Bedsheets are made from many different types of fabrics. All these fabrics will feel different so it comes down to personal preference which fabric you prefer as the most comfortable. How a certain fabric feels is one of the most important factors in choosing a set of sheets. There are some fabrics that are more popular than others.
- Cotton
- Silk
- Flannel
Most of the sheets manufactured are made from these fabrics. The top choice, cotton, has many different variations that all feel unique. There are also some top bed sheet brands you can consider by reviewing top tips given by Bedding Pal.
Cotton
Combed cotton – Extremely soft and smooth, something your hands will get addicted to.
Supima Cotton – Has a very soft feel, praised for its durability. Mainly produced in the United States, praised for its balance between comfort and durability.
Muslin Cotton – Not as soft as the other variants of cotton, slightly stiff and rough even after washing and drying. Most often used for kids’ sheets because of its sheer durability.
Egyptian Cotton – You’ve probably heard of this type of cotton in high-end hotels and other elite places. This type of cotton is known in the market as the best of the best. It feels luxurious, super soft and is very high quality. This is the perfect choice for Bed and Breakfasts, guest rooms, and Master Bedrooms but is not the type you would want to purchase for young kids.
Silk
Most people tend to find the smooth sensation of silk more pleasing to their skin because it does not catch, tug, or pull on your skin like cotton bedding. Silk bedding simply makes for a more comfortable sleep to many others.
Perhaps one of the notable features of silk sheets is that they are hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your house suffers constantly from allergies, silk sheets may be a perfect choice.
Flannel
If you are looking for the perfect set of sheets for keeping cozy and warm, you won’t find anything better than flannel sheets. They are not a good choice for summertime as they can increase sweating.
They are usually made from a combination of wool and synthetic material so beware if you have wool allergies because flannel can escalate them. Baby sheets are often made of flannel due to the softness they have but remember that they can increase heat in the summertime as well.
The Common “Weave” of Sheets
The weave of a sheet creates the textured look and feel of the sheets. Weave is created by the interlacing of the threads with each other. The most common weave consists of one stitch over and one stitch under. There are a few different types of weaves used in sheets.
Percale Weave
This is a basic weave that is manufactured in a grid pattern. The sheets that are percale are crisp and lightweight, which are great for hot climates.
Twill Weave
Has diagonal lines on one side of the fabric. Twill weave is wrinkle-resistant and holds its shape well.
Plain Weave
This simple weave technique is used in most of the bedding that is made. The resulting fabric is strong and long-lasting.
Sateen Weave
This weave produces a thick, close-textured feel with a smooth, silky feel to it. The exposed yarns on the surface give it a luxurious sheen that many confuse with satin.
Sizing Sheets Properly for a Perfect Fit
Fit is very important in sheets. If you purchase a set that doesn’t fit, you will be constantly putting the sheets back on the mattress only to be pulled off again easily the next time you move.
Measure your mattress before you start shopping if you are not sure of the size you need and shop using those measurements. Most sheets will fit mattresses up to 16 inches thick but some fit even thicker styles.
The Importance of Thread Count
Thread count is determined by the number of threads that run vertically and horizontally for each square inch of the fabric.
The more threads running vertically and horizontally per square inch, the softer the sheets will feel. The only drawback to high thread count sheets is that they tend to be much more fragile and rip easier than lower thread counts. They will also continue to soften up the more they are washed.
For this reason, if you are purchasing sheets for your kids, you may want to look for sheets that are in the 300-900 thread count range which are much more durable and longer-lasting.
When you take the time and effort to choose a great quality set of sheets, you are also making an investment in the quality of sleep you get. Although getting the right mattress is a good start to a good night’s sleep, it is not enough. Everything on the mattress matters, even bed sheets and pillows.
