What is Thread Count?

Thread count refers to the number of threads, both vertical and horizontal, in a one-inch square of fabric. Thread count is affected by a number of factors, including ply and thickness of the threads used. The ply of the fabric refers to how many threads are wrapped together into a single thread. Single-ply fabrics use threads on their own, while two-ply fabrics twist two pieces together into a stronger thread, as well as doubling the thread count of the fabric.

Using finer threads also allows for more thread to fit in a square inch. Finer thread often results in smoother, softer fabrics, part of the reason high thread count fabrics are considered more desirable than fabrics with a low thread count. Finer thread also results in a more fragile fabric, however, which may not always be ideal. Two-ply fabrics help solve this problem somewhat by strengthening the threads and creating a more durable, though heavier, fabric.
While it has become common to shop for such things as bed linens based exclusively on thread count, it is important to take other considerations into account. How the cotton is treated can be a much more decisive factor in comfort and overall feel than the thread count of a fabric, as can the final finishing of the fabric.
The general wisdom is that a thread count of higher than 100 is desirable --these fabrics are known as percale -- with somewhere above 180 being ideal. While fabrics are available with thread counts up to 1000, anything in excess of 400 is considered by most to be simply extraneous. In the case of some fabrics, a high thread count is simply not a viable option. Flannel, for example, as a result of its other properties as a material, has consistently low thread counts, but this is in part what gives it its sought-after feel. 

The most common products for which thread count is an issue are sheets, and more and more linen manufacturers sell their products largely on the basis of having a high thread count, as well as the inclusion of high-status materials such as Egyptian cotton. Other products are jumping into the thread count craze, however, with everything from dresses to men's shirts listing thread count on their packaging. A number of high-end clothing companies have begun offering men's shirts with thread counts as high as 170 or 180, boasting an almost silk-like feel.

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-thread-count.htm

Boy George Is Reviewing Hotel Thread Counts Now

I honestly don't know what to think about Boy George's latest career move, becoming a blogger for Paper magazine. Or, more appropriately, the magazine's hotel room correspondent.
The sometimes-pop star will be "writing about anything and everything," we're assured. And to kick things off, hotel amenities? Sure why not.

When you travel as much as I do, the comfort of a bed or quality of the pillows are deal-breakers (I like a hard pillow myself.). That said, I couldn't tell you if my bed at the Hillscourt Conference Centre, where I'm staying while I attend my cousin Vanessa's wedding to her fiance Dave, was comfortable or not because I didn't sleep a wink last night. I've been poorly the past few days, dehydration or some minor bug, and have been sleeping for queen and country. Hence my restlessness. But, hey, I'm here for two nights and might yet rave about the splendor of the bed.
The Hillscourt isn't really a proper hotel even if it does have some rooms. Last night in the bar I tried to order a coffee and was told by the waitress, "sorry love, the machine's broken." I was waiting for a "but if you don't mind instant, I'll pop the kettle on," but not a chance. When I requested a bottled water, she looked at me as if I had grown an extra head and pointed me towards a water fountain. In retrospect this was quite thrifty, but what I wanted was a coffee.

B.G. goes on to describe what he watched on television that night. Sadly, it was not this.

Bed Linen Fact Sheet

Bed linens are one of the most used items in the home, so it makes sense that you would want to pamper yourself and choose bedding that promotes comfort, style and a good night's sleep. When you are shopping for bedding, keep in mind that products vary widely in terms of quality and cost, but if you know what to look for, you can find an exceptional product for an excellent price. Look over this bed linen fact sheet to increase your chances of finding the perfect bedding.

What You Need to Know:

1. Types: Bed linens come in a huge range of sizes, styles and materials. Aside from the standard twin, full, queen and king measurements, you can also buy sheets in a twin-XL (commonly used in college dorms), as well as special deep or extra-deep pockets to can accommodate the fullest pillow top mattresses. Whether you prefer soft sateen sheets, high-end silk linens, eco-friendly threads or zany prints that showcase your personality, you have many options.
   
2. Materials: "Green" living has become increasingly popular, and bed linens have not escaped the trend to be earth-friendly. In addition to the cotton, silk, satin and polyester blends that have always dominated the sheet market, today you can also buy sheets made from bamboo, a fast-growing, easily sustained plant that produces silky, soft fabric. Another eco-friendly option is organic cotton. Just as soft as its non-organic counterpart, organic textiles are made with natural materials grown without the use of pesticides. For cozy comfort, buy sheets made out of flannel or brushed cotton that mimic your favorite T-shirt.
   
