Spring is just around the corner, which means it's time to start prepping the home for warmer weather and sunnier days. And for a lot of people, this will most likely involve changing out thicker bedding for lighter sheets. But shopping for quality bed sheets that won't break the bank can often be a daunting task. These days, it seems as if everything is made of "luxury fine linen" but somehow end up feeling like a rough tablecloth -- or we've also encountered 800 thread count sheets that are no softer than 200 count ones but cost three times the price. We spoke with Michael West of the San Francisco, California, bedding and linens company Samuel Scheuer to find out what the general things we should look for when shopping for bed sheets. You decide on the material. What material or fabric you choose for bed sheets is based on your personal preference ultimately. If you're looking for something very light, you may consider sheets of cotton-poplin. Or, go with cotton, which is soft and breathable, meaning it keeps warm during cold seasons and stay cools in the summer.
There's also cotton-polyester, a blend that is reasonably priced and wrinkle-free but not as cooling as cotton. And linen is a popular choice on the east coast during summers as well as in the south because "it's great in high-humidity warm areas and it has a natural cooling effect to it, so it absorbs heat from you," says West. But, it can be expensive and low-quality linen can feel rough on the skin. With high-quality linen, "the more you wash linen the softer they get," explains West. Our pick: Wrinkle Resistant Sheet Set, from Bed Bath & Beyond Cotton sateen versus cotton percale weaves. Cotton sateen is a popular choice by Americans right now, as is cotton percale. Sateen can be pricier because its an elaborate weave that gives it "more surface area, which makes it softer" and there's "a heat treatment that gives it the sheen," explains West. On the other hand, percale is less expensive but "more crisp than sateen and tend to feel cooler," says West. However, sateen's softer nature makes it less durable than percale.
Our pick: Pima Cotton Percale Sheets, from L.L.Bean Think carefully about Egyptian cotton. Although considered the most luxurious material for sheets, a set that says it’s made of Egyptian cotton doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. Real Egyptian cotton is grown in Egypt in very specific climate conditions and carefully washed and combed. That’s what makes it extra soft but also very durable. However, some manufacturers have found shortcuts to growing Egyptian cotton outside of its natural habitat, meaning the quality is far lower but the price remains expensive. Be cautious when shopping. Thread counts can be misleading. One of the biggest misconceptions is that many people think higher thread count means softer, better quality sheets. This is not always the case. "While thread count does play a role in quality sheets, 1000 thread counts isn’t the best quality sheet," says West. It actually makes for a "stiffer sheet and it doesn’t allow air to pass through the sheet so it makes people warm when they’re sleeping."
(And these stiffer versions often tend to be sateen.) Always look for sheets that are at least 200 thread counts or more. West says "300 or 400 thread count sheets can be very soft and very beautiful," but "anytime you get over a 800 thread count, it really doesn’t matter anymore." Our Pick: Fiesta Percale Sheets, from Garnet Hill. Consider a silk pillowcase. It's a big investment, but you may think about trying silk even if it's just for the one pillowcase to sleep on. West explains that silk is "extremely breathable," making it a good material for transitioning climates because it stays naturally "warmer during the winter and cooler in summer." Just remember that you always have to dry clean, since laundering silk in the washing machine will damage the fibers and ruin its softness. Proper care is crucial. No matter the bed sheet, it's important to treat them well in order for them to last long. West cautions, "Fabric softeners eat away at fabrics...and it’s putting a coating of chemical that’s making things feel softer, so the fabric wears out faster."
Also, washing sheets in hot water and over drying them in high heat will cause the threads in the material to expand and shrink, loosening the weave and causing it to break down faster. To extend the life of your sheets, always use lukewarm water and avoid drying on high heat. What else do you look for when shopping for bed sheets? Let us know in comments below. And click through the slideshow below to see the best sheets currently on the market. Best and Most Comfortable Bed Sheets Reviews 2017An exceptional set of bed sheets could be the missing link to getting your best sleep ever. We picked the 15 best sheets, spanning a range of materials and price points, so you can find your perfect fit. The Best Mattress Protectors to Safeguard Your Bedding Investment The Best Mattresses to Ensure More Satisfying Shut-Eye 10 Crisp White Duvet Covers For Sweet Slumbering Cuddle Up: Kids Dream BIG in Bedding This Cool 50 Beautiful Bedroom Decor Ideas to Create a Serene Sleep Space
20 Bed Pillows to Get the Best Sleep Possible 13 Dorm Bedding Picks to Cozy Up Your On-Campus Home 2017 Beauty Tips and Products 11 Silk Pillowcases for Every Sleeping Beauty 13 Upholstered Headboards for Easy Bedroom Elegance 9 Quality Quilts That Make for Lovely Layering same day pick up(312) studio by jcp home(7) Bed Sheets Are Essential for an Attractive Bedroom You've probably been thinking about updating your bed sheets for a while now. You love the comfort of your bed, but after a certain amount of time, it might be time for a change. You’re looking for the best bed sheets and pillow cases for your money, but you don't want to sacrifice design or quality. At JCPenney, we can help deliver the appearance of an entirely new bed with the simple addition of a set of sheets. Whether you're aiming to complement or reinvent, go wherever your creative vision takes you. Shop the easy-to-match simplicity of solid colors, the cheerful festiveness of holiday prints, and folksy appeal of flannel fitted sheets.
If comfort is your number one priority, When it comes to staying cozy, the renowned feel of Egyptian cotton sheets under your comforter is second to none. No matter what type of personality your revamped bedroom will portray, we have you (and your bed) covered with affordable bed sheet sets in unique designs you'll love. Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets & Pillowcases, the Epitome of Luxury For many years, Egyptian cotton sheet sets and pillowcases have been heralded as some of the best you can own. The world is totally in love with luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding and we are too! In addition to being extremely soft, Egyptian cotton is also very durable. You'll see that our collection of Egyptian cotton sheet sets and pillowcases are dyed in an assortment of brilliant colors. The stunning shades we carry include sage, palmetto red, and chocolate. We also have some extremely fun patterns. Try a different twist on zebra print with zebra sheets in a white and soft tan. Tile and paisley patterns add a whimsical charm to your bedroom.