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Shopping for bed sheets is a daunting task, due to the abundance of available options. When picking the perfect sheet set, it’s helpful to consider the material, weave, brand, durability, and price-point of the sheets. To help navigate the bed sheet landscape, here are some tips as well as reviews of our top picks for quality sheets.
One of the first things you’ll want to consider when purchasing sheets is the type of material. Sheets are made in a wide variety of materials, each offering a distinct feel. Some materials are silky and drapey, while others are crisp and lightweight. Picking the right textile is largely a matter of personal preference, but the proper textile can also help with certain sleep conditions such as temperature regulation.
Cotton: Cotton is one of the most popular materials used in bed sheets and comes in a wide array of styles. The fabric is light, breathable, easy to clean, and available across a range of price-points. Some cotton variations include Egyptian cotton and Pima Cotton, which are luxury options that are generally softer and more durable than less expensive cotton.
Linen: Linen is a durable fabric that is known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Though not quite as soft as cotton, it’s the best choice for people who run hot or who live in warmer climates.
Flannel: Flannel is a popular material for winter months, due to its warmth and softness. Flannel sheets are typically made from cotton, wool, or polyester, and are well-known for their fuzzy feel.
Microfiber: Microfiber is a synthetic material that feels silky and smooth. Bed sheets made with microfiber are very popular and are typically budget-friendly.
Silk: Silk is a higher-end fabric that is known for its smooth, luxurious feel. Silk sheets are hypoallergenic and tend to run higher in price.
Bamboo Sheets: Bamboo is derived from natural bamboo fibers and offers excellent cooling properties for people who run hot. Since bamboo is renewable, these sheets may appeal to eco-conscious shoppers.
Tencel: Tencel is the brand name for a material called lyocell, which is made from wood pulp and popular with eco-friendly shoppers. Tencel sheets feel smooth and silky and offer cooling properties.
Sheet weave refers to the method that is used to weave a specific material. The most popular weaves are percale and sateen and are typically associated with cotton, though they sometimes describe polyester and rayon blends.
Percale: Percale sheets are characterized by a crisp, lightweight feel. They have a matte finish and tend to run cooler than sateen sheets.
Sateen: Sateen sheets are best known for their silky feel and luxurious sheen. They drape more closely to the body and typically run hotter than percale sheets.
Bed sheets are available in a wide array of price-points, depending on factors such as material, quality of construction, reputation of the brand, and size.
Affordable Sheets: It’s easy to find quality sheets at reasonable prices. Keep an eye out for sheets that are made from synthetic materials such as microfiber, since these tend to be more affordable without necessarily sacrificing quality and comfort. Certain cotton sheets are also available at affordable prices.
Luxury Sheets: Luxury sheets typically feature better construction and last longer than less expensive sheets. Some of the most common materials used in luxury sheets are Egyptian cotton, silk, and linen.