3. Thread count: Although many people think that an extremely high thread count is the most important factor in the softness and quality of bed linens, there are actually two things you should look for before purchasing sheets. Just as important as thread count is locating sheets that are single ply. Ply refers to the number of threads that are wrapped together before the thread is woven into fabric. For example, a set of sheets labeled "800 thread count, two-ply" are really just sheets that have 400 threads per square inch, but have two threads doubled up to create a single thread for weaving. Because of that, the manufacturer can label the set as 800 thread count. Sheets labeled single ply, along with a high thread count, are the highest quality.
   
4. Care: Wash your sheets regularly in warm water with a mild detergent, and avoid bleach since it is harsh on fabric and can cause wear quickly. For a fresh scent and reduced static without adding unnecessary chemicals to your wash routine, hang sheets to dry in the sun. Avoiding the dryer will also extend the life of your linens. If you do not have the space or time to air dry, dry them on the lowest heat setting available, or take them out while they are still slightly damp.
   
5. Allergy considerations: If you suffer from allergies, you can purchase bed linens that will cut down on dust mites and allergens in your bedroom. A hypoallergenic dust mite cover will protect you from irritating dust mites that feast on dead skin when you hit the sack, while sheets made from organic materials are naturally hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers should also avoid any bedding items that are filled with down, and instead opt for synthetic fillings.
   

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This article was written by Glen Sheridan from Overstock.com

Bedding

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

This article is about human sleeping facilities. For other uses, see Bedding (disambiguation).

Bedding refers to the materials laid above the mattress of a bed for warmth and decorative effect. Bedding does not include the mattress, box spring or bed frame. Down materials are often used for warmth in bedding.

Bedding sizes

Main article: Bed size

Bedding sizes usually are made with the dimensions of the bed and mattress for which it is to be used in mind. Bed sizes vary considerably around the world, with most countries having their own standards and terminology.
Furthermore, mattresses have different thicknesses, which must be kept in mind when designing bedding for a particular bed, especially if they are to be fitted.
Each component part of the overall bedspread is sized specifically to accommodate the individual specifications; from duvet covers to fitted sheets, everything needs to be produced with the appropriate dimensions to avoid excessive overhanging or, worse still, being too small to fit!
To help give you a clearer understanding of the different sizes and dimensions we’ve created the following straightforward chart:
UK Bed Sizes

Bed Measurements	Fitted Sheet	Flat Sheet	Duvet Cover
UK Single 90 x 190 cm 3ft x 6ft 3in.	90 x 190 x 20 cm	180 x 260 cm	135 x 200 cm
Euro Single IKEA size	90 x 200 x 20 cm	180 x 260 cm	135 x 200 cm
UK Double 135 x 190 cm 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in	135 x 190 x 20 cm	220 x 260 cm	200 x 200 cm
Euro Double IKEA size	140 x 200 x 20 cm	220 x 260 cm	200 x 200 cm
UK King Size 150 x 200 cm 5ft x 6ft 6in	150 x 200 x 20 cm	265 x 275 cm	225 x 220 cm
Euro King IKEA size	160 x 200 x 20cm	265 x 275 cm	240 x 220 cm
UK Super King Size 183 x 200 cm 6ft x 6ft 6in	183 x 200 x 20 cm	280 x 290 cm	260 x 220 cm

Europe Bed Sizes

Bed Measurements	Fitted Sheet	Flat Sheet	Duvet Cover
Single 90 x 190 cm	90 x 190 x 20 cm	180 x 260 cm	150 x 200 cm
Double 140 x 200 cm	140 x 200 x 20 cm	220 x 260 cm	200 x 200 cm
King 160 x 200 cm	160 x 200 x 20 cm	265 x 275 cm	240 x 220 cm
Super King 200 x 200 cm	200 x 200 x 20 cm	280 x 290 cm	260 x 220 cm

North American Bed Sizes

Bed Measurements	Fitted Sheet	Flat Sheet	Duvet/Quilt Cover	Comforters
Twin	39” x 76” x 8”	72” x 102”	59” x 79”	80” x 106”
Full	54” x 76” x 8”	87” x 102”	79” x 79”	100” x 106”
Queen	60” x 80” x 8”	105” x 110”	88” x 86”	106” x 106”
King	76” x 80” x 8”	110” x 114”	102” x 86”	112” x 106”
Californian King	73” x 85” x 8”	110” x 114”	102” x 86”	114” x 106”

