Do you remember what your mother told you about buying sheets? She probably said that a high thread count was all that mattered. Well, it’s time for us to bust that myth! While thread count is important, it isn’t the only factor that you need to consider when purchasing a quality set of sheets.
We recently posted about how to create the perfect cozy winter bed, but a well-crafted set of sheets will make bedtime even cozier. High-quality bedding will also last you years to come! Here are our tips on how to find the best sheets:
Fiber is where we usually begin our search for great sheets. It’s important to remember your personal preferences and climate. Egyptian cotton is known for its comfort and long-staple fibers, which create silky-feeling sheets. Cotton and other breathable fibers are wonderful for warm climates. For cool climates, silk sheets will be a natural insulator to keep you warm throughout the night.
The weave, or how the threads are interlaced, will determine how the sheets look and feel. Weaves with an even amount of vertical and horizontal yarns will create crisp, durable sheets. Look for Percale fabric to find this feature. Sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal yarns, and this gives them a shiny look and feel, but it will make them more likely to wear. Low-quality weaves will usually not be listed on the label at all.
It may surprise you to know that the location of the sheets’ origin matters. There are countries, such as France and Italy, that are known for their sheet-making craftspeople. The fabric could be from another country, but where the sheets are put together can make a difference.
Dye is a factor when determining quality, as well. Cheap sheets will apply color or patterns to the fabric after the sheets have been woven, and this can make them stiff and uncomfortable. Sheets that are softer will tend to be made from yarn-dyed fabrics that have been woven with colored yarn.
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