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The world of bedding can be confusing, and that’s a shame because humans reportedly spend about a third of their lifetime asleep. Sheets, in particular, have a lot of terminology and subtle differences between them that can sometimes be misleading. How important is thread count? What does “percale” actually mean? Are linen sheets really comfortable to sleep on?
Sheets can also vary wildly in price. Many may wonder whether a nice set of sheets are worth spending hundreds of dollars on. The fact is, it might be. It all depends on how soft a person wants their sheets to be, and whether durability will be a factor when purchasing. The best sheets, for example, can last for years, while more cheaply made varieties may wear out much sooner.
To tell the difference between confusing sheet terms and find where to buy the best kind, scroll through this handy guide.
Thread Count
Thread count is the first thing everyone thinks of when it comes to sheets, but a higher number doesn’t necessarily mean better. Generally, a higher thread count means that fibers are woven more closely together, resulting in a softer and warmer fabric. However, there’s really only so high a thread count can reasonably get. If a thread count claims to be higher than around 500, what the manufacturer is often doing is simply wrapping threads around others before weaving (as reported by the Penny Hoarder) which doesn’t actually improve quality.
Try the organic cotton 400-thread count set from Nordstrom starting at $53.40.
Thread Type
In the world of sheets, Egyptian cotton or, secondarily, Pima cotton is accepted to be the best kind of cotton. This is because these types of cotton are long-staple, meaning their fibers are long and supple. Long-staple cotton can be spun into stronger yarns and produce softer and more supple weaves. This is where durability comes in. Brooklinen is one company that advertises its use of long-staple cotton. But cotton isn’t the only fabric commonly found in sheets. Linen sheets, like those found at Brooklinen or Parachute, are becoming more popular because while not as soft as cotton, they are better at regulating body heat, which means cooler nights in the summer. For the colder months, Brooklinen also has a set of twill sheets, which are exceptionally warm and cozy.
Try the linen sheets from Parachute starting at $110.
Weave Type
The most common types of weaves found in sheets are percale and sateen. A percale weave will produce crisp, cool sheets like this set from Parachute. A sateen weave results in sheets that are slightly heavier and very soft. Whichever is better is largely a matter of personal preference.
Try the Luxe Sheet Set from Brooklinen starting at $129.
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