You might be buying your sheets the wrong way. When people hear sheets advertised, it seems that all you hear about is thread count. Numbers are thrown at you right and left, and to someone who does not really have much experience with purchasing sheets, it can be rather daunting.
That is where we come in. At Mattress World and Al Davis Furniture, we are the experts on everything that is sleep related. After you get your comfortable mattresses, you are going to want to get some cozy sheets that you can roll up in. We want you to get the most out of your sleeping experience, so read on for some details about thread count.
Thread count
Many people assume that a higher thread count means a more quality sheet. While this can be true in some cases, you will find that it is not true 100% of the time. Thread count is defined as the number of threads per square inch. Cloth is woven vertically and horizontally. Different mills have different capabilities. Some factories can weave the cloth with more yarn than others can.
There are a few ways one can ‘game’ the thread count. Horizontally woven threads are called weft, and vertically woven threads are called warp. For many factories, it is easy to weave threads into the weft to increase the thread count. While this makes the number bigger, it does not necessarily make the fabric more comfortable.
There is no regulatory body which governs thread count. Many terms, such as low-fat, do not have a legal definition. Companies can advertise high thread counts the same way chip companies can call their product low-fat. It does not carry much weight, and it is hard to disprove. When you intend to purchase sheets, you should be wary of low prices and high thread counts.
When you are buying sheets, you should also check to see what fabric the sheets are made from, and how it is woven. Egyptian cotton is the gold standard for comfortable material. Certain fabrics are known to irritate the skin. Sateen weaves and percale weaves are quite popular and quite comfortable.
Why it matters
Ultimately, you need to decide what is best for you. There are a few fabrics where a higher thread count is very closely related to how comfortable the sheet is. In others, thread count and comfort are not that closely related.
For cotton, a 200 thread count sheet or pillow casing could be comfortable at the absolute minimum. If you prefer something silkier, a 300 to 600 cotton sheet would be right for you. When it gets warm, you are going to want something a little bit lighter, so a 400 thread count sheet might be the way to go. Should you find yourself needing something denser, an 800 thread count percale may be your best option. Also consider smooth, breathable Tencel, silky bamboo or luxurious linen.
At Mattress World and Al Davis Furniture, we want you to have a peaceful and restful sleep. If you have any questions about beds and bed accessories, contact us today. One of our friendly, no-pressure, knowledgeable staff would be happy to help you out. Come visit us.
