What To Do About Bed Sheets

Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock all of your life, you know that there are many different choices when it comes to cotton bed sheets. In fact, a quick visit to a local brick and mortar that sells cotton bed linen and you will be overwhelmed with the choices in the area of cotton bed sheets. 

Rather than going shopping for your new cotton bed sheets blindly, you should walk in knowing at least the type of cotton bed linen you want. Once you have decided the type of cotton bed sheets you want, you can decide on the specific patterns or colors. It is suggested that you go with patterns and colors that match your bedroom décor, which is not difficult to do, given the number of choices out there. 

Wondering which type of cotton bed sheets you should select? The answer is actually quite simple. You want cotton bed sheets that are of the utmost comfort. After all, you are going to be relaxing and sleeping on these sheets that you buy. If you place stiff or scratchy sheets on your bed, you will not get optimal relaxation and sleep, and thus will not be as productive as possible the following day. Therefore, you want to look for sheets that have the highest thread count and the best cotton. Egyptian cotton bed linen is exactly that. It’s made with Egyptian cotton, which is the finest you can find. The thread count in Egyptian cotton bed linen is typically 400 or higher. While there are other options out there, this is probably the best one. You simply can’t find a better selection on the market today than Egyptian cotton. 

It is true that the higher the thread count in bed sheets, the higher the price that you are going to pay. But, seriously, who can put a price on a good night’s sleep?

Egyptian Cotton Linens – Worth the Price?

You’ve probably heard countless people extol the virtues of cotton sheets. Did you now, though, that there are many kinds of cotton? There are countless variations of cotton, whether those variations have to do with weave, origin of the fabric itself, or matter of growing. 

Cotton is fairly diverse, particularly in the world of bed lines. One of the most popular is American upland, which accounts for a large percentage of production. The best type of cotton, though, is Egyptian cotton, native to the Nile River Valley. This cotton is exceptionally soft and is noticeably different than other cotton sheets. 

Understandably, Egyptian cotton sheets are more expensive than your everyday cotton sheets. Is it worth it? Probably, especially if you have a discerning taste in fabrics. Egyptian cotton is sewn well and fairly durable, so it will stand up to washing. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell what kind of cotton something is. The best way to tell is by reading labels. Generally, something that simply says it is 100% cotton is not Egyptian – Egyptian cotton is definitely a selling point, and it would be highly unusual for a seller to leave out this enticing detail on the packaging. 

To get the most out of your Egyptian cotton bed linen, as you would with any cotton bed linen, pay attention to thread count. Thread counts that are higher mean the sheets are softer, more durable, and higher quality. High thread counts generally correlate to higher cost. However, these is probably a wise investment, as well-made cotton bed linens last longer and are more comfortable, meaning you get better sleep.  

Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen

Be sure to shop around before committing to one type of Egyptian cotton bed linen – you want to be able to find something that is a good buy for the quality, as well as something that will last a long time and maintain its character.

 

Is Linen for You?

If you’ve ever worn a linen shirt or dress, then you know the feel of this high-quality fabric. Linen is remarkably durable and almost canvas-like in its feel. If you are looking for cotton bed linen that lasts, linen itself is a good fabric to consider.

The great weight of linen makes it a good choice for your cotton bed linen. It’s a durable fabric that can keep you warm. A disadvantage is that linen tends to wrinkle very easily. When properly pressed and cared for, though, it tends to look very nice.

So what options besides linen are available for your perusal when you’re choosing cotton bed linen? First, realize that there are various types of cotton as well as styles of weave. The cheapest choice for cotton bed sheets would be American Upland cotton. When a set of sheets says only that it is all cotton, it’s usually this type. It’s economical, but still a good choice if you want the comfort of cotton.

Another variety, which is somewhat mid-grade, is known as Pima cotton. It’s a great choice for cotton bed linen if you want something that is a little better than lower grade. The most expensive is Egyptian cotton sheets. Grown in the Nile River Valley, this is some of the softest cotton available. 

Some common weaves are percale, sateen, and Oxford. Sateen has more vertical fibers, giving the sheets a satiny finish. These sheets are very soft to the touch and offer an elegant look. Percale is strong and soft. It’s especially dense and mid-weight, making it a very comfortable choice. Percale washes well, so if you want something durable, this fiber works. Oxford is a little less common. It was originally used in shirts. It’s a heavy weave, and one that’s especially soft. Keep your options open as you choose cotton bed linen, and you’ll make the right choice.

Cotton Sheets?

Cotton bed sheets are a popular choice for many people, especially nowadays. Sure, you can buy acrylic or any number of artificial fabrics, but cotton, as a natural fiber, is one of the most comfortable and breathable options you can choose.

There are several options to consider when buying cotton bed sheets. It’s important to consider thread count – this refers to the number of threads per square inch. Higher thread count sheets tend to be more expensive, but they are also more comfortable. Thread count isn’t the only thing to consider, though. There are several varieties of cotton that you may want to consider.

For instance, one especially soft fabric is sateen. This isn’t the same as satin – it’s a type of cotton weave with a silky, satin like finish. Sateen fabrics have a higher proportion of vertical weave strands. sateen sheets are soft to the touch and tend to be very comfortable. Their sheen imparts a touch of luxury as well. 

Another weave is called percale. This is a particularly tight weave that is of medium weight. Percale is common in luxury cotton bed linens. Unlike sateen it has no sheen. Its dense weave makes it soft, though, and percale is a great choice for those who want something that will wash well and still maintain its high quality.  

Oxford weave, commonly used in shirts, is heavy and very soft. It has a pleasing texture and is good if you want some extra warmth in your cotton sheets.

Also, know your varieties of cotton sheets. American Upland is most commonplace. Pima cotton is mid-grade and tends to be softer, while Egyptian cotton sheets, which are grown near the Nile, is the highest quality and the most comfortable.

Do your research, look around, and you’ll be on your way to great cotton sheets! Keep an open mind and always ask for advice.