Health professionals tell us to spend eight hours a day between them. And while they seem so simple, finding the right ones can feel surprisingly complex. But it's nothing to lose sleep over—just ask yourself a few questions to help choose the best sheets for you. What's your ideal sheet feel? You like sheets that feel Silky and luxurious feel Soft and cool feel Are You Looking For Fabric Made With Less Environmental Impact? Then consider organic cotton — grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. What thread count do you want? One popular way to evaluate sheets is by thread count, which determines fabric softness. Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric, both vertical and horizontal. Assuming you are looking for the softest sheet, all other things being equal, a higher thread count will be best. But keep in mind thread count is only one part of the equation — the type of fiber, size of the yarn, and how it is finished all contribute to the overall quality.
(Note: Jersey or "T-sheets" won't have a thread count, because they're knitted, not woven.) What is your mattress depth? Not sure what size your mattress is? Measure it and use the table below as a guide. Mattress depth is the measure of the mattress's thickness from top to bottom. Sheet manufacturers' use it to determine the "pocket depth" your fitted bottom sheet will require. Don't forget to include the height of any mattress pads or toppers to your mattress depth—a featherbed can easily move your mattress up a size in pocket depth! 7 to 12 inches 13 to 17 inches 18 to 25 inches What size is your mattress? Sheets are sold based on mattress size: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, or California King. 39 inches wide x 75 inches long 39 inches wide x 80 inches long 53 inches wide x 75 inches long 60 inches wide x 80 inches long 76 inches wide x 80 inches long 72 inches wide x 84 inches long Beyond the obvious differences in look and feel, sheets mostly vary in the materials.
Features to Look For: Most sheets are constructed from one of the following fabrics: Egyptian, Pima®, Supima®, Long Staple and organic. Considered one of the softest and most breathable materials for sheets, cotton is also a very durable fabric. To be truly wrinkle-free, cotton sheets should be ironed or look for cotton sheets with wrinkle-free treatment. Synthetic is a broad term for all man-made materials, but Polyester is the most common synthetic material used in sheets. Polyester sheets are wrinkle-resistant. Not as soft and breathable as cotton sheets; more likely to pill (develop little fabric nubs) than cotton. A fiber made from the pulp of beech trees. Modal is soft, silky, and holds up well when washed because it is both colorfast and resistant to shrinkage and pilling. These sheets don't like high heat in the washer and dryer, so care must be taken when laundering them. Viscose made from bamboo Another synthetic fiber, made from bamboo stalks.
Viscose sheets are made from a natural fiber base and are made soft and smooth through manufacturing processes. Many are designed with tiny holes to improve breathability. These sheets are not the strongest of fabrics and can wrinkle easily. Blended material made with a wood pulp. Lyocell is smooth and cool to the touch. It may not come in as many colors as some other fabrics, which are easier to dye. The most common blend is cotton/polyester. In most blends, a natural and a synthetic material are combined to construct sheets that are easy to care for.Blends are more durable than synthetic fibers. Blends wear out faster than 100% cotton sheets. Manufacturing Techniques and What They Mean Before the fiber can be woven into a fabric, it's manufactured to create a material that has a specific texture and feel. Why it matters to you Cotton fibers are combed, which removes any short or uneven fibers. The combing leaves behind long, straight fibers that is even and aligned—which makes a soft, strong yarn.
While the fabric is being created, the yarn is twisted, and outside fibers are compacted towards the yarn's core. Compacting significantly reduces the number of stray fibers (which can make yarn seem ‘hairy ’) and weak spots in the thread. These yarns also enable fabric to be resistant to wrinkling and pilling. Usually made of cotton with a napped finish on one or both sides. Napping is a brushing technique that provides a raised surface with a fluffy appearance. This medium-weight fabric is soft and provides cozy warmth during the cold winter months. This material is knitted, not woven, so you won't find thread count listed on the product packaging. Jersey feels like a T-shirt and provides an excellent stretchy fit for mattresses. One of the factors that will have the most impact on the way the sheet feels is the weave of its fabric. The stitch is four-over, one-under, which puts the most threads on the surface. Not to be confused with satin, a sateen weave is extremely soft.
It can be slightly less durable than percale or pinpoint. Pinpoint weaves are made with a stitch of two-over and one-under. They're more durable than sateen, but a little less soft. Pinpoint weaves will take a few washes to soften. Yarns are woven one-over and one-under each other—leaving openings that will make the fabric very breathable. Percales weave means they're usually quite breathable, and can be finished to feel crisp or soft. These sheets are strong and long-lasting, but they will need some washing to soften. Twill can be easily identified by diagonal lines on one side of the fabric. With twill sheets, yarns are typically woven two-over and one-under. These sheets hold their shape well, drape well and tend to be somewhat wrinkle-resistant. This is a patterned weave that is extremely complex to create. These sheets are produced on a special loom to allow repeating patterns—a tapestry or other large design—on the face of the fabric. Jacquard fabric has a variety of textures, but you will be able to feel the pattern under your hand as it is woven in, rather than printed on the fabric.
Thread count, which determines fabric softness, is a commonly used way to evaluate sheets. If you are looking for a soft sheet, a higher thread count will be best. If you are looking for a durable sheet, a percale weave or blended sheet is the way to go. But keep in mind; thread count is only one part of the equation — the type of fiber, size of the yarn, and how it is finished all contribute to the overall quality. Almost all sheets are machine washable, but you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations and keep these suggestions in mind: Don't use too much heat, in either the washer or the dryer: It will cause fabric to age and wear. Add your sheets to the washing machine after detergent and water: Too much undiluted soap can stain your material, and make it difficult for detergent to rinse out completely. Go easy on the laundry "extras." Bleach—even color-safe varieties—can be hard on fabrics. Changing sheets weekly will help extend their lives.