Whether it is to sleep comfortably or to protect the mattress from dirt, choosing a good quality bed sheet is very important. Today’s bed sheets are made of different materials and designs, so their performance and durability vary accordingly. Now if you choose the bed sheet keeping all those things in mind, then no one can choose a better bed sheet than you. But if you don’t know how to choose a perfect bed sheet, then don’t worry I will teach you how to choose a bed sheet. Let’s find out:
Understanding Bed Sheet Materials
The durability and beauty of the bed sheet depend a lot on the material it is made of. So, the first step in choosing a perfect bed sheet is to know about the material it is made of. A bed sheet is made of different materials:
1. Cotton:
The most important material for bed sheets is cotton. They are known for their softness, durability, and breathability. There are different types of sheeting cotton, and they have their own characteristics. Such as:
Egyptian Cotton: The value of Egyptian cotton is compared to gold. Soft and durable sheets are made with this type of cotton. They are breathable and can be used effortlessly on hot summer days. Egyptian cotton sheets are more expensive than other sheets due to their luxurious feel.
Pima Cotton: Sheets made of this type of cotton are as soft and smooth as Egyptian Cotton. Due to the long fibers of Pima cotton, these sheets are very durable and can be used for a long time. They are breathable which makes them comfortable to use on hot days. Moreover, the price of Pima Cotton is slightly lower than that of Egyptian Cotton.
Upland Cotton: This type of cotton is the most common cotton used for making bed sheets. Upland cotton sheets are not as comfortable and durable as Egyptian and Pima cotton. Hence they are very affordable.
Organic Cotton: These types of cotton are cultivated in a completely natural way because no pesticides and fertilizers are used in their cultivation and they are collected by hand. Due to the production of cotton in a completely natural way, the sheet made from organic cotton does not cause any harm to the body and is naturally soft and comfortable. They can maintain their quality even after repeated washing and can be used for a long time. Moreover, Organic Cotton is 100% environment friendly.
2. Bamboo:
To make bamboo sheets, first, the fiber is collected from the bamboo. These fibers are very thin and long. The fibers are spun into yarn through a special process. Then the fabric is woven from that yarn by a loom machine.
Sheets made from bamboo fiber are very soft and comfortable. They are breathable and can be used in hot weather like cotton. Bamboo fibers are naturally anti-bacterial so the sheets stay clean for longer.
Bamboo sheets are usually machine washable but do not use harsh detergents. Sheets should be dried at low temperatures. Remember, sheets made from bamboo may shrink after the first few washes.
3. Microfiber:
Microfiber sheets are usually made from a blend of polyester and nylon. Microfiber is made by melting polyester or nylon and passing it through a spinneret, which creates very fine fibers. The cloth is made from it.
Although microfiber bed sheets are made from synthetic fibers, they are very soft and smooth. They are machine washable and quick drying. Since synthetic fibers are generally stain-resistant, there is less chance of stains on the sheets. Microfiber sheets are durable and long-lasting while being more affordable than cotton or linen.
Microfiber bed sheets are not as breathable as cotton, so they can be uncomfortable to use on hot days. Moreover, Microfiber is not environmentally friendly as it is made from plastic material Microfiber bed sheets can cause allergies for some.
4. Silk:
The first step in making silk is to collect silkworm cocoons. These cocoons are usually created by insects eating the leaves of the mulberry plant. The cocoons are soaked in hot water to soften them. The cocoons are then spun into yarn and woven into silk fabric.
Silk bedsheets are very soft and comfortable. Silk is naturally breathable and can be used very comfortably on hot days. Moreover, silk is naturally anti-allergenic, making it ideal for allergy or asthma sufferers. They can be used for a long time if used with proper maintenance.
The price of bed sheets made of silk is a bit higher due to various benefits and being made naturally. They are not machine washable and cannot be placed in direct sunlight to dry. When the body sweats, the sweat cannot absorb because silk cannot absorb moisture.
Thread Count: Quality or Marketing Hype?
Thread Count refers to how many threads per square inch the fabric is woven with. The purpose of thread count is that the comfort of the sheet depends on the density of the thread.
1. Understanding Thread Count:
Low Thread Count (200-400): Sheets woven with 200-400 threads per square inch are lightweight, and also have a low thread count that allows for good air circulation, making these sheets ideal for hot weather. perfect
Medium Thread Count (400-600): Medium thread count sheets are not too light or heavy. As a result, such sheets can be easily used in most weather conditions.
High Thread Count (600-1000): High thread count sheets are extremely soft and comfortable, as well as durable. These types of sheets can be used in hot environments but more comfort is obtained by using them in cold environments.
2. The Thread Count Myth:
Some companies twist two or three threads together to form a thread to strengthen the sheet. Therefore, in some cases, the density of the sheet cannot be determined by yarn count. For that, to choose the right sheet, keep an eye on the material for making the sheet.
Size And Shape
To choose a perfect bed sheet one must know about the right size and shape for the sheet.
1. Measure Your Mattress:
To fix the shape of the bed sheet, first, you need to keep the shape of the mattress in mind and fix the shape of the sheet accordingly.
Length and Width: Mattresses are of different shapes. For example:
Twin (38 x 75 inches)
Twin XL (38 x 80 inches)
Full (54 x 75 inches)
Queen (60 x 80 inches)
King (76 x 80 inches)
California King (72 x 84 inches)
If your mattress does not have that shape, measure the length and width of the mattress with a tape measure.
Depth: Measure the depth of the mattress after measuring the length and width. Because the depth of different mattresses is different.
2. Choose the Right Sheet Size:
After measuring the size and shape of the mattress, make sure what size and shape sheet you need for your mattress. Remember that bed sheets are laid in several ways. For example:
Fitted sheet: The size of this type of sheet should be compatible with the size of the mattress.
For example, the fitted sheet size for a queen-size mattress would be 60” x 80”.
Flat Sheet: The shape of a flat sheet is usually bigger than the mattress. So that the sheet can cover the bed.
For example, a flat sheet size for a queen-size mattress would be 96” x 108”.
