Climbing into a bed made with soft sheets can be a luxurious experience. Comfy bed linens can be blissful on a cold winter’s day and refreshing on a hot day. Having top-quality sheets can make you feel like you’re at a five-star resort in your very own bedroom. Since you probably spend one-third of your life in bed, don’t you think you should own the nicest, softest sheets possible? To find the most silky-soft sheets, follow these tips.
Learn About Thread Count
The thread count of sheets is determined by the number of vertical and horizontal threads per square inch that are woven together in a swath of fabric. The ply also impacts thread count, because when there are double-ply threads, the quality of the material is magnified. Thread count matters, but it’s not the only criteria for selecting luxurious bed coverings.
Take a Look at Fiber
Another trait to look at when purchasing sheets is fiber. Certain fibers hold up better than others and also contribute to a material’s softness. One hundred percent cotton sheets are cool, comfortable, and durable. During steamy days, cotton fibers wick away sweat and moisture, which is why you’ll never have to worry about waking up clammy on cotton sheets. Polyester-cotton blends are less expensive alternatives to consider, and they are wrinkle-resistant and stain-proof.
Check Out Weave
Weave also impacts the way sheets feel. Some weaves are crisper and others are softer, but you won’t know which by touching them in the store, because fabrics change after they’re washed. That’s why it’s crucial to learn the differences in weaves. Percale has a crisper feel to it, because it’s more closely woven. Sateen is shinier, softer, and almost satin-like, which is where it gets its name.
Find Out About Finishing Chemicals
Most sheets are chemically treated with finishers to keep them wrinkle-free and shrink-resistant, although there are some pure-finish varieties on the market. Chemicals that are typically used include silicon, chlorine, and/or formaldehyde. If you are prone to allergies or are reluctant to sleep on chemically finished sheets, find out this detail before buying.
Note Fabric Dyes
You may love some brightly-colored or patterned sheets, but find they are stiff due to the dying process. Although many of these bed linens soften after laundering, not all of them will. Jacquard weaves, which are made from colored yarns, are the softest type of printed sheets, but they are also the most expensive.
Think About Fit
A final thought about comfort-levels in sheet: make sure you get the right size. There is more to sheet sizes than whether they’re designed for single, double, queen, or king mattresses; you’ll also want to consider mattress depth. Bigger size mattresses like a king-size or super king-size mattress would require sheets big enough to cover them. So if you are planning on buying a super king mattress at the winstons beds or similar brands, regular sheets may roll up and pop off the mattress in the middle of the night. Even soft sheets become uncomfortable if they do not stay on the mattress and end up getting tangled around your body parts.
Finding the right sheets is an important quest. Pay attention to what they’re made from, how they’re manufactured, and whether they’ll properly fit your mattress. Of course, you’ll also have to consider your budget, but remember: sheets are not items to skimp on. Higher quality bed linens can lead to a higher quality life.
