How to choose good sheets for your mattress
Know the correct size and depth
While a mattress size may seem self-explanatory or standard, mattress sizes come in a variety of measurements rather than specific measurements. The beds can vary from 10 to 18 inches in some cases. Before you decide to buy the right pair of sheets from our list, be sure to check that they fit properly.
The best way to get the correct measurements is to measure the height of the mattress or search online, and be sure to account for the height of any extra mattresses or thick covers you may have added. If you're in college, you probably sleep on a Twin XL mattress, and Twin sizes can be up to 6 inches long. While many companies have reasonable return policies, it's usually better to get it right the first time.
Consult our complete guide: Best deep pocket sheets
Choose the right color and design
While it may be tempting to choose your favorite color for your new sheet set, remember to find a color that helps you feel relaxed and calm. While baby blue seems like a good choice, the wrong shade can remind you of a hospital bed instead of floating on clouds.
Sheets come in a variety of interesting patterns and designs, but you may want to choose a design that will last as long as you want your sheets to last, and consider that darker colors may contain dyes, which can affect the people with sensitive skin. or in the paranasal sinuses. .
Choose from single or multiple sets
While many sets include a fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillowcases, some may offer more or less than you really need. Be sure to verify your purchase before checkout to avoid a second trip or a closet full of lonely extra pillowcases.
Check thread count and quality
Thread count is more than a general indicator of how much a sheet set will cost, it often correlates to the quality, texture, and breathability of the sheets. While this isn't news to most people, many of us wonder what it really means.
thread countrefers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch of material. The higher the thread count, the heavier and more luxurious the material should be, but this is not always the case. Many brands artificially increase thread count by adding fiberfill that is not woven into the fabric.
While a number of fill-reinforced threads doesn't necessarily mean the material isn't high-quality, it does suggest that the fabric may not always achieve the levels customers expect after paying full price. Additional considerations are that a tightly woven fabric will naturally increase thread count, but may not provide the same weight or thickness that customers expect.
Some fabrics even tend to work better with fewer thread counts. Instead, a better indicator of quality is to feel for the weight and texture of the fabric, if possible, and to read reviews online before making an expensive purchase.
Choose the weave of the cloth (may affect sleep)
- Shopping:Twill fabrics are stitched diagonally, contributing to a more structured feel and visible design. This pattern tends to be durable and offers a nice smooth drape.
- Flannel:Often mistaken for a separate material, flannel fabrics are brushed yarns that fluff up the fibers for a soft texture and heat retention.
- Percale:This fabric is tighter than most and should have an overall light and airy feel. Despite its luxurious feel, percale tends to wrinkle more easily than other fabrics.
- Regenerate:This pattern results in a silkier texture with a smooth feel and sometimes a shiny appearance. This is a common choice for fancy materials.
Select a type of fabric for the sheets
Cotton
Cotton is the most common fabric used for bed sheets and is popular for its breathability and durability, though many are unaware of the many varieties. This material, made into yarn from plant fibers, is usually soft, durable, and relatively easy to obtain and produce around the world.
- Pima Cotton:The longer fibers of this cotton provide a soft and resistant fabric, ideal for weaving sheets. Typically grown in the southern United States, this material is widely used by American growers.
- supima®: This new cotton yarn is made from modified Pima cotton. This is more popular with premium brands as it is supposed to be even more durable and softer than Pima.
- Mountain cotton:This variety of cotton is the most widely produced cotton in the world, with the majority produced in the United States. This material has a shorter grain, making it less soft and durable, and is the most common material used for sheets and is often found in cheap brands.
- micro cotton®:Made from exceptionally long, fine cotton fibers grown in India, this material is one of the softest and most luxurious forms of cotton. This material is soft and silky, but also extremely absorbent. While that may be good news for a tea towel, it might not be an ideal situation for sheets if you tend to sweat.
- Egyptian cotton:Egyptian cotton is often considered the most expensive variety of cotton and also the most luxurious. That's because its long fibers result in a silky, breathable fabric that feels as good as it stands the test of time.
Polyester
This commonly used artificial material is popular for its low price and versatility. Polyester can be used in a variety of fabrics and textures, although microfiber is currently the most common. This material tends to be less breathable than cotton, but is generally easier to clean, making it ideal for cooler climates or children's rooms.
mixed fabrics
The most common blend of fabrics is cotton and polyester, allowing some manufacturers to create a cheaper, higher thread count alternative to luxury sheets. Other blends include cotton with viscose, bamboo, or nylon, each offering a different effect, from resisting wrinkles to increasing stretch and elasticity.
Tencel®
This unique fabric is made from eucalyptus pulp - it's not the first ingredient you might expect to find in your new set of sheets. This material is surprisingly cool as it distributes heat and moisture evenly throughout the fabric, keeping you dry. Plus, the smooth surface is naturally antimicrobial, which means these sheets will leave you feeling nice and clean.
flannel
This brushed cotton fabric is designed to create an ultra-soft and warm fabric perfect for winter nights. Being cotton, this fabric generally breathes well, but its main function is also to retain heat. So while you shouldn't be sweating, you'll likely sleep warm in these sheets.
Jersey Knit
Although originally made of pure wool, today this fabric is often a blend of wool, cotton, or polyester fibers. If you love the feel of soft t-shirts and tend to sleep hot, you may enjoy the stretchy, breathable feel of this fabric.
Lino
While this is a standard term for sheets, it also refers to the lightweight material made from the fibers of the flax plant. Used by the ancient Egyptians, this material has proven its worth as linen fibers are durable, ultra-breathable, and hypoallergenic. However, since it is difficult to source and weave, linen is generally considered a luxury material.
microfiber
This soft, absorbent fabric is often a less expensive alternative to high thread count cotton fabrics, offering a smooth texture at a lower price. Microfiber is typically made of polyester, and its flexible structure makes it a convenient choice for many customers.
that
Possibly one of the most luxurious fabrics on this list, silk offers customers a cool, soft, and hypoallergenic sleeping experience, but it comes at a price. This linen comes from silkworms, making it rarer and more difficult to obtain than other materials, as well as more delicate and difficult to clean.
Bamboo
bamboo materialIt's recently made waves in the linen community as an easy-care, breathable, stretchy material that should be great for everyone in the family. However, some products marketed as bamboo are actually rayon, so it might be a good idea to check before you buy.