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published by KatieDid Design
Things to Know About Sheets
by Kathleen M. Peters, www.KatieDidDesign.com
Are you thinking of purchasing some new
sheets? There are some things that you need to
know before you go out shopping! These tips can
really save you the lost time, frustration, and
money, and help you choose the right bedding the
FIRST time.
Sheets are the basics, the foundation, of
your bedding. They're next to your skin and they
are what can help or harm your valuable night's
sleep! There are three things to consider when
you purchase sheets. The first is the fiber or
content and weave. The second is thread count,
and the third is size.
CONTENT & WEAVE
It is very important that
you know the fabric content of the sheets you are
considering. They are made from cotton,
cotton/polyester mixes, polyester satin, silk,
flannel, and probably more! Cotton and
cotton/polyester mixes are the most common.
Cotton gives comfort because it breathes - You
will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Polyester does NOT breathe, but it also doesn't
wrinkle as easily as cotton. This is why many
companies sell cotton polyester mixes. They are
attempting to find a good balance between the two
that will be comfortable, but not wrinkle. Satin
sheets are usually polyester satin, so they'll be
smooth and luxurious feeling. But remember that
they will not breathe, and you will have to deal
with static. Silk sheets are pretty rare, due to
their high prices. Silk is a natural fiber, so
it breathes and is comfortable just like cotton,
but it has an extra luxurious feel. Flannel
sheets are an either-you-like-them-or-you-don't
thing, I think. You just have to try them to
know if you like them.
If you've decided to go with cotton sheets,
you still have a lot of deciding to do. You'll
find that there are different types of cotton,
and different ways that it is woven. Egyptian
cotton is considered the softest, smoothest, and
finest cotton in the world. Pima (or supima)
cotton is also extra soft and smooth. And any
cotton, whether it's Egyptian, Pima, or just
regular cotton, can be woven several ways.
There's the regular weave... woven the same way
that linen is woven - one thread over, one thread
under, etc. Then there's Sateen (not to be
confused with Satin). Sateen sheets are woven
four threads over, one thread under. This makes
it feel softer but also makes it less durable.
Between the two is Pinpoint, which isn't too
common. Pinpoint is two threads over, one thread
under.
Your choices will often be (in order of
quality and price): - Egyptian cotton sheets
woven regularly (you get the very best cotton, in
the most durable weave) - Pima cotton sateen
sheets (you get a softer cotton, woven as a
sateen to make it feel as soft as Egyptian
cotton) - 100% cotton sheets (standard cotton
woven either regular or with the sateen weave) -
or what is often advertised as "cotton rich"
sheets (a cotton/polyester blend woven the
standard way).
And there's one more option that's becoming
popular lately; jersey knit. This is a different
type of weave. Any of the above cotton types can
be woven as a knit. It'll be just like a
T-shirt. Tthe main thing to remember with these,
is that they can stretch... especially on the
diagonal. You don't have to worry about
wrinkles, though!
THREAD COUNT
Thread count - the number of
threads per square inch - is also extremely
important. The higher the thread count, the
softer, smoother, and more durable your sheets
will be.
Anything under 200 threads per square inch
will NOT be very comfortable... it will pill
quickly after just a few washings, and feel rough
to the skin. These are usually made from a
cotton/polyester mix. Bed-in-a-bag sets often
include these low-quality sheets. If the item
description doesn't advertise the thread count,
then assume that the fabric's thread count is
under 200.
Sheets that are a 200-250 thread count are
in the standard economy range. They're going to
be pretty basic - not too bad, but nothing
special about them either. You will find some
that are 100% cotton, and others that are
cotton/polyester. It is rare to find the
higher-quality cottons in these thread counts.
Sheets with thread counts of 275-350 are
usually quite luxurious. Different manufacturers
combine these higher thread counts with
higher-quality cottons and sateen weaves. They
are trying to achieve maximum softness and
comfort at competitive prices. One will sell 275
thread count sheets made from 100% Egyptian
cotton. Another will downgrade the cotton to
Pima cotton, but will weave the cotton as a 350
thread count sateen. You'll need to check each
combination for yourself to see what you prefer.
If you want high-quality sheets like these, be
prepared to spend $100 to $200 for a complete
set.
Finally, you will sometimes see sheets that
are advertised as 400-thread count. Be
careful... many of these are a double-layered
weave. Although you will have 400 threads per
square inch, the weave will NOT be finer than a
300 thread count sheet. It will be heavier
instead. You may like the weight, or you may
not. Just read the package carefully to make
sure you know what you are buying.
SIZE
Contrary to how retailers make it seem,
choosing a sheet size is not as simple as knowing
whether your bed is twin, full, queen, or king.
Yes, thankfully mattress width and length
dimensions do adhere to standard measurements,
but their depth does not!
Before buying your sheets, you MUST measure
the depth or height of your mattress. Mattresses
are continually getting thicker every year, and
sheet manufacturers are struggling to keep up.
Often, they'll just change the 'fits up to'
description on their packaging, without really
making them any deeper. I recommend that you
take their recommendation with a grain of salt.
If they say that their fitted sheet fits
mattresses up to 15" thick, it will... but your
15" mattress might not have any sheet UNDER it at
all! It might just barely cover the sides.
Personally, I can't stand to see the bottom edge
of the sheet riding up the side of the mattress.
Because of this, I recommend making sure that
your fitted sheet fits says that it fits
mattresses at least two inches deeper than yours
is. So if you have a 15 inch thick mattress, get
a fitted sheet that says it fits mattresses up to
17 or 18 inches thick. If you can't find one
that deep, then check the store's return policy
before you buy the sheet.
Fitted Sheets also come in two extra sizes,
extra-long twin and California King. Both fitted
sheets are about 4" longer than the standard
fitted sheets. If sold in sets, the flat sheet
is usually the same as a standard.
Just remember that a sheet is more than just
a big square of fabric. Give yourself plenty of
time to shop around so you can get exactly what
you want. And take advantage of the Internet!
It is a fabulous tool for sheet shopping. Not
only can you find out what retailers carry, but
many manufacturers also have their products on
their websites with links to the retailers that
sell them.
Have fun!
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This article Copyright 1999-2004 - Kathleen Peters, KatieDid Design. Reproduced with permission.
Kathleen Peters - 'Katie' - is a custom window treatment and bedding designer, and owner of KatieDid Design, her online shop. She is also the editor-in-chief of Decor, Decorating, and Design, a free bi-monthly ezine filled with articles, tips, and guidelines to help with your home decorating.
http://www.KatieDidDesign.com
http://www.DecorDecoratingAndDesign.com
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