Tara Donne
Does thread count matter?
Yes and no. High thread counts are associated with luxury because reputable makers achieve these numbers by using the finest (meaning the thinnest), strongest, and smoothest threads -- and pricing their sheets accordingly. But among lower-cost sheets, "it's all a game," says Jennifer Marks, editor-in-chief of Home Textiles Today, a trade publication. Some experts say that labeled thread counts can be flat wrong. In other cases, sheet makers twist two threads into one and count it twice, a practice the Federal Trade Commission describes as thread-count inflation. Be suspicious of inexpensive high-count sheets, and if "two ply" appears on the label, cut the thread count by half. "If it seems like too good of a deal, it probably is," says Dana Poor, a trend forecaster at Cotton Incorporated, an industry group.
- Below 250: It is possible to get good-quality sheets that have a low thread count. Look for Egyptian cotton or American-grown Pima cotton, which are both fine, long-staple varieties.
- 250 to 400: Better-quality sheets (that is, those that are surprisingly soft and long-lasting) can be found in this range. Unless you're particularly persnickety, you should find a set that suits you and won't break the bank.
- 400 Plus: Elite sheets usually carry a thread count between 400 and 600. It's possible to squeeze 1,000 threads into a square inch, but expect to pay a premium for a high-count sheet from a reputable maker.
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Tara Donne
The mere mention of Egyptian cotton is enough to make some people want to turn in early. And, indeed, the finest cotton does grow in the fertile soil around the Nile River. But the word Egyptian on a label can cover a range of cottons, depending on the maker, and not all are super-luxe. What matters is the length of the staple, or fiber. Generally speaking, the longer the staple, the more luxurious the feel. Long-staple cottons include most Egyptians and American-grown Pima, also called Supima. You'll find these names on the packaging. Your best bet is to buy a brand that you know; failing that, simply open the package and feel the sheets.
Italy is reputed to have some of the finest equipment and finishing know-how in the world, but manufacturing costs are high there (and there's that little matter of the strong Euro). Today many mills are in countries such as China, India, and Pakistan, all of which are capable of turning out quality products.
What's the difference between cotton percale and sateen?
Different cotton weaves yield different effects. When threads are woven in a tight basket weave, the result is percale, prized for its crisp touch (not unlike an unstarched dress shirt). Sateen is a weave designed to reflect light, giving sheets a glossy, satiny feel. Other weaves include twill, which is also crisper than sateen.
Learn How to Create the Ideal Bed at Real Simple.
Tara Donne
Although most quality sheets are 100 percent soft, absorbent cotton or linen, a bit of polyester isn't all bad. For one thing, it reduces wrinkling. Just keep in mind that the more polyester there is, the less it allows the sheet to breathe.
Are linen sheets a worthy investment?
Linen sheets, especially those made in France or Italy, have great cachet, and during the summer months they are especially cool and absorbent. But they tend to be expensive (Sferra makes a queen-size flat sheet that sells for about $245) and can be rough to the touch, at least initially. It can take many washings before they soften up. Plus, linen should not be subjected to a hot clothes dryer and will not look hotel-perfect if left unironed.
For those who can afford to buy them, of course, the solution is simple: Send them to the same service that takes care of those designer denims.
Do special sheets require special care?
Some experts say that, like those made from linen, luxury cotton sheets benefit from careful handling. It's a good idea to launder them with warm water (not hot), and some manufacturers recommend a detergent for delicates (such as Woolite). Line-drying the sheets reduces wear from the dryer and allows them to lose some of their wrinkles, as does pulling them out of the dryer while they're still a bit damp (drape them over chairs until they're ready for folding).
Some purists say a high-thread-count luxury sheet feels best after ironing, which straightens the fibers and brings out their silkiness. That's no problem if you run a hotel or send your sheets out, but if you do your own laundry and don't want to spend hours bent over an ironing board, inexpensive sheets with enough polyester to reduce rumpling may be more practical. They can be thrown in the wash with your jeans and T-shirts and onto the bed without a fuss.
More from Real Simple:
Choosing the Right Mattress
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet
The Best Pillows
