Sheets are a normal household product, but if you are reading this article, it means that you feel tormented by the various alternatives on the market or that you are tired of making the wrong choice. A good night's sleep has an important effect on how you approach the day and on your mood, and from this point of view the feel of the sheets plays a fundamental role. In addition, it is advisable to buy sheets that fit perfectly to the mattress and that do not spoil quickly. Here's what you need to consider when buying bedding for your bedroom.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the right size
- Sheets are sold in the following sizes: single, large, double, "queen", "king" and "California".
- To make sure they fit, measure the height of the mattress and look for a sheet that is at least 5cm taller so you have enough fabric to tuck into the corners. If the fabric is 100% cotton, the sheets tend to shrink more.
Step 2. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the various fabrics
- Cotton offers a fresh, soft feel and is stain resistant, but is also more prone to shrink and crease.
- Combed cotton has shorter fibers. As a result, the sheets are smoother.
- Egyptian cotton (grown along the banks of the Nile River) and Pima cotton (grown in Arizona) have longer fibers, because the growing season in these areas is longer. The result will be a stronger and more valuable sheet, less prone to deteriorate and produce lint.
- Organic cotton is produced from plants that have not been treated with pesticides. Furthermore, it does not undergo any further chemical treatment by the manufacturer.
- The combination of cotton and polyester costs less than cotton, is more resistant and does not crease. The disadvantage is that it tends to lose its softness and that it is more difficult to remove stains.
- Flannel is a cotton blend that gives a feeling of greater warmth.
Step 3. Learn how the threads of the fabric affect softness
- The number of threads, which normally varies from 200 to 1000, is the number of horizontal and vertical threads that cover a square inch of fabric. However, flannel sheets are measured in ounces per square yard, rather than the number of threads.
- Layer refers to the number of strands that are wound together into a single strand. Each strand can consist of a single layer or 2 intertwined layers. Bedding with 2 layers of thread can be stronger, but usually if the texture is heavier, the fabric is also stiffer and less soft.
Step 4. Keep in mind that the texture of the fabric affects its softness
- Normally the weave follows a simple pattern of threads that intertwine above and below. The term "percale" indicates a tight weave with at least 180 threads, which gives the fabric a velvety feel.
- Sateen has 4 vertical threads on each horizontal stitch, so it has more threads on the right side of the fabric. It is a more silky and shiny fabric, but less resistant.
- The twill, or twill, is characterized by a diagonal lining that gives a heavier and less wrinkled feeling.
- Jacquard and damask have intricate textures that give a feeling of texture, but cost more.
Step 5. Choose a color or pattern
Typically, as a result of the fabric processing the sheets undergo the dyeing process, which gives that stiff feeling until they are washed a couple of times. Sheets made with threads that are dyed before they are woven, such as jacquard, cost more.
Step 6. Decide if you would like to purchase a single set of sheets or sheets
The sheets sold in pairs, which include the sheet covering the mattress, the top sheet and one or two pillowcases, are often cheaper. However, if you don't use the top sheet or if you have oversized pillows, you may want to purchase individual pieces.
Advice
- By reading expert reviews and people's opinions at online retailers, you can find information about the quality of bed sheets after use. You may find out how durable they are after repeated washing and drying, if the elastic adheres well to the corners of the mattress and if they are truly "iron free".
- Go in search of pure-finish linens if you want to have bedding that has not been chemically treated by the manufacturer to add shine, reduce creases and stop fabric shrinkage.