Australian Bed Sizes ^[1]

Bed Measurements	Fitted Sheet	Flat Sheet	Duvet Cover
Single 91 x 191 cm 36 x 75 in	91 x 193 + 40 cm 36 x 76 +16 in	180 x 254 cm 71 x 100 in	140 x 210 cm 55 x 83 in
King Single 106 cm x 203 cm 41 x 80 in	107 x 203 + 40 cm 42 x 80 + 16 in	200 x 270 cm 79 x 106 in	180 x 210 cm 71 x 83 in
Double 137 x 191 cm 54 in × 75 in	137 x 193 + 40 cm 54 x 76 + 16 in	228 x 254 cm 90 x 100 in	180 x 210 cm 71 x 83 in
Queen 152 x 203 cm 60 x 80 in	152 x 203 + 40 cm 60 x 80 + 16 in	245 x 274 cm 97 x 108 in	210 x 210 cm 83 x 83 in
King 183 x 203 cm 72 x 80 in	182 x 203 + 40 cm 72 x 80 + 16 in	260 x 274 cm 102 x 108 in	240 x 210 cm 95 x 83 in

Bettgrößen

Bettabmessungen	Spanntuch standard	Spanntuch tiefe	Betttuch	Steppdeckenbezug
Einzel 90 x 190 cm	90 x 190 x 20 cm	90 x 190 x 26 cm	180 x 260 cm	150 x 200 cm
Doppel 140 x 200 cm	140 x 200 x 20 cm	140 x 200 x 26 cm	220 x 260 cm	200 x 200 cm
Extragroß 160 x 200 cm	160 x 200 x 20 cm	160 x 200 x 26 cm	265 x 275 cm	225 x 220 cm
Super Extragroß 200 x 200 cm	200 x 200 x 20 cm	200 x 200 x 26 cm	280 x 290 cm	260 x 220 cm

[edit] Bedding materials

Bedding is made from a variety of materials, including cotton, flannel, down, polysatin, polyester, satin, silk, wool and latex

History

This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2008)

Around 3400 BC Egyptian pharaohs had their beds moved off the ground and slept on a raised surface.
Roman Empire mattresses were stuffed with wool, feather, reeds or hay. The beds were decorated with paint, bronze, silver, jewels and gold.
During the Renaissance, mattresses were stuffed with straw and feathers and then covered with silks, velvets or satin material.
The arrival of the 18th century brought bed frames made from cast iron, and mattresses that were made of cotton. The 19th century saw the invention of the bed spring, also called the box spring.
The 20th century brought the inner spring mattress, futon, water bed (starting in the 1960s), air mattresses, foam rubber mattresses and pillows.

Terminology

• Bed skirt (also bed ruffle, dust ruffle or valance): A decorative piece used to cover the boxspring and legs of the bed. It fits between the mattress and boxspring and hangs to the floor.
• Bed spread: A bed cover with sides that go to the floor. This does not require a bed skirt.
• Boudoir pillows (or breakfast pillows): Small rectangular decorative throw pillows.
• Comforter: A filled bed cover that is quilted and usually reversible. They require a bed skirt to complete the look, as the sides only go about halfway to the floor.
• Drop: The length of a bed skirt.
• Duvet: A soft flat bag traditionally filled with down or feathers, or a combination of both, and used on a bed as a blanket.
• Duvet cover: A decorative and protective covering for a duvet. Most duvet covers have a button or tie closure at one end.
• European sham (or Euro sham): A decorative pillow covering which fits a large 26” x 26” pillow. These are often placed behind the standard size pillow shams as a backdrop for all of the other pillows.
• Flanged: Including a decorative band of fabric that is straight or tailored; often used to describe pillows or pillow shams.
• Hotel bedding: Sheets with a high-thread count, to emulate the high quality bedding materials that hotels use. Often in neutral colors. Hotels often use high-quality bedding materials to maximize comfort for their customers.
• Neckroll: Small cylindrical decorative throw pillows.
• Pillow shams: Decorative coverings for pillows, often designed with trims, ruffles, flanges, or cording. Shams are normally placed behind the pillows used to sleep on, which would be covered with regular pillowcases.
• Pleated: Sewn in folds like a fan.
• Tailored: Fitted closely, i.e. made to fit the bed exactly.
• Thread count: The number of thread ends per square inch in a woven fabric.

