Some people have no idea what makes a quality sheet. They don't know the difference between cotton, linen or silk. They don't understand why some manufacturers specify yarn counts and others don't. They also don't understand why some sheets become rough after a few washes while others stay smooth for much longer. If you're one of these people, I'm here to help you. Here is what you need to consider when shopping for bed sheets.
Size
Choosing the correct sheet size is very important for overall bed comfort. The last thing you want is your sheets to come loose and tangle around your legs while you sleep or too tight that every laundry day comes to a wrestling match with your bed. To ensure a proper sheet fit, there are two things you'll need to measure - the mattress size and depth.
Sheet sizes for mattresses include:
Twin Sheets - 96.5 x 190.5 cm
Twin XL Sheets - 96.5 x 203 cm
Full Sheets - 134.5 x 190.5 cm
Queen Sheets - 152.5 x 203 cm
King Sheets - 193 x 203
California Kind Sheets - 183 x 213 cm
Queen mattresses are the most common mattress size. If you need to purchase queen bed sheets, you should get familiar with what size they come in. Queen size fitted sheets are typically 152.5 cm wide and 203 cm long and the queen size flat sheets are approximately 244 cm wide and 259 cm long. But there are some variations to the size of queen mattresses.
source: childrens.com
A half queen mattress, for example, is a specialty mattress that's 76.2 cm wide and 203 cm long. Some couples opt to have two half-queen mattresses so they can adjust each side to the person's comfort level. This type of queen mattress requires specialty half-queen fitted sheets. There are also California queen mattresses that are typically 152.5 cm wide and 213 cm long. For this specialty size, you will need to find fitted queen bed sheets that are 152.5 cm by 213cm. The flat sheets can be the classic queen size.
Materials
Cotton
When shopping for bed sheets you'll notice that cotton is the most popular material choice. Cotton fibres vary from short-staple to long-staple. Staple refers to the length of the individual fibre. As a general rule, the longer the cotton staple the better quality the sheets are. People love cotton sheets due to the crisp, light feeling they offer against the skin. Cotton sheets are also soft, durable and breathable.
source: foggmart.in
You'll also find cotton blend sheets, which are a mix of cotton with other materials. Although cotton fibres are durable and comfortable, synthetic fibres are more affordable, durable and wrinkle resistant. Together, these fibres can provide benefits that they couldn't otherwise alone.
Linen
Linen is a material that is breathable and that can wick moisture away easily. Its waves allow airflow and the fibre themselves have the ability to absorb moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. Thanks to these abilities linen can keep you cool even on the hottest days.
source: nymag.com
Silk
If you've got allergies or skin conditions, silk can be the material choice for you. But keep in mind that real silk requires careful care, including washing them on cool and delicate cycles with only a gentle detergent.
source: m.made-in-china.com
Thread Count
You'll see people referring to tread count as the most important measure of quality when choosing bed sheets. But the truth is, the thread could doesn't have a lot to do with the quality of the sheets. What's more important is the quality of the material used, the quality of the spinning of the yarn and the quality of weaving.
The best thread count for cotton sheets is about 500 threads count. A higher thread count doesn't make the sheets any better and in most cases isn't very accurate.
source: thebrick.com
Other Things to Consider
Combing Manufacturing Method
This manufacturing method results in a fabric that is stronger, softer and less likely to fray than regular fabric. This makes combined fabrics slightly more expensive than regular cotton sheets.
Plied Yarn
Plies are individual strands of yarn worked together. Yarn is plied by knitting individual singles together with a twist in the opposite direction from how the singles were knitted. This gives plied yarn more strength, durability and consistency than single yarn.
source: sunnycitykids.com
Finishes
This refers to treatments applied after the fabric has been woven, such as shrinkage control, wrinkle resistance and mercerizing. Be aware that wrinkle resistance and easy care are achieved by spraying plastic on the sheets. Mercerizing helps to improve the shape of the cotton fibres and adds lustre, strength and affinity for dyes.
When choosing your next bedding, keep in mind that sleeping well is essential for your physical and mental health, so pick your sheets with care. A comfortable bed with soft, pleasant linens will go a long way towards improving the quality of your sleep.
It might seem like a lot to consider, but if you take the time to read the labels and do a little research, it won't be hard to find the right bed sheets for your needs and preferences.