What to Consider When Buying New Bedsheets
Bedsheets are an important sleep accessory! With the right bedsheets, you can improve your chances of making a good night’s sleep a regular occurrence. There are a ton of options when it comes to buying bedsheets: type of fit, fabric, color, and thread count to name a few. Let’s dive into the most important factors to consider when selecting the right bedsheets for your perfect night’s sleep.
Types of Bed Sheets
There are two types of bedsheets: fitted and flat. Fitted bed sheets go directly above the mattress. They feature four corners sewn with elastic that hold the sheets in place. Flat bed sheets commonly consist of cloth with a hem. They lie on top of a fitted sheet and act as a easily washable barrier between you and your blanket.
Fabric Options
Bedsheets are available in a wide range of fabrics. Here are a few of the most popular fabric options to consider.
Cotton
Cotton sheets are breathable, so they will help you feel cool on hot days and warm when the temperature drops. In addition, cotton is a hypoallergenic fabric, so cotton sheets provide an ideal option for people prone to allergies or skin irritation.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton sheets have a higher thread count than regular cotton sheets, which delivers a superior mix of durability and luxury to the same benefits listed for regular cotton sheets.
Flannel
For those who want soft, cozy bedsheets, there may be no better options than flannel sheets. Like cotton sheets, flannel varieties consist of a breathable fabric that traps air and body heat, and wicks moisture away from the body. Flannel sheets also are easy to wash in warm or cold water and will maintain their quality for an extended period of time.
Satin
Satin sheets are made from silk, which is both hypoallergenic and consists of 18 essential amino acids that have been shown to help calm the nervous system while a person sleeps. Studies have indicated that the amino acids found in satin sheets may even help individuals combat the signs of aging, particularly in the face.
Bamboo
Bamboo sheets are strong and durable and are soft to the touch. Bamboo sheets are also breathable and thermo-regulating, which helps provide an quality sleep experience.
Tencel
Tencel is an eco-friendly fabric that is made with wood pulp from sustainable tree farms. Tencel sheets usually feature rich colors, exceptional durability, and advanced moisture absorbency.
Microfiber
Microfiber sheets are incredibly thin. However, the sheets boast outstanding durability and softness. Because of this, microfiber remains a top choice for individuals of all ages.
Thread Count
When it comes to having soft, comfortable sheets, does thread count really matter? Can the average person tell the difference between a 200 thread-count and a 1200 thread-count sheet?
First, let’s take a look at exactly what thread count means. There are federal standards that apply to thread count. The term “thread count” refers to the number of threads woven together over one square inch of fabric. You count both lengthwise (warp) and widthwise (weft) threads. So, 100 lengthwise threads woven with 100 widthwise threads produce a thread count of 200.
Does Thread Count Really Make Sheets Softer?
A recent story published in Consumer Reports found that, indeed, a 400 thread-count sheet is going to be softer than a 200 thread-count sheet. But you’re going to have to pay for it. To put this in perspective, a muslin sheet has a thread count of about 150 and, as we all know, muslin feels a bit rougher than the sheets you would put on your bed. A good-quality sheet comes in at about 180 and anything over 200 is considered high quality. At Sit ‘n Sleep, we offer our customers a variety of high quality, high thread-count sheets. Sheets play a very important role in how well you sleep each night, as well as the overall appearance of your room.
Wrapping It All Up
So which are the bestbed sheets? Ultimately, you’ll want to consider the comfort and durability of bedsheets – along with their fabric and thread count– to find bedsheets that suit you perfectly. You also may want to review the costs of various bedsheets; although some varieties might cost more than others, they can deliver long-lasting value as well.