How to Choose Bed Sheets

You spend approximately one-third of your life in bed, and choosing the right bed sheets can make the difference between a night of tossing and turning and a night of blissful slumber. Bed sheet quality depends upon the type of fiber, the fabric weave pattern and the tightness of the fabric weave. If you're on the hunt for new bedding, look below to learn how to choose bed sheets.

Instructions:

1. Measure the depth of your mattress. Today's bed sheets are available in sets or for purchase individually, and they will fit most standard mattresses except those that are very deep. By knowing how thick your top mattress is, you can select the correct size sheets. Extra-deep pockets are available in some styles.
   
2. Consider thread count. Look for a high thread count when comfort and durability are important. Sheet manufacturers determine the thread count by the number of threads contained in one square inch of the bed sheet fabric. A thread count of 200 is acceptable, but good-quality sheets may have thread counts between 300 and 500. The highest quality luxury sheets may have thread counts over 600.
   
3. Think about Egyptian cotton. The Egyptian cotton plant produces a finer and longer thread staple, enabling sheet manufacturers to increase tension on the thread and create a finer and tighter weave. Luxury bed sheets often contain Egyptian cotton.
   
4. Think about sateen. Choose sateen sheets for a soft feel. Sateen sheets contain cotton fibers, but manufacturers use a special weave to make one side of the fabric very smooth. Expect to sacrifice some durability when you have sateen sheets. These sheets may pill after a few dozen washings, but they are very comfortable and suitable for guest beds where they will not be overused.
   
5. Go with a fabric that works for you. Select special fabrics to suit your sleeping style. Satin sheets are relatively inexpensive and have a super-silky feel, but they may trap moisture next to the body. Sheets made of silk and bamboo fibers are incredibly soft but are more expensive and may require special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning. Cotton sheets are available in a wide array of textures and qualities, meaning they're a dependable choice.
   
6. Mix and match. Mix and match bed sheets with bed skirts, comforters and window treatments to create an interesting, dynamic style in your bedroom.
   

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This article was written by Glen Sheridan from Overstock.com

Great online bedding from InhabitLiving.com

http://www.inhabitliving.com
The pillows on my bed came from this company.

Inhabit brought the modern graphic pillow category to life when they introduced graphic, stylish prints built around smart design and bold, tasteful color use. Inhabit continues to be the name in modern pillows for the home.

Modern pillows can change the way a room feels quicker than almost any other accessory. It can change the environment also. Inhabit pillows are hand-printed in the USA using environmentally-friendly, VOC free inks. Our fabrics are derived from certified recycled post-consumer waste and all paper from the printing process is shredded and repurposed as packing material. Delicious eco-friendly modern pillows. Yum.

Floating Lotus in Silver and Grass Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Lotus in Grass and Lime Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Lotus in Silver and Grass Pillow Starting at: $45.00
Carousel in Sunshine Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Carousel in Chocolate and Sunshine Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Carousel in Sunflower Pillow Starting at: $45.00
Carnival in Cornflower Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Carnival in Chocolate and Cornflower Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Carnival in White and Cornflower Pillow Starting at: $45.00
Carnival in Sunflower Pillow Starting at: $45.00 Add to Compare	Giggle in Cornflower Pillow Starting at: $45.00 Add to Compare	Laugh in Cornflower Pillow Starting at: $45.00 Add to Compare
Smile in Rust Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Giggle in Sunshine Pillow Starting at: $45.00	Laugh in Grass and Lime Pillow Starting at: $45.00

My bed at home

My bed is EXTRA comfy.  I purchased a Tempurpedic mattress that I love.  It get's a big warm in the summer because, after all, it is triggered by heat.  I like really clean lines and sharp edges which is easy to do on a Tempurpedic.  I like thin but warm covers, typically a wool blanket and white 400 thread count sheets.  Two simple pillows (also by Tempurpedic) give a crisp, sharp look.  I also used two simple pillows from inhabitliving.com.  They have great patterns.  So as you can see I love blacks, whites, grays and neutral colors.  I guess I'm afraid of color.  Tell me what you think and share your own bedroom pictures.

Egyptian Cotton Sheets vs. Sateen Sheets

Deciding which type of luxury sheets to purchase is easier when you have the facts. Sateen sheets feel soft when new and have sheen to them, while Egyptian cotton sheets soften over time with use. Both are made from cotton and have much to offer, making the choice one of budget and personal taste.

