How to Choose Bed Sheets: Ultimate Bed Sheets Buying Guide
Last Updated on Jun 14, 2022
When you return home stressed after work, all you need is a comfortable bed where you can lie and forget about the work to feel better. But if your bedsheet isn’t equally relaxing, it might not be a good deal.
Not all bedsheets are created equally, and to pick the best one, you need to consider a number of factors like the thread count, fabric, weave type, size, sleep needs, and bedding style.
So, If you're still stumped in the bedding aisle and can't decide what to buy, this guide on how to choose bed sheets is what you need to invest in the best bed sheets for your specific needs.
What Does Thread Count Mean and How Does It Matter?
The number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch is referred to as thread count. In most cases, the higher the number of thread count, the softer and more durable the bedsheet.
What is a good thread count for sheets?
The best thread count for sheets is between 200-800. You may find some above 1,000 too, but high thread count sheets aren’t necessarily better in quality. Because, by using some techniques like twisting multiple yarns together, you can increase the thread count without improving the quality of the fabric.
Similarly, a low thread count doesn’t mean a low-quality bedsheet. Some lower thread count sheets have a great finishing that gives you a feel like a high-thread-count bedsheet.
So, is a higher thread count better?
Both - yes and no. Thread count can be a factor, but not the sole parameter to determine a sheet’s quality. It does affect the softness of a sheet. But, the type of cotton used can be a more important factor. For instance, Combed cotton bedsheets with about 300-400 thread count work like a charm.
So, instead of investing in bedsheets with enormous thread counts, look for one with a good thread count for sheets (250-350), good quality cotton, and from a renowned brand.
Here’s a breakdown of common thread counts for different fabrics:
- Flannel: 80 to 120 thread count
- Linen: 80 to 140 thread count
- Jersey: 150+ thread count
- Cotton: 200 to 400 thread count
- Percale Weave: 200 to 400 thread count
- Silk: 400+ thread count
- Microfiber: 140 to 180 thread count
Choose Fabric and Material
Your bed sheet material would be a significant factor in determining your sleep quality. If you’re looking for a durable bed sheet for deep and comfortable sleep, here are the four best materials for different types of bed sheets that you can consider:
Percale
Made from organic cotton threads, percale sheets are woven in a tight pattern. Percale bed sheets are loved for the feel they provide against your skin. These are soft, breathable, and also durable. Hence, a great investment. Some other fabrics like Rayon. Microfiber and Polyester can also be used to make them.
Sateen
Similar to Percale sheets, Sateen sheets can be made using a variety of woven materials too. These are wrinkle-resistant, soft and smooth, and made from cotton threads to give you a luxurious feel. Another interesting thing to note about Sateen bed sheets is that they get softer with every use.
Flannel
Flannel bed sheets would be your best friend to keep you warm throughout icy winters. But you don’t need to worry about feeling hot. You can go for lightweight 100% cotton sheets to keep you from turning hot.
Tencel
Tencel is a newer fabric that’s made from natural fibers like wood pulp and is environmentally friendly. It is an excellent choice for today. Sheets made with Tencel aren’t just sustainable but also cool, soft, and breathable as these are light in weight. Hence, these are mainly suitable for hot sleepers.
Weave Types
Weave implies the texture of the bedsheet and it affects its wrinkle resistance. Below are three types of weave styles that should affect your decision-making when buying a new bedsheet.
Combed cotton
This weave type provides strong and soft sheets by removing the short fibers and straightening the longer ones. A fine-toothed brush is run over the thread before spinning the fabric.
Percale
Percale sheets have tightly woven threads. The pattern is such that one thread is crossed under, and the other is crossed over it. This close weaving pattern makes it highly durable and cool.
Sateen
Sateen weave is crafted with a technique that gives it a silky feel. Its pattern is such that with every one yard under, three over is utilized. Sateen is also a material, but we are referring to the Sateen weave sheets which can be made from multiple types of yarn.
Consider Your Sleeping Needs
Understanding your ideal bedsheet keeping in mind your sleeping needs and preferences is just as important as the mentioned factors. So, depending upon whether you feel sweaty through the night or shiver with cold, and whether you feel more comfortable with cotton or sateen, you can pick the right sheet.
So, these are the factors you need to keep in mind:
Hot Sleeper
If you sleep hot or feel sweaty through the night, Tencel or percale would be a good choice for you as the two are known for high breathability and keep you cool throughout.
Cold Sleeper
FLANNEL sheets are ideal for people who can’t get warmth in icy cold winters. These sheets would keep you warm without taking away your breathability.
Texture
If smoothness and softness are your priority, sateen sheets would be ideal for you. And if you are looking for a crisper and cooler sheet with softness, a percale sheet should be able to provide you with breezy comfort.
Decide The Right Sheet Size
Picking the right size is the key because you certainly don’t want your sheet to be too sweeping the floor or barely even fitting the mattress properly. To make sure your sheet fits your bed properly, you need to measure the length and depth (or height) of your mattress.
Below is a chart for the standard bed sheet sizes. The height or depth of the mattress is variable, and they lie between 8 to 14 inches.
| Size | Dimensions (Inches) |
|---|---|
| Twin | 38 X 75 |
| Twin XL | 38 X 80 |
| Full | 54 X 75 |
| Queen | 60 X 80 |
| King | 76 X 80 |
| California King | 72 X 84 |
Unsure how to choose bed sheet size? Make sure you measure your mattress rightly to pick a size that fits well. Also, don’t forget about the pillowcases. Buy a pair that matches the design, material, weave, and thread count. In case you buy bedsheets and pillowcases as a set, you won’t have to match them.
Coordinate With Your Bedding
By now we talked about your comfort. But let us accept that your sheets should also be aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, and that’s possible only when it is in coordination with your bedding.
So, try to coordinate the pattern and color of your sheet with that of your room’s aesthetics. So, look around and observe the colors you have used for most decor items.
Here are a few more aspects that you can consider while buying a sheet to make it aesthetically pleasing.
- Neutral tone sheets in soothing and solid colors can create a room that would make you fall asleep as soon as you lie on the bed by creating a calm atmosphere around you.
- Prefer buying a sheet that has matching duvet covers to make your shopping easier while also getting a well-coordinated set. And you know how easy it is to clean duvet covers.
- To ensure your bedding is coordinated and streamlined, go for a sheet set that includes pillow covers.
It isn’t mandatory to mix-match and creates perfect coordination or contract, but certainly putting the two together will make the bedroom look more appealing!
The bed sheet thread count should be a factor but not the sole factor in determining the right bedsheet choice. Other factors that should affect your bed sheet buying decision include the fabric or material used, weave type, size of your mattress, your sleep needs and preferences, and your bedroom aesthetics. We hope this guide helps you get the best type of sheets.
