When you're buying a new set of
bed sheets, there are several factors that you should consider
to ensure that you'll be satisfied with your purchase!
The following is an overview
of that you should keep in mind when buying sheets.
Size
Make sure you purchase the proper size of bed sheets! There are
small variations. For instance, California king sized sheets are
going to be different from king sheets and extra-long twin beds
- which are commonly found in dorms - are several inches longer
than typical twin sheets. There are many other variations, including
California queen, bunk bed, grand king, expanded queen and super
queen.
Thread Count
The sheets' thread count is related to the density of the weave.
Sheets with a high thread count are made of slimmer threads. The
thread count indicates how many threads are present in a square
inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the bed sheets will
be. Thread count also determines price. Bamboo sheets are measured
differently than cotton bed sheets, since bamboo is a much finer
yarn by nature than cotton it is measured 3 to 1 approx: So our
320 thread count bamboo sheets are equal to a 900-1000 thread count
pima cotton sheet.
This is the optimum
fabric construction for bamboo sheets, as any heavier the
fabric begins to loose it's silkyness and tends to be heavy in weight,
taking too long to dry.
Thread Ply
Consider the sheets' thread ply. This refers to how many strands
comprise each thread in the fabric. Single-ply threads are one single
thread; double-ply threads are two threads that are intertwined.
Notably, sheets with
an 800 thread count could be comprised of 400 double-ply threads
per square inch or 800 single-ply threads per square inch. The latter
is the softer of the two options.
Double-ply sheets are
a bit thicker, so these are ideal for the cold winter months, whereas
single-ply sheets tend to be thinner.
Fiber Types
There are a number of different fiber types to consider. Each one
has a unique feel and texture.
Combed Cotton Bed Sheets
Combed cotton is a soft, affordable fiber type. The "combed"
bit refers to the manufacturing process, which entails combing the
cotton to remove short fibers.
Pima Cotton Bed Sheets
The typical thread count is 200 to 300. Pima cotton sheets are known
for their silky and soft texture. Pima refers to a type of cotton,
grown in the U.S., Australia and Peru. "Supima" is a trademarked
name for pima cotton that originates from an Arizona city of the
same name.
Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets
Egyptian cotton sheets are very soft and smooth, with a typical
thread count of 200 or more. In fact, many argue that Egyptian cotton
sheets are the most luxurious. As the name suggests, the cotton
is grown exclusively in Egypt, which is known for producing high-end
cotton fibers and linens.
Percale Bed Sheets
The typical thread count is 180 to 200. Percale is made of cotton
and polyster blend or 100% cotton. It's known for being quite soft
and the polyester blend sheets typically stay free of wrinkles.
Flannel
Flannel sheets are known for their thick, heavy and soft texture
- perfect for a cold winter night! Flannel is made of a blend of
different cotton types. Flannel is measured according to its weight
per square yard rather than thread count. A high quality flannel
has a weight of about four ounces per yard.
Silk Bed Sheets
Silk fiber sheets are the most expensive, sleek and luxurious sheets.
Unlike most fabrics, silk is not measured by thread count; it's
measured according to its literal weight, also called "momme
weight." For example, 2 ounces per yard would equal a momme
weight of 12.5. Sheets typically have a momme weight of 16 to 19,
whereas garments generally have a lower momme weight, between 8
to 12.
Italian Linen is another
high-end fabric used for sheets. Italian linen is manufactured using
a special type of cotton that's grown only in Egypt. These tend
to be very expensive, though the soft, smooth texture is said to
be unparalleled.
Bamboo Bed Sheets
Bamboo sheets work best
with a 250-320 thread count construction, they can be purchased
in a thread count as low as 200 count, this is equal to 500-600
count cotton sheets so this is quite soft. For those pocket book
consious bedding buyers, bamboo sheets blended with cotton might
be the right choice.
Types
of weaves used for bedding
Weave
The weave will dramatically impact the feel of the sheets. Weave
refers to the pattern of the threads that comprise the fabric.
Plain Weave
The plain weave is the most common, with the same number of horizontal
and vertical threads. A more expensive, softer variation of this
weave is the percale plain weave.
Sateen Weave
The most expensive is the sateen weave, which is unique because
it has more vertical threads than horizontal threads. The ratio
is typically two-to-one. This tends to be the softest weave, though
it's generally more apt to rip or pill. Sateen weave is made of
natural fibers like cotton, but it must never be confused with silk.
This weave is known
in the textile industry for being one of the softest weaves!
SleepBamboo sheets
are made with a sateen weave, this is the softest weave for bed
sheets.
Bamboo sheets are one of the newest, most popular sheet types and
for good reason! Bamboo sheets are ideal for individuals who are
prone to night sweats, as the super absorbent fibers wick away moisture
so you remain dry and comfortable. In addition, bamboo sheets have
natural anti-bacterial properties so any odor from sweating will
be immediately neutralized (remember, it's bacteria that causes
odor!)
Bamboo sheets also come
in a wide range of vibrant colors, making them ideal for anyone
who is seeking a splash of rich color! Bamboo sheets are known for
their extremely absorbent qualities, and this applies to dyes as
well, so they keep their color despite going through wash after
wash.
What's more, bamboo sheets
are also eco-friendly, as bamboo is, of course, completely organic
and bamboo is among the fastest growing plants on the planet!
No matter what bed sheet
you choose one thing is for sure, we all need a good night sleep
here are some tips on how
to get a good nights sleep
To buy bamboo sheets,
check out the sheet selection at SleepBamboo