What You Need to Know:

1. About sateen sheets: Sateen sheets are 100 percent cotton sheets with a high thread count and a lustrous sheen. They are woven from combed, carded or long-fiber cotton threads that are then mercerized, meaning they're soaked in lye and then in acid. This process not only strengthens the cotton fibers and makes them more durable, but also gives sateen sheets their signature sheen and helps them accept dye evenly.
   
2. About Egyptian cotton sheets: Egyptian cotton is woven from the cotton plant gossypium barbadense, which is native to Peru and the West Indies but is also grown in certain American regions. This plant produces long, thin fibers that won't pill because the plant itself produces little to no lint. With proper care, Egyptian cotton sheets will last several decades, which helps justify a higher price tag.
   
3. Considerations: Although sateen sheets look and feel luxurious, they are prone to pilling and wrinkling. Egyptian cotton sheets keep a crisp, ironed look but are initially coarser than their sateen counterparts, softening after being washed repeatedly. Sateen sheets are soft right out of the package.
   
4. Benefits: Egyptian cotton sheets don't pill or produce much lint, making them a perfect choice for those suffering from dust allergies. Egyptian cotton sheets are extremely breathable and won't stifle you during warm months but will retain body heat during colder months. Also, the extra-long cotton fibers used to produce Egyptian cotton are also thinner, which translates to higher thread counts. This is why Egyptian cotton sheets are so durable. Sateen sheets, because of the mercerizing process, resist mildew, also making them a good choice for anyone suffering from allergies. Sateen sheets drape well and also have a high thread count due to the cotton fibers used. Sateen sheets, like Egyptian cotton sheets, are breathable and suitable for any season.
   

Buy Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Buy Sateen Sheets

This article was written by Tonya Goodspeed from Overstock.com

What does your bed say about you?

Take this fun quiz to learn more about what your bed says about you!

http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbedsayaboutyouquiz/

This is what I learned about me...

Your Bed Says You Are Down to Earth

Outward appearances are a concern of yours, but not your primary concern. You try to take care of yourself and your home, but it's not an obsession.

You are an organized and disciplined person. You do the right thing because you want to, not because people expect you to.

You are not very high maintenance in general, but you are high maintenance about a few things.

In relationships, you tend to kick back and let the other person be in charge.

You tend to be a down to earth, practical person. You think in terms of what is actual.

You are a bit of a homebody, but you can also make yourself at home anywhere.

How To Fold A Fitted Sheet

There is a foolproof technique for folding a fitted sheet. These instructions are for a right-handed person; just reverse them if you're left-handed.

1. Stand holding the sheet by the two adjacent corners of one of the shorter edges. With the sheet inside out, place one hand in each of these two corners.

2. Bring your right hand to your left, and fold the corner in your right hand over the one in your left, enveloping it. Next, reach down and pick up the corner that is hanging in front; bring it up, and fold it over the two corners in your left hand; the corner that's showing will be inside out.

3. Bring the last corner up, and fold it over the others; with its right side showing, it should envelop the other three corners.

4. Lay the folded sheet on a flat surface and straighten it into the shape shown.

5. Fold the two edges in so all the elastic is hidden.

6. Fold the sheet into a rectangle.

7. Continue folding until the rectangle is the size you want it to be.

This article was written by Kellee Heib from Overstock.com

What does Thread Count Really Mean

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
These sheets from Dreamsleep Studio were included in the Emmy Awards gift baskets in 2006. The label reads 618 thread count; but are they really that different from 400 thread count?

