find a variety at a discount store at reasonable prices. And, don’t discount internet shopping for seemingly unlimited choices.

Again, you will want to consider thread count which I covered in the last blog, and stay with at least a 200 thread count sheet. I prefer cotton sheets, however, if you want something more luxurious, by all means, try silk, satin, or a microfiber fabric. Because you will be spending 8 hours, hopefully, between these sheets, treat yourself with the best sheets you can afford. One suggestion is to purchase pillowcases in the fabric you want to try. Sleep on them a while and decide if you want to buy the whole set.

If you measured your mattress, you know what size sheets you need. Be sure to check the depth of the pocket of the sheet with the measurement of your mattress. Most of the sheets made now have the deep pockets on the fitted sheets, but it never hurts to be sure. Sheets may shrink as much as 7% in the first washing.

When you find the sheet set that is exactly right for your bedroom, you might want to consider buying one or two extra sets. That way, you will still have a set if something should happen to either the top or bottom sheet in your set. Sometimes it’s good to purchase an extra set of pillowcases just to have them fresh and crisp. I have found that the fitted bottom sheet might wear faster than the top sheet, so I have purchased an extra one just in case. This works just as well as purchasing a whole set if you are counting cost.

Thread Count in Bed Linens

When choosing a set of sheets for your bed, you might want to consider the thread count. Thread count is the measure of how coarse or how fine a fabric is especially in dealing with cotton. The yarn refers to the thickness of the yarns used to make the fabric which is usually 40 to 100. The higher the number, the finer the yarn. So, the higher the yarn count, the more threads will fit in a square inch. Thread count is the threads in one square inch of fabric and is done by counting the threads along two sides (up and across) of the inch added together. A count of 200 to 400 in a cotton sheet generally makes for a soft, breathable weave. For a thread count of 500 or more, you will get a softer and even a more luxurious sheet. Also, the higher thread count usually means more durability. Sometimes manufacturers separate two ply (number of individual yarns used as a strand) and count it as two separate threads, thus this might not be the only factor you rely on when selecting your bed linen.

Does the thread count really matter? The thread counts of finer threads will be higher and just make a softer sheet, but again, these may not be as durable. The percale cotton fabric is probably the finest for sheets. The high thread count gives it a silk-like feel. While it good to keep the thread count in mind, you might want to use other factors in determining your choice.

Along with thread count, you might consider weave in cotton sheets. A sateen weave is popular for sheets and has a lustrous look. It is very soft and smooth, however, it may not be as durable or wear as well as the standard weave. The standard weave will not look or feel as smooth as sateen. Pinpoint weave falls between sateen and standard weaves. It is more durable than sateen and softer than standard. The twill weave is soft, durable, and mostly wrinkle-free. Perhaps the best test of thread count and weave, would be touch. Smooth your hand over the sheet and let your sense of touch go to work!

Another type of cotton bed linen is the flannel sheet. Anyone sleeping in a cool bedroom in the winter knows that there’s nothing better than warm flannel sheets to snuggle into. Instead of thread count when choosing flannel sheets, you look for the weight per square yard. With flannel, it’s better to have more weight per square yard and quality flannel sheets will have no less than 4 ounces per square yard; the more ounces per square yard, the better. Sheets that weigh more, are softer and less likely to pill during use.

Here are some tips about thread count to keep in mind when shopping for sheets. Designer sheets and other novelty print sheets have a thread count of 200 to 300. You will find the most variety and softness in sheets at an affordable price in the 300 to 500 count range. Luxury sheets run from 800 to 1000 to 1200 and are usually made of fine fabrics such as Egyptian cotton. Bed sheets with lower thread counts do soften with repeated washing. For kids and guests rooms, sheets with 250 thread counts work fine. The feel of a sheet is what textile manufacturers refer to as a “hand.” A higher thread count may give a softer hand, but lower counts made of softer materials can do the same. After all, the thing that really matters is buying sheets that will look good in your bedroom and also feel comfortable against your skin. You are the one who will be enjoying them!

Types of cotton bed sheets

It's all in the length of fiber!

Cotton is cotton, right? However, there are different types of cotton such as Egyptian, pima, and supima. Here are some tips about cotton that might help you find what you are looking for in a bed sheet.

A sheet made of 100% cotton is cool, soft, and breathable so it doesn’t feel sticky against your body to keep you cool but not clammy. High-quality cotton achieves a softness that you will come to appreciate. Contrast this with polyester which wears well, doesn’t need to be ironed, but may not feel soft and luxurious against your skin.

There are generally four main types of cotton containing many categories in each type. These types of cotton are classified based on appearance and staple length. The longer the staple, the finer the fabric.

The American Upland cotton is grown in most cotton-producing countries, however, these fibers are not suited for the finer sheets. Egyptian cotton is a long staple cotton, and so growers in the United States have developed varieties known as Pima cottons. Pima cotton is in between Egyptian Cotton and American Upland long staple in length and price. It is a very good quality. Sheets made from this cotton are preferable because of their softness and durability. Supima cotton is Pima cotton grown in the United States.

Cotton sheets release soil easily and so are less care. Because the fibers provide cool comfort in the summer and hold a layer of warmth in winter, sheets made from cotton are versatile for year-round use. These sheets wear well and even become softer the more they are used and washed. In fact, many believe that cotton sheets are kinder to those suffering with eczema or having sensitive skin when compared to other fabrics.