Gimme the Good Sheet
Whether you’re getting a new mattress or trying to spiff up your current one, you’re going to want to cover it (and your body) in sheets that make you comfortable and help you get the best possible sleep. As the first layer between you and your mattress, your bed sheets can make or break your night. Too rough and they could feel scratchy. Too hot and they could stick to your skin. Just right and you’ll be sleeping like Goldilocks. But how do you know what bed sheets are right for you? Factors like softness, fit and fiber weaving will affect the feeling sheets have on your body. Read on for some things to consider when shopping.
How Do You Choose What Bed Sheets to Get?
Material. What your mattress is made out of is probably the most important consideration. There are a lot of different types of sheet fabric out there and you’ll want to think about which kind is most suitable for your sleep preferences. Environmentally conscious sleepers may also like to think about whether or not their sheets are natural and organic. Here are some of the popular sheet fabric varieties.
Cotton/Cotton Blend – 100% cotton sheets are very soft and breathable and usually affordable, so they keep you cool while you sleep and won’t break the bank. You’ll also likely come across cotton blends in your search. Made of multiple fabrics, blends can provide the best of each.
Egyptian Cotton – This all-natural fabric is more on the luxurious side and can often get up there in price. You’ll be getting more for your money when it comes to softness, breathability, and durability, so it is definitely worth it.
Silk – Made of strong, yet gentle luxury fabric, silk sheets can also be quite expensive. But you may not find a material that feels better on your skin. Silk is hypoallergenic, so if you have certain allergies, silk sheets may help you breathe and sleep easier.
Jersey – Jersey is a single-knit cotton fabric that is commonly used to make t-shirts. As a result of the way this fabric is knit, Jersey sheets are naturally stretchy and breathable and won’t wrinkle as much as typical cotton sheets.
Polyester – Polyester is a synthetic fiber and sheets made with this material tend to be very strong, affordable, and do well at dealing with moisture. You’ll see a lot of blended sheets using this fabric.
Linen – This natural fabric is made from the fibers of the flax plant and the most notable aspect of linen bed sheets is their breathability. Linen sheets also have very thick fibers and so they are extremely durable and will last you a long time.
Thread Count. Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads running through one square inch of fabric. A lot of companies will tout high thread counts as a testament of the quality of their sheets, but it’s not necessarily accurate to say that the higher the thread count the better the sheets. A very high thread count can actually make sheets less durable and may result in a sleeping experience that is too hot for many sleepers. Optimal thread counts vary for each type of material, but you’ll want a to look for a thread count around 300 or higher. Related to thread count is Weave. The weave of bed sheets refers to the way the fabric is made. Bed sheets are woven in a few different ways, all of which affect their overall feel.
Sets or Individual Sheets. This is a consideration that really comes down to convenience, specifications, and cost. You may decide that you want to mix and match pillow cases, top sheets and fitted sheets of different varieties to make your perfect bed. That will allow you greater customization, but it will likely cost you more than buying complete sets from one brand. Most brands will offer complete sets as well as allow you to choose individual pieces.
Return Policy. We strongly recommend you check the trial period and return policy that applies to the bed sheets you intend to buy. Some brands, like Saatva, will allow you to try out their sheets for a period of time and return them for a full refund if you decide they’re not right for you. This is a great option to have in the event that your newly purchased bed sheets don’t settle into perfection after a few washes. You can always return them and continue your search.