With the global demand for luxury bed linen at an all-time high, it’s evident that serious business is sleep comfort. In various weaves, thread counts, and finishes, the old days of “standard problem” cotton sheets are long gone, replaced by a multitude of modern fabrics made from specific raw materials. If now is the time for you to take a good night’s sleep seriously, we’ve got you covered. Our ultimate guide is here to help demystify the best quality bed sheets you’ve ever dreamed of.
Linens
Let’s start with the vocabulary for bedding first. You will often see these words, so here’s what they mean:
Sheet material – This refers to the roots of the fiber source sheeting fabric.
Thread count – How many threads in a square inch/cm of fabric are found.
Weave – This is the type of weave used to make the fabric, including percale, twill, and satin.
Plied yarn – To make a longer, more vital strand, two (or more) fiber strands twisted together.
Combed cotton – This is a softer type of cotton that results in longer, stronger fibers produced by aligning cotton fibers.
Finishes – Treatments, colorings, and embellishments.
Sheet Sets for Every Bed Size
A collection of sheets for any bed size should consist of one fitted sheet, one top sheet, and up to four pillowcases, at their most basic form, including:
Bed thread count
With facts on what makes a bed sheet a better sheet, we will debunk the more is better theory. The best bed linens start with the finest natural materials developed for their distinctive qualities and characteristics from a plethora of natural fibers selected. Very clearly, higher thread count sheets made from inferior raw materials would consistently exceed a lower thread count sheet made from a greater quality raw material.
Egyptian Cottons
Egyptian cotton, synonymous with luxury, is known for its resilience, breathability, and feeling. However, when investing in luxury bedding, beware of deceptively ambiguous product details and sources. Egyptian cotton sheets are better left on the shelf at a bargain price.
Pima and Cotton Supima
Pima and Supima cotton are the first cousins of American-born Egyptian cotton and share their distinctive extra-long fine fibers. As these premium cotton make too thick, smooth, and durable fabrics for bedding, thread count becomes less essential. Read the labels carefully and plan to pay a 100 percent Supima premium.
The bed linen
Linen is one of humanity’s earliest textiles, legendary for its strength, breathability, and superior wicking capabilities. Still, unscrupulous producers use misleading definitions to inflate their commodity’s consistency, quantity, and source.
Final Thoughts
Either natural or dyed? Simple or embellished? A matter of personal preference is how your sheets look (and perform). Take the added time to properly take care of your best fitted sheets, regardless of the fabric, and when you wake up refreshed after a comfortable night’s rest, your return on investment will become evident.