­You might suspect thread count is simply a marketing ploy to make Egyptian cotton sheets sound more luxurious. But it's really a scientific term, with strict federal standards on how those threads are counted­.
Technically, thread count means the number of threads woven together in a square inch. You count both lengthwise (warp) and widthwise (weft) threads. So 100 lengthwise threads woven with 100 widthwise threads produce a thread count of 200.­
Thread count has become a buzz word for marketing luxury sheets, shirts and other woven fabric goods. The idea is the finer threads you can weave together, the softer and finer the fabric.
But that's not always the case. According to Consumer Reports, a thread count of 200 is fine; 400 may be softer. But anything above 400 will likely only provide a higher price tag [source: Consumer Reports].
To get a sense of the type of fabric various thread counts produce, consider that a thread count of 150 (75 threads one way, 75 the other) produces muslin, which feels a little rough, certainly not silken. Good-quality sheets come in at 180, and anything above 200 is considered better quality [source: Linenplace]
­So how are counts such as 800 or 1,200, which some manufacturers claim, even possible? How could you fit that many threads into a single inch? The short answer is you can't. "Some manufacturers use creative math to boost thread count," explains Consumer Reports [source: Consumer Reports].
In the spirit of free enterprise and competition, manufacturers battle to calculate their tread counts high, higher and highest. They count not just each thread, but each fiber (called plies) th­at make up each thread. So a single thread might be four plies twisted together; one manufacturer will call that one thread, while another manufacturer will call that four threads.
To untangle this inconsistency, Consumer Reports hired an independent textile lab to count threads in a $280 queen sheet set with a manufacturer-stated thread count of 1,200. The lab counted 416 threads per inch, just 35 percent of what was claimed [source: Consumer Reports].
The Federal Trade Commission even got involved in the fracas, thanks to a request made by the Textile Bedding Committee of the National Textile Association. Bed, Bath & Beyond got sued for misrepresenting thread count and, without admitting any wrongdoing, settled the suit on July 26, 2008, by offering refunds, gift cards and discounts [source: Bed, Bath & Beyond Court Settlement].
But thread count is really only part of the puzzle as to whether or not you'll enjoy your nap (are you getting sleepy?) on your sheets. What about quality of threads and not just quantity? And what's the big deal with Egyptian cotton anyway?

Bed Sheet Thread Count Fact Sheet

Thread count is an important consideration to take when choosing a new set of bed sheets, but it should not be used as a sole indicator of quality. Equally important in choosing a bed sheet is the type and quality of the materials used as well as the fabric's weave. If you're searching for great bedding, look at the bed sheet thread count fact sheet below.

About Bed Sheets:

1. Tallying it up: Thread count simply describes how many individual yarns are woven together in one square inch of a sheet's fabric. For example, if a square inch of fabric in a 300-thread count sheet with a standard weave were examined closely, 150 vertical threads and 150 horizontal threads would be counted, for a sum total of 300. Sheets with a high thread count (more than 200) are more desirable from a consumer perspective. However, many more factors can enhance the comfort and durability of sheets than thread count alone.
   
2. Woven-in comfort: The type of weave used in bed sheets can serve an ornamental purpose (such as in the case of jacquard sheets), but it can also alter the texture of the sheet and result in a more durable fabric. Sateen-woven sheets are constructed in a four-yarn-over, one-yarn-under weave, which gives the fabric its glossy appearance and satiny texture. Sheets with a pinpoint weave are constructed with two yarns over and one under. While somewhat less silky than a sateen weave, these sheets are slightly more durable, as fewer yarns are exposed on the fabric's surface. Percale-woven sheets are constructed so that each yarn is woven over and under the next to produce a fabric that's both resilient and comfortable.
   
3. Spinning a yarn: In addition to thread count, an important consideration when selecting sheets is the type of material used in their construction. Polyester-cotton blend sheets and 100-percent polyester satin sheets are extremely low-maintenance; they wash well and emerge from the dryer wrinkle-free. However, the downside to many polyester or polyester-blend sheets is that they don't "breathe" as well as those made of 100-percent cotton, which wick away moisture from the body. The highest-quality cotton types are Egyptian, Supima and Pima, which are made from extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. The longer yarns used to make these sheets result in a fabric that's not only extremely durable but becomes suppler over the course of many launderings.
   
4. Making the grade: Thread count isn't only a measure of a bed sheet's comfort, it attests to a sheet's ability to withstand snags and tears. For most consumers, what constitutes as an acceptable count is arbitrary; a 200-thread-count bed sheet may suffice well for some, while others may desire a thread count of 400 or higher. A simple test to ascertain thread count is to hold the material up against a light source. If the fabric appears opaque with no points of light shining through the gaps in the weave, the thread count is sufficient. Sheets with a low thread count permit easy visualization of the weave pattern when the fabric is placed under a strong light. Sheets with a high thread count have a flat, smooth surface; the weave itself may be difficult to see.
   
5. Final considerations: Thread count being equal, consumers should also look at the additional "perks" they want in their bed sheets. Polyester sheets or polyester blends may wrinkle less but might not provide the breathable quality of natural cotton. Cotton sheets with a sateen weave yield a silkier fabric with a glossy luster. Supima or Pima sheets, or those made of Egyptian cotton, provide a softer, suppler texture as well as offering built-in endurance that gives them a longer bed life. Ultimately, the choice lies with you. Regardless of thread count, the sheet's fabric should appear uniform and feel smooth to the touch.
   

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This article was written by Staff Writer from Overstock.com