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Table of Contents
- A Closer Look at Fabric Type
- A Closer Look at Thread Count
- Other Factors That Impact Sheet Quality
- Can Sheet Quality Actually Impact Sleep Quality?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Choosing new bed linen can feel overwhelming, with countless options available. However, two of the most important aspects you'll need to consider are fabric type and thread count, both of which can significantly impact the quality of your sleep.
But which is more important?
While it can often come down to personal preference, most experts would agree that it's the fabric choice that makes the biggest difference to comfort, breathability, and softness.
As a trusted name in bedding, Belledorm is here to share our expertise, offering helpful advice on thread count and fabric type to ensure you make an informed decision.
A Closer Look at Fabric Type
Fabric type should be your first consideration when shopping for bedding, as different types have distinctly different qualities. For example, cotton is praised for its breathability and durability, while silk is exceptionally smooth and soft.
By determining which attributes are most important to you, you can choose the bedding material that best aligns with your preferences.
Popular fabric types for bedding
Some of the most popular fabric choices when it comes to bedding include:
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Egyptian cotton: Renowned for its long fibres and durability, Egyptian cotton offers luxurious softness and comfort.
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Pima cotton: We've seen Pima cotton rise in popularity, and for good reason. Its exceptional softness, coupled with impressive durability and breathability, makes it a comfortable choice.
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Linen: Linen sheets are a classic. Their natural durability and breathability, along with that lovely textured feel, make them a long-lasting investment.
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Polycotton: For a practical option, polycotton blends the softness of cotton with the easy-care benefits of polyester. This provides a reliable, affordable, and comfortable bedding solution.
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Microfibre: Microfibre's smooth, soft texture and resistance to wrinkles make it a popular choice for those seeking easy-care comfort.
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Bamboo: If you are looking for an eco-friendly option, you may be interested in bamboo sheets, which are praised for their moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and sustainability. They also have an irresistible silky-soft feel.
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Silk: Known for being one of the most luxurious fabrics, silk is ideal for those who want smooth and soft sheets. However, it does require delicate care and can be a costlier investment.
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Tencel: Like bamboo, Tencel is another sustainable, breathable and wonderfully soft option that's quickly becoming more popular.
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Polyester: This synthetic fabric offers a practical and budget-friendly solution, known for its durability and wrinkle resistance. However, it may not feel as soft or luxurious as some of the other materials on our list.
What type of fabric sheets should I buy?
If you're not sure what type of fabric to choose, it's a safe bet to go for cotton sheets and duvet covers. Cotton is a classic choice thanks to its durability, breathability, and versatility.
If you find that 100% cotton sheets are a bit outside of your budget, you could always opt for polycotton blends.
A Closer Look at Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric, including both the vertical and horizontal threads.
Essentially, thread count is an indicator of how tightly woven the fabric is, which can play a role in how breathable, warm, and soft your bedding is.
Why is thread count important?
Thread count is important as it can be used as an indicator of softness, breathability, and durability. Higher thread counts feel softer, while lower thread counts can have a rough feel. However, the lower the thread count, the more breathable the fabric usually is.
Lower vs. higher thread count
The sweet spot in terms of thread count usually depends on your personal preferences, although most bedding experts agree that anywhere between 300 and 500 is ideal.
Here are some of the most common thread counts and some features they offer:
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Under 200: Sheets with a thread count below 200 may feel slightly less smooth and robust. However, it's worth noting that percale weave sheets, often around 200 thread count, offer a cool and light feel.
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200-400: This thread count range strikes a great balance, offering excellent breathability, comfort, and softness. It's a popular choice for good reason.
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400-600: For those looking for a truly luxurious softness, a thread count between 400 and 600 is an ideal option.
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Over 600: While sheets exceeding 600 thread count can provide a sense of luxury, they may be more susceptible to snagging and less breathable.
So, while a higher thread count typically indicates higher-quality sheets, a very high thread count (over 600) could be less breathable and more fragile, making the sheets difficult to care for.
Should bed sheets and duvet covers have the same thread count?
While it is completely up to you whether you want to have the same thread count for sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases, it's recommended that you keep the thread counts within a similar range for a coordinated feel.
Other Factors That Impact Sheet Quality
While fabric type and thread counts are both important, some of the other factors you should consider include:
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Weave type: Weave type refers to the way in which a piece of fabric has been woven, with popular options including sateen weave, percale weave, and flannel weave. Each variety also comes with varying properties. For instance, percale is great for breathability, while flannel will keep you warm in the winter.
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Brand: Brand is another important consideration, as some brands simply offer better quality and customer service than others. This is why it's always a good idea to read a few online reviews before deciding on a particular bedding set.
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Size: Your sheets should be the right size for your mattress. Too small and they'll slip off the edges; too big and they'll feel loose and baggy.
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Care instructions: Be sure to read the care instructions before purchasing a particular fabric. If you are someone who doesn't have time to put into lengthy washing and drying routines, you want to go for a low-maintenance option to avoid damaging your sheets.
Can Sheet Quality Actually Impact Sleep Quality?
Absolutely! While a restful night's sleep is influenced by many factors, from diet and activity to a peaceful mind, the comfort of your bedding plays a vital role. After all, most people will spend around a third of their lives in bed.
There is nothing better than the feeling of soft, comfortable bedding on your skin as you gently slip into a deep sleep. Conversely, low-quality bedding that is rough and scratchy can be incredibly uncomfortable, leading to irritation and sleep disturbances.
FAQs
What is the best type of fabric for breathability?
Whether you live in a warmer climate or you tend to sweat in your sleep, breathability and maintaining a moderate body temperature are essential for a good night's rest. Moisture-wicking fabrics like linen and bamboo are a great choice for 'warm sleepers'.
What is the difference between thread count and GSM?
While thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch, GSM refers to the grams per square metre. Thread count can tell you more about how tight or loose the weave is, while GSM indicates the thickness, density, and durability.
Certain fabrics, such as flannel, linen, and microfibre, use GSM instead of thread count, as thread count is not always an accurate indicator of quality.
Is thread count used as a marketing gimmick?
As more and more people have become aware of thread count, this aspect has been used by a marketing gimmick by some bedding companies. By putting an emphasis on a higher thread count, they can distract you from potential pitfalls, such as low-quality fabric.
Be sure to consider more than just the bedding's thread count when shopping for new sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.
How do you know if bed sheets are good quality?
Determining the quality of bed sheets involves considering several factors:
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Prioritise the fabric type (like long-staple cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo) and the weave (percale or sateen).
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Check for strong stitching, a smooth finish, and single-ply yarns.
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Feel the fabric for softness. At Belledorm, we offer fully refundable fabric samples to help you choose your bedding with confidence.
Final Thoughts
While thread count matters to an extent, it shouldn't take priority over fabric type. The best thing to do would be to settle on a fabric that best suits your preferences and choose an appropriate thread count to go along with it.
Remember that choosing the perfect bedding can completely transform your sleeping experience. Here at Belledorm, we are proud to offer a wide range of sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and so much more.
We firmly believe that everyone deserves a better quality of sleep. Whether you're someone who requires hypoallergenic bedding or you're a warm sleeper looking to stay cool, we have something for everyone, so feel free to browse our online catalogue for the best sheets around.
