Guide to Bed Sheets

Our guide to bed sheets is here to help you pick one of the most important parts of your bedding. After all, sheets are the innermost layer of your bed; whether it’s summer or winter, you’ll probably be using them. So how do you pick which bed sheets are best for you? Keep reading our guide to bed sheets to find out what thread count really means, the differences between sheet fabrics, and how often you should wash your sheets! 

What does thread count mean?

Thread count means how many horizontal and vertical threads are in the fabric per square inch. The general rule is usually that higher thread count sheets are softer, though it’s usually difficult to tell the difference. Thread counts range from 200 all the way up to 1,000; “standard” thread counts are usually considered between 300 and 600. Higher thread count sheets tend to be more expensive, but we’ve found that a 400 count sheet usually feels just as soft as a higher thread count sheet. For the most part, the type of fabric is going to have more impact on the feel of the sheets.

What are the different types of sheets?

Of all the different types of sheets, what kind of fabric is best for you? We’ve outlined the most common types of sheet fabrics in this guide to bed sheets so that you figure out what works best on your bed.

Microfiber Sheets: Microfiber is a fabric made from very fine polyester fibers. These sheets are affordable and extremely soft, and won’t pill as much as other types of fabric. They also resist wrinkling, so they won’t require much ironing.

Flannel Sheets: Flannel is a cotton blend, and is known for its warmth and coziness. It’s a popular choice for baby bedding, and is a smart addition to a bed in the winter.

Cotton Sheets: Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics for sheets because of its softness and durability. Some of the tried-and-true cotton fabrics include Egyptian cotton and pima. Pima is a very fine and very soft type of cotton, which is often called “Supima” cotton. Egyptian cotton is actually from cotton grown in the Nile River Valley. It’s the softest and most flexible type of cotton.

There are also three primary weaves of cotton sheets: sateen, percale, and combed cotton. Sateen is a satin weave with a very soft and silky feel. Percale is crisp and durable—if you like flipping your pillow to the cool side all night long, this fabric is a great option. Combed cotton means the short cotton fibers have been removed, leaving only the long fibers; these bed sheet sets are very soft and strong.  

How often should I wash my sheets?

Sheets should be washed or changed every other week. It can be helpful to have two sets of sheets; that way, you can change them out every other week, which gives you a full two weeks to find time to wash the dirty set. Simply wash the sheets in hot or warm water with regular detergent, and dry the sheets thoroughly before you put them back on the bed to prevent mildew. If it’s warm and sunny outside, we recommend line drying. It helps keep white sheets bright and crisp!