The No-frills Guide to Choosing the Ideal Bed Sheet

Choosing the Ideal Bed Sheet

You spend a third of your life in bed so it makes sense to invest in the best bed sheet. You should not hesitate investing because it can help you get a good night’s sleep but how to choose the ideal one? With many textures and materials out there, choosing the right one can be confusing especially for first-time buyers.

To help you get started, here’s the no-frills guide to choosing the ideal bed sheet:

Check the fiber content

The go-to when it comes to bed sheet is 100% cotton. This is because it is soft and affordable. However, if you are looking for the best, you should invest in ELS (Extra-Long Staple) cotton like Pima or Egyptian. These are more durable and softer but the downside is these sheets tend to be more expensive.

You can also consider https://www.tencel.com/home, which are made of cellulose fibers (like wood, cotton, and bamboo). These fibers are chemically treated creating a silky and smooth fabric. Since they are produced in a “closed loop”, it means that the chemicals used can be extracted after the process. Many consider cellulose fibers because they are very soft, wrinkle-proof and have a lovely drape.

Understand thread count

When you buy bed sheets, you will come across thread count. Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. In the past, consumers believe that a higher thread count guarantees better sheets. There are tests now that claimed higher thread count does not guarantee better sheets.

With this, you should choose bed sheets with a thread count of 300 to 500. These sheets are strong and can shrink a little, which means it can still fit mattresses after a year’s worth of washing. You can also find good 200 thread count sheets but it may not be as comfortable.

Know the different weaves

There are different types of weaves but your primary options are sateen, percale, and twill. Weaves indicate how the fabric is woven. Sateen has a glossier look and softer feel while percale feels crisp and light.

Twill, on the other hand, creates a heavier fabric but it can feel crisp or soft. In the end, the type of weave is a matter of personal preference. However, you must know that most consumers prefer sateen.

Choosing the Ideal Bed Sheet

Measure before you buy

In choosing bed sheets, size matters. With this, it is imperative that you measure the height of your mattress before you buy. While it is ideal to buy sheets that have a deeper pocket than the thickness of the mattress, it does not always mean that it will continue to fit after washing them several times.

Examine the return policy

More importantly, you need to examine the return policy. This way, if you do not like the sheets after trying for a night or two, you can return or replace it. There are brands that allow you to return for any reason – even up to a few months after the purchase.

Final words

Your goal here is to look for a sheet that is strong and can retain its shape. More importantly, it should not cost hundreds of dollars per set. It is better to look for reviews at the onset so you get an insight into the experiences of other bed owners. These can help you make an informed decision.

By Ronan