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Slipping between comfy bedsheets at the end of a long day is one of lifes little luxuries.
Getty Images/Evgeniya Pavlova
Shopping for said bedsheets?
With a staggering number of options and factors to consider, its easy to feel overwhelmed.
So the right sheets do make a difference.
To streamline the amount of time (and stress!)
What are the most common sheet types?
Last but not least: Is it something that you personally find comfortable?
Dr. Holliday-Bell tells SELF.
Did someone say fabric all-star?
Cotton is probably the most important fiber in sheeting and the biggest seller, Baker says.
It accounts for up to 35% of the textile market, according to some estimates.
The material can also be treated in different ways to change its look and feel.
Take, for example, the different weave structures cotton can have (a.k.a.
the way the yarn is interlaced).
Two of the most popular weaves are sateen and percale, and they result in very different-feeling sheets.
Percale is a plain weave, meaning one thread goes under, one goes over.
It creates sheets that feel crispy and a little more tailored with a matte finish.
Theyre not made of silk, but they have a silky quality, Baker says.
Cheaper cotton sheets tend to have short-staple cottons, which means theyre more likely to wear out quickly.
So it gets a mixed bag from a sustainability POV.
Some of our favorite cotton sheets:
Linen sheets are made from flax, a natural plant fiber.
The material is more textured than cotton or bamboo, and many people love its relaxed, slouchy look.
Its durable, fast-drying, and tends not to pill.
Experts also say linen (particularly organic linen) is more environmentally friendly than some other fabrics.
Linens slightly nubby, rougher texture may be perfect to one person and totally sandpapery to another.
So if you love a soft, silky sheet, linen probably isnt right for you.
Some of our favorite linen sheets:
Silk has a well-earned reputation for feeling luxurious.
Silk production uses less water and chemicals than some other kinds of sheets, and the material is biodegradable.
So, theyre typically more expensive.
That pulp is then skimmed, so it looks smooth like polyester when spun, Baker explains.
The result is a highly durable, lustrous-looking material thats even shinier and silkier than cotton sateen.
Sheets made from bamboo tend to be soft, drapey, and breathable.
(However, it can contribute to deforestation and cause local environmental issues if not grown sustainably.)
Eucalyptus sheets are soft and super silky.
Some of our favorite eucalyptus sheets:
Polyester is a synthetic fiber usually derived from petroleum.
(Oh, and these sheets shed microplastics into our water supply every time theyre washed.)
Polyester is also more likely to pill, even if its mixed with cotton, she adds.
Do I need a top sheet?
Plus, a top sheet can keep your comforter, blanket, or quilts cleaner, Dr. Holliday-Bell adds.
What is the best thread count to buy for sheets?
Thread count is important, but its overstated, Baker says.
For one thing, thread count doesnt matter for every key in of fabric.
To make things more confusing, retailers can be a little sneaky with how they market their sheets.
There are different ways of counting threads, Baker explains.
For example, do you tend to be a hot sleeper or live somewhere thats warm pretty much year-round?
If so, youll want to prioritize lightweight, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton or linen.
How do you like your sheets to feel against your skin?
And, obviously, your budget should come into play too.
For many people, though, experts say cotton sheets are a safe bet.
Theyre often considered the best choice for their breathability, softness, and durability, Dr. Holliday-Bell notes.
They also work well across different climates and get softer with time.
Theres absolutely no reason to start replacing sheets until they fail, Baker says.
And the longer you’re free to keep them, the less youve spent on them.
