After toiling throughout the day, one deserves a good night’s sleep. And since you spend almost one-third of your day on the bed, getting the right bedding is vital.
Uncomfortable bed sheets that result in a sweaty snooze or need adjustment throughout the night can be a nightmare. Sheets of inferior quality can also break apart or start pilling after a few washes. But as you start your search, you may stumble upon complex jargon, numerous foreign fabrics and certain unsubstantiated claims that make the buying process complex.
And following is a simple guide to help you buy the perfect sheets for your bed:
What Are the Commonly Used Materials for Bedsheets?
Cotton
A natural fibre, cotton, is breathable and is perfect for people with skin issues and allergies. Meanwhile, the length of cotton fibres varies, and it is better to choose longer staples over shorter ones.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton is lustrous, breathable, strong and has extra-long fibres. And you may pay high prices for bed sheets made from authentic Egyptian cotton.
Linen
Linen is a breathable material, and it has moisture-wicking abilities. Therefore, it is perfect for the hot summer days.
Polyester
Polyester is stain-resistant, durable and doesn’t shrink or wrinkle easily. However, polyester doesn’t effectively wick moisture, so it can’t regulate body temperature. It can also irritate your skin and may not be a top choice for your bedding.
Bamboo Rayon
Rayon is created from bamboo and treated chemically. It can regulate temperature and is suitable for any season. Also, the weave is absorbent, so you can stay dry and comfortable throughout the night.
Silk
Silk is luxurious and can be a great choice if you have skin conditions or allergies. However, if you are buying real silk, you must be attentive and careful about its care.
What Are the Variations You Get in Fabric Weaves?
Percale
Percale, also called ‘plain weave,’ is used with high-quality cotton. It is lightweight and tightly woven, which gives sheets a soft and smooth finish.
Sateen
A sateen sheet takes four threads over a singular thread piece. The result is a silky, plush feeling that makes cotton more durable. However, this weave may feel a bit heavier. So, if you want your bed warm at night, sateen can be a great choice to hold the heat.
Jersey Knit
Jersey knit is a blend of cotton and synthetic fabric. The softness and stretch of the weave make the sheets extremely comfortable. Also, this weave holds heat which can be your go-to option in winter.
Flannel
Flannel is made from 100 per cent cotton and is softer than other weaves keeping you cosy in the winters.
What Is Thread Count?
Thread count is measured in terms of the number of horizontal weft and vertical warp threads in 1 square inch fabric. Sheets with higher thread count are considered to become softer over time and last longer. However, you must not think that a sheet with a high thread count is of high quality. Similarly, sheets with low thread count are not always of poor quality. Certain brands inflate the threat count of the sheets during manufacturing, but such fabrics won’t last long.
How Can You Be Sure of the Measurement?
You must start by measuring your mattress and the mattress pad on top of the bed. Remember, padding settles over time, so you need to measure three parts of the pads at least.
It is best if you purchase a sheet with deep pockets than the thickness of the mattress. So, write down the measurements of the mattress, sides of the beds, and the measurements from head to foot.
The right bed sheets are refreshing and play a huge part in improving your sleep. So, you must be wise to sort through the claims and labels and focus on craftsmanship and materials. Lastly, if you want your sheets to last for a few years, invest in larger-sized sheets and stave off your worries about shrinkage.
