Microfiber is a fabric that is obtained by weaving very fine threads, usually made of synthetic material such as polyester or nylon. Microfiber sheets are usually not the softest on the market, but they are affordable and durable. Whenever you decide to spend a lot of money on bedding, you should first do some research and evaluation; Unfortunately, misleading advertisements and poorly trained salespeople abound in this sector.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Evaluating Microfiber
Step 1. Consider if this material has the right consistency for your needs
If possible, touch and try the different types of fabric to find out which one you prefer. Microfiber is usually not as soft as cotton or silk; moreover, the other fabrics regulate the temperature better. Cotton is very breathable, keeping you cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Linen is perfect for regulating the temperature in very humid environments.
- If you sweat a lot while sleeping, consider linen linens; however, this material has a rougher texture.
- Egyptian cotton is considered to be the softest, but nowadays there are manufacturers who place low quality fabrics on the market labeling them as "Egyptian Cotton".
Step 2. Evaluate how much you want to spend
Price is arguably the biggest advantage of microfiber sheets. Typically, a bed sheet costs no more than 20 euros, while high-quality cotton ones can cost several hundred euros.
Step 3. Choose microfiber if you want a durable product
This fabric is durable and easy to wash. Cotton, on the other hand, tends to shrink during washes. Microfiber is certainly not a luxury material, but you can buy it at a good price and use it for a long time without having to put too much effort into its maintenance.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Ready to Go to the Store
Step 1. Evaluate the size of the sheet you need
Yours could be a single, large, double, queen or king size bed or a 183x213 cm bed. You should purchase the correct size sheets for your bed. You should also consider the mattress, if it is particularly high; take all the measures, to be sure that the sheets "fit" perfectly.
You should buy sheets whose thickness at the corners is equal to the height of the mattress, preferably slightly greater. If not, they would most likely slip off the mattress itself, especially if you're used to sleeping near the edge of the bed
Step 2. Do some research online
If you want to have more choice and better prices, try searching for the product on the websites of large online retailers, such as Amazon or eBay. This will give you an idea of how competitive the prices are, even if you will eventually go to a regular store. Additionally, internet retailers offer product reviews that allow you to rate the quality of the sheets.
Unfortunately, many bedding labels are misleading, so do a lot of research on the product before deciding on a major purchase
Step 3. Consider joining associations that inform and defend consumers, such as Altroconsumo
These are excellent solutions to have objective judgments on a product, to be aware of the most common scams and forgeries, as well as to identify poor quality sheets. Do some research online to find consumer reviews of every single product.
Part 3 of 3: Go to the store
Step 1. Consider the number of threads
The main criterion that allows you to establish the quality and softness of a fabric is its density. The greater the number of threads, the softer the fabric. Having said that, it must be remembered that some producers intentionally alter this information, declaring a greater quantity of it than the real one; for this reason, you cannot rely on this data alone.
The ideal is that the thread count is not less than 200-800. Manufacturers who claim a thread count greater than 1000 often use tricks that could affect the quality of the fabric
Step 2. Do research on titling
This value takes into account the weight of the wire in relation to its length and is often measured in deniers. In practice, it is possible to evaluate the fineness of the thread. The finer the fiber (therefore the lower the number of deniers) the better the quality. To be considered microfiber, the fabric must be titrated with a denier value of less than 0.9. The best quality microfiber typically has a titration between 0.5 and 0.6 denier.
Step 3. Evaluate the plot
This term indicates the way in which the threads were intertwined; the texture affects the tactile sensation transmitted by the fabric and its resistance. Percale is the classic weave, it is resistant and has a slightly "crunchy" texture. Sateen is smoother, feels more like silk, but is less durable. Jersey feels soft and comfortable on the skin, but has a tendency to shrink.
Step 4. Touch the fabric when possible
Since labeling is often untrue, you should touch the fabric whenever possible. Test the material on display beds.
Try to observe the fabric against the light. If you feel like too much light is going through it, it's probably a light, flimsy fabric
Step 5. Choose the color and decorative pattern
You can buy microfiber sheets both in plain colors and with decorative motifs. Think about how it will match your room. Buy sheets that match the color of the duvet or quilt well.
Step 6. Purchase the sheets as a set
These are sold in complete sets, which include a fitted bottom sheet, a top sheet and, depending on the size, one or two pillowcases. This solution is often cheaper than buying each piece individually.
Step 7. Talk to a salesperson or customer service manager
They certainly can provide you with a lot of information. Ask for advice and evaluate their opinion on the sheets you plan to buy. Ask questions about the strength of the fabric and how it was washed.
Step 8. Find out if you can return your purchase
Each store has its own rules for handling returns, so find out if you can return or exchange them if you change your mind once you try the sheets at home.
