There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning from a good night's sleep. For some, getting a good night's sleep is rather easy. For others, there are certain essential requirements that need to be met before someone can fall asleep peacefully. This may have to do with the mattress, the bed frame, whether or not there is a fan blowing in the bedroom, how hot or cold it is, what type of pillow you have, right down to the type of sheets. We have all probably experienced a time where we opened up a new pack of sheets and carefully put them on our bed, just to hop in it at night and experience a sense of discomfort because they are not quite what we had imagined. Well, if you have ever been confused at all about what types of sheets are out there, and perhaps what kind are right for you, then worry not, we have put together a comprehensive list of sheets for you!
Common Materials for Different Types of Sheets
The first bed sheet has often been accredited to the Egyptians who spun the flax plant into a woven fiber and made it into linen sheets. Although many sheets are often referred to as linens, linen is actually a type of material. Today, bed sheets are made from a wide range of different materials and textiles, all of which are great options depending on the type of comfort and style that you are looking for.
Cotton Sheets
Cotton is definitely the most popular material used in the making of bed sheets, especially in America. When considering cotton sheets, staple fiber length is important to keep in mind. Staple length refers to the length of the fibers used to weave the cotton into a sheet. Basically, the longer the better, longer staple length creates higher quality, softer fabric, and increased durability. When it comes to cotton, there are many different styles. Here are a few of the most popular.
- Egyptian Cotton- Egyptian cotton is the highest quality cotton sheets that are available. They will often be a little pricier but are extremely soft, supple, and durable.
- Pima Cotton/Supima Cotton- Pima cotton has medium to long staple fibers. Supima cotton is a name brand for 100% American made pima cotton. This type of cotton is less expensive than Egyptian cotton while still being very soft and durable.
- American Upland Cotton- When you see a tag that says 100% cotton, upland cotton is most likely what it is made of. This cotton has shorter staple fibers, so they may be a little rougher but are the most cost effective, and surely the most popular.
- Flannel Sheets- Sometimes referred to as brushed cotton sheets, flannel sheets are a type of cotton that gets brushed to pull out the smaller fibers, creating a softer sheet. Flannel sheets are great for winter nights as they trap in body heat. Not to mention, you can even turn down the thermostat a degree or two!
Linen Sheets
While cotton sheets are comfortable, affordable, and easy to clean, some people still prefer the age-old linen instead. These types of sheets are popular in the hotel industry. Sometimes known for their crisp texture, linen is also known to be comfortable, breathable, and durable. These sheets are great for any time of the year as they allow exceptional airflow while not trapping any heat.
Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo sheets are, as you may have guessed by the name, made from fibers of the bamboo plant. Gaining in popularity over the recent years as more and more people have been pushing for more eco-friendly industries, bamboo sheets are lightweight, durable, and soft. However, some suggest that while most bamboo sheets will say they are 100% bamboo, they are actually rayon, a type of bamboo pulp that's been chemically processed. In short, not all bamboo sheets are created equal, so be sure to do some due diligence if you are purchasing them with going green in mind.
Silk Sheets
Silk sheets are often said to be the most luxurious of options when it comes to bedding choices. Silk sheets are made from a fiber that is created by silkworm. This material is very smooth and strong. Silk is great for all seasons as it traps heat but also cools you in the summer months.
Satin Sheets
Satin sheets are created by using a different type of weave during the manufacturing process. These sheets are soft and luxurious. They are made from a blend of silk and polyester. Satin sheets, like silk, are cool and soft to the touch, making them a great option for warmer clients and seasons.
Other Things to Consider
Aside from the materials that are being used in the sheet, there are several other things you may want to consider before trying out a new pair of sheets. There are two main types of bed sheets, flat and fitted. The flat sheet goes on top of the fitted sheet but underneath the blankets. Some people say the flat sheets are not necessary but they are great for staying warm and keeping sweat from reaching the blankets. The fitted sheet, however, is the sheet that actually covers the mattress.
The fitted sheet comes with four pockets that go over each corner of the mattress. For that reason, certain fitted sheets may offer different pocket sizes.
- Standard- Standard pocket depth is made to cover a mattress that are 7-14 inches thick
- Deep- Deep pockets are meant to cover a mattress that ranges from 11-17 inches thick
- Extra Deep- These extra deep pockets are made to cover mattresses that are anywhere between 15-22 inches thick
If you are constantly having to adjust your fitted sheet, or if it is always slipping off while you sleep, pocket depth may be the reason!
Another thing to consider when purchasing sheets is the thread count. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the thread count, the higher the quality of the sheet. Anything lower than 300 is simply not good enough to sleep on. Though most people agree that a thread sheet count between 300-650 is very adequate and comfortable. This is not a complete list of things to keep in mind when purchasing sheets, so if you have any more questions please feel free to reach out to any one of our team members at The Bedding Mart. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
