The average person spends 26 years of their life asleep.
These 26 years in bed don’t include the countless hours we scroll on our phones, watch Netflix in our pajamas, or attempt to fall asleep. Our bed can be a very sacred space. It can be our area for relaxation or an intimate spot in our homes.
Since we spend so much time in our bed, it’s important to pick out the best bed sheets. Most people think it’s all about thread count. While thread count is important, it’s not the only thing to consider when purchasing sheets.
If you are struggling with buying bed sheets, make sure you don’t stop reading now. Below is a whole guide on how to buy bed sheets.
Pick Your Material
When learning how to choose sheets, it’s crucial to remind yourself to check out the material sheets have been made with. There are so many choices for material. Choose the one that best suits the climate in which you live in and your personal lifestyle.
One of the most popular materials is classic cotton sheets. Cotton is breathable, allows for air flow, and traps in heat. It’s a good choice for any type of temperature, and it can be blended with other materials.
If you feel like dipping into luxury, look into the golden standard of Egyptian cotton. However, look closely at the materials and make sure the Egyptian cotton hasn’t been mixed with anything else.
Is Egyptian cotton out of your price range right now? You can also check out these wonderful organic cotton sheets.
Other thread types for sheets can include silk, bamboo, or polyester.
Silk is great if you want something smooth and cool. This material is hypoallergenic and even contains amino acids great for your hair. It’s a large investment, but it could be totally worth it.
Bamboo bed sheets are similar to cotton in the fact that it can be warming and cooling. This thread type soaks up moisture and is highly sustainable. Best yet, bamboo is incredibly soft.
Polyester is a cheaper material but can be good for things like college dorm sheets or children’s room sheets. Having a spare set of polyester sheets around the house in case of emergency is always a good idea. They’re even good to have around for a quick camping trip.
Know Your Weave Type
Even though it doesn’t seem like a big deal, you know whether or not you’re a soft or crisp sheet type of person. Switching from one to another is highly noticeable, and everyone has a preference when learning how to choose bed sheets.
If you like your sheets a little bit on the crispy side, you should go for a percale weave. The weaving method for these is an over-under method.
On the other side of people are those who love their sheets soft, cozy, and fluffy. If you’re one of these people, you need some sateen sheets.
Another popular type, especially in colder climates, is the flannel sheet. Flannel sheets are usually woven and then brushed. Who knew you could rock flannel on the streets and in the sheets?
What Do I Look For?
It may sound silly that picking out new bed sheets could take so much investigative work, but trust us, it’s worth it. There’s more to look at besides thread and weave type.
We’ve mentioned thread count, and while it seems pretty forward on the package, there have been scandals around thread count. No matter what, when comparing thread count, always compare within the same company.
For those who don’t know, thread count is the number of threads within a square inch of the fabric. Realistically, you can only weave together 300 to 400 threads together in that small space. The numbers jump higher if threads are first wrapped with more thread before woven together.
Companies have faced consequences in the past by lying about thread count or misprinting information. Some companies will even bend the truth about thread count by using ultra-thin material or sneaking in threads here and there.
As you look at the most comfortable sheets, you’re also probably thinking about your budget. Usually, the higher the thread count, the higher the quality, and the higher the price.
If you can’t afford a full set right now, grab some pillowcases. Those are closest to your face!
Take Care of Your Sheets
Once you have your perfect set of sheets, you need to take care of them. Don’t ruin the money and time you spent picking them out.
When drying your sheets after doing some laundry, don’t dry them on too high heat. The high heat can be too harsh for many materials and could cause the material to break apart. It can also weaken the elastic in fitted sheets.
If you have animals, make sure you watch out for their claws. Whether they are just climbing around or intentionally scratching, keep them from creating holes.
Another danger we don’t think about is a dryer sheet. Dryer sheets are essentially pieces of polyester and can slowly affect cotton sheets.
A great pair of sheets can last you for around ten years. Go ahead and invest the money now for long-lasting results. Just make sure you hang them to dry, use liquid fabric softener, and trim your pet’s nails.
A Guide on How to Buy Bed Sheets
If you’re new to the game and learning how to buy bed sheets or just need an upgraded set, make sure you check out all the information above. Shopping for bed sheets seems simple, but there’s plenty of research to be done.
Before buying sheets, make sure you know what you need based on climate and personal lifestyle. Look at the thread type, weave type, quality of thread count, and price. Make sure you’re always getting what you’re paying for.
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