What To Look For When Buying Sheets
Buying sheets shouldn’t be hard. How difficult can it be to choose the material to cover your mattress to sleep on? In reality, there are many different things to look for when choosing what type of sheet to buy for bed.
Bed Sheets
Bed sheets are a piece of cloth used to cover you and/or your mattress while you sleep. A fitted sheet and flat sheet are often sold along with two pillowcases to create a bed sheet set. That being said, these sheets can be purchased separately in some stores.
What Is the Purpose of Bed Sheets?
Bed sheets have both a practical and comfortable use. Practically, they provide a layer of protection for the mattress or duvet, help to keep you warm when you sleep and can remove moisture or sweat while you sleep. They also add a level of softness or comfort to your sleep which can improve the quality of your slumber.
Bed sheets also help to add a bit of personality to your bed. Mermaids, trucks, cats, flowers or other designs can help make your bed feel like your personal space. The cozier and more relaxing your bed is, the better it will be for you to rest.
The Perfect Size of Sheet
First and foremost, you want to make sure that you’re getting the right kind of sheet for the mattress you have. Queen, King, Double or Full, Twin and California King are all different sizes of mattresses. Mattresses can also change in width as well as length and depth.
Ill-fitting sheets can get tangled, can fall off or bunch up and won’t be as comfortable. Make sure to double check the size of sheets that you need. This is especially true for the fitted sheet.
Winter VS Summer Sheets
Because bed sheets help to regulate our temperature while we sleep, many people choose to separate out different materials for winter versus summer seasons.
In the summer, 100% natural and breathable fibers can help keep you cool. Cotton, jersey, or even silk are great options for a cool summer sleep.
In the winter, warmer or heavier materials such as fleece, flannel or heavier cotton can keep you warm.
Your preference could also include some mix-and-matching. Using a flannel fitted sheet and cotton flat sheet, or vice versa can help you find the best combo for your optimal comfort.
Thread Count Explained
The thread count on sheets refers to the thumper of individual threads of material woven into a single square inch of fabric. Higher thread count sheets often use thinner or finer threads, resulting in smoother and denser fabric. This is why higher thread count sheets are often seen to be better quality.
When choosing a thread count, you definitely want to look for numbers between 200 - 300.
400 - 800 is great as well but can be slightly more expensive. Be wary of counts topping 1,000: There have been cases of 500 count sheets with two-ply thread being sold as 1,000 count.
The Best Tip for Buying New Sheets
The best way to know if a set of sheets is good for you? Feel them. Open up that bag or box and touch the material, rub it on your arm or your hand and see how it feels. Everyone will have a preference about material and softness so you’re the best judge.
How Often Should You Buy New Sheets?
It’s recommended that you replace your sheets every 2-3 years. This will help keep the material soft and prevent any major wear on your sheets and mattress.
Bedsheets should also be washed once per week to help remove any skin cells, oil, sweat, hair, or dirt. Clean bedsheets can help keep your skin healthy, your bed comfortable and your sleeping space calming.
Buying Sheets 101
With these simple tips of buying the right size, being aware of seasonal needs, checking thread count and actually touching the sheets before you buy it, you’re sure to find the best bed sheets for you.