The Thread Count of Your Sheets Doesn’t Matter (But These Other Factors Do!)
You spend a third of your life in bed. Shouldn’t that time be spent wrapped in soft sheets?
This may come as a shock, but the idea that high thread count equals high-quality sheets is a total misconception … and one that’s become a marketing strategy that’s hung around way too long. So let’s set the record straight, shall we?
As a general rule of thumb, you want to purchase sheets that list a thread count higher than 200. But don’t be impressed with a sky high number: experts say anything above an 800-thread count doesn’t matter. (And some companies have been caught exaggerating their thread counts, or using two-ply or four-ply fabric and adding up the threads to get a more impressive number.)
Even more surprisingly, high-quality sheets often have a lower thread count. That’s because other factors — the quality of fibers used and the type of weave, especially — are what really make your sheets feel baby-soft and luxuriously smooth. Regardless of the official thread count on the label, cheap sheets won’t feel as good and are more susceptible to shrinkage and pilling.
Here’s a quick guide to both:
FIBERS: For true top-quality sheets, look for words like Egyptian long-staple, Egyptian cotton, pima, or supima on the label. Other high-quality fibers include organic cotton, cotton-poplin, cotton-polyester, and bamboo.
WEAVE: Quality sheets most often list a percale, sateen or jacquard weave. The difference is simply your preference. Percale is known for its longevity and crisp feel, sateen for its softness, and jacquard for its texture (which can be satiny-soft to nubby) and durability. More basic (and inexpensive) weaves may not even rate a mention on the label.
Remember, price matters when it comes to buying good quality sheets. If a set’s price seems a little too good to be true, it probably is. Top-of-the-line sheets are almost always produced in France or Italy (and they’ll no doubt say so on the label) — and often cost $100-plus.
Now that you know everything important about sheets, get ready to sleep like a baby!
Also on Yahoo Makers:
The Bleach-Free Way to Get Your Sheets Whiter than White
How To Fold A Fitted Sheet. Yes. Really.
Fido Likes Clean Sheets Too! How to Clean Your Pet’s Bed the Right Way
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