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The best bed sheets dont come cheap.
But do sheets need to be super-expensive to provide a good nights sleep?
Not necessarily but getting what you want from that set of sheets is important.
Maruchi Azorin, owner of Villa Rosa Linens in Tampa, Fla., explains thread count and sheeting fabrics to Penny Hoarder writer Lisa Rowan. Heather Comparetto/The Penny Hoarder
And its also important to know that not all sheets are created equal.
Thread is another word for the material that sheets are made from.
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This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Egyptian cotton:This is widely regarded as the best of the best.
This cotton variety is long-staple, which means it has long, supple fibers.
Pima or Peruvian cotton: This is another long-staple cotton variety.
It comes from Peru.
Cotton:Theres also regular old cotton, which is typically grown in India and China.
It costs considerably less than Pima or Egyptian cotton but isnt quite as durable.
Theyre all-natural fibers modalis made from beech tree pulp.
Did you know?
OK, polyester isnt alwaysthatugly.
But while its one of the cheaper bedding options, its not right for everyone.
More on that later.
The weave is the way the threads are stitched together to create the sheets.
There are two main methods:
Percale:Percale sheets feel crisp.
Theyre made from a traditional over-under weaving method.
Sateen:These sheets feel smooth and soft.
Flannel sheets are woven and typically brushed to pull up the fibers for that softness.
Jersey sheets are knit loosely to give them that T-shirt feel.
These sheets arent as durable as cotton options but will last a while with proper care.
For many, its the one way to measure sheet quality.
Higher thread count is always better, right?
Its a little more complicated than that.
An advertised thread count between 200 and 400 is reasonable and probably accurate.
you might really only weave together 350 to 400 threads, Azorin said.
That is, unless you start wrapping threads around others before you weave them.
Thats how you get thread counts in the 400 to 1,000 range.
But thread count isnt the only indicator of quality.
Its not just about the number of threads its about the quality of the threads themselves.
Whats far more important is the quality of the actual threads, and their material, Hannam says.
How much effort you want to put into their care is also a factor.
If you want sheets that dont wrinkle, look for that information on the packaging.
Overall:The best overall linens are percale, says Nora Mitchell, editor-in-chief ofHousehold Advice.
Since it’s possible for you to always add layers, percale is perfect for all seasons.
Its a breathable fabric that can wick moisture from the skin.
It allows the skin to breath, and it prevents heat accumulation.
Softest:Silk sheets.
What makes silk so smooth against the skin are the fabric fibers, which are naturally very fine.
Both tend to become softer after a couple of washes, he says.
Additionally, natural silk and bamboo sheets are breathable.
Just note that silk and bamboo sheets require delicate care and can be finicky to clean.
Eco-friendly:Bamboo linen sheets.
Most flannel sheets use either natural cotton or synthetic microfiber.
But the absolute best option for people who are always cold at night would be wool.
Natural wool fibers do an amazing job of keeping sleepers warm.
Luxury/splurge:The most expensive is the Vicuna wool, which is made from Vicuna sheep of Peru.
These sheep can only be sheared once every three years.
The process of making the fabric is not only costly, but also time-consuming and strictly regulated.
Allergy sufferers:Look for sheets marked as hypoallergenic to keep mold and dust away.
The best hypoallergenic linens are made from cotton, microfiber and wool.
They have a tight-weave and prevent dust mite access.
All-season:Cotton is a winner again in this category.
Its breathable, making it great for hot weather.
During the colder season, opt for thicker weaves.
Plus, cotton is widely available, and its inexpensive.
Shopping for Sheets
Here are the details to keep in mind when shopping for sheets.
Egyptian cotton is more luxurious, feeling even more silky and soft than regular cotton.
If you truly want Egyptian cotton, look for a verification symbol stating that its actually Egyptian cotton.
They arent as crisp as regular or Egyptian cotton.
Cotton percale sheets feature cotton fibers, and they have a weave pattern thats very tight.
More expensive than cotton sheets, silk sheets fall into the luxury sheet category.
Youll be rewarded with super soft bedding which is temperature regulating and great for your skin.
Naturally resistant to bacteria, dust mites and pathogens, bamboo sheets are an eco-friendly alternative to cotton.
These are sustainable, breathable and durable.
Thatll be about $400.
Thats your starting point for the highest-quality sheets.
Were talking 10 years or more the elastic may give out before the sheets themselves.
Not ready for a full set of multi-hundred-dollar sheets?
Save up for a set of nice pillowcases.
Theyre the closest to your face, Azorin said.
She found a price of $160 for a 300-thread count set of Egyptian cotton, sateen pillowcases.
Still not in your price range?
Expect to pay about $120 for a set of 300-thread-count queen sheets.
Itll stay cool to the touch all night long.
Expect to pay about $135 for a queen-sized set of 100% cotton sheets.
The first thing to do to double-check your sheets last is to stop drying them on high heat.
It breaks the fabric down, which causes pilling on cotton sheets that turn into holes, Azorin said.
Plus, that high heat breaks down the elastic on fitted sheets.
Instead, dry your sheets on the normal or delicate setting.
If you have time and space,hanging them to dryis even better.
Another way to preserve your bedding is to skip using dryer sheets on anything cotton.
Dryer sheets are coated with fabric-softening chemicals, Azorin explains, but underneath theyre just pieces of polyester fabric.
Using a topical medication like benzoyl peroxide for acne?
Medication stains never come out.
Skip the quality sheets for now, and go with a cheap set.
Your pets claws will create holes in other styles of sheets.
Danielle Braff and Lisa Rowan are Penny Hoarder contributors.
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