As the constant companions of your hopefully sound sleep, sheets are essential home items. You know just how good fresh clean sheets can feel on the skin and what a difference they can make. So to properly snuggle up and drift off after a long day, you need to get technical. Become an expert by learning how to read the label and what to look for when buying new sheets.

Fiber

Cotton sheets are usually the most common and budget-friendly while also being quite soft. If you’re looking for a low price option, go for a cotton/polyester blend that’s also less prone to winkling. To avoid the synthetic feel and bask in luxury, choose Egyptian cotton. And for a more sustainable option, Sweet Zzz Bamboo Sheets reviews swear by their softness and quality.

Weave

Weave comes along with a lingo that might confuse you with words like percale or sateen. Unlike basic weaves which are made from vertical and horizontal yarns, these have different qualities.

Percale is known for its resistance and brisk feel, while Sateen is extremely soft but more prone to tearing. Textured weaves like jacquard and damasks are in a league of their own, with a price tag to match.

Thread Count

The best thread count for sheets has long been debated and there is no one definitive answer. Generally, though, it is considered that somewhere between 400 – 1000 is the best aim, depending on your budget and preference. 400 may be at the bottom of the price range, but depending on the fiber’s quality they can feel quite soft.

Higher thread counts (800+) are suitable for those looking to keep their bodies warm at night. They are most often double-ply, unlike 600 thread count which is possibly the highest single-ply you can get.

Finnish and Dye

This is most likely what you will first notice about sheets. And while liking the design or pattern is important, make sure you take the following things into account:

• Most manufacturers use chemicals during the dyeing process and treat them to keep them from shrinking and wrinkling.
• Some of the substances like chlorine, or silicone are harmful and should be avoided especially if your skin is sensitive.
• Meanwhile, dyes can make the sheets feel stiff at first, and they might lose some color after a couple of washes.

Fit

Standard sizing such as twin, king, or queen doesn’t always ensure a good fit. This is especially true if you have a tall mattress, or use a topper, so factor that in before buying a sheet. Also, remember that some shrinkage may occur during washing, especially the first time you do it.

Return Policy

Always, always, always ask or double-check the return policy for items such as sheets or intimates. This is necessary because unless you’ve tried them before, you won’t know if they are going to be a good fit. This is vital if you have sensitive skin or allergies and need to be sure before buying.

Takeaway

Now that you know what you should keep your eyes out for while linen shopping, feel free to explore. You might as well discover what best suits your aesthetics and your sensibilities, and if in the end you still want to get that insane sheet, then go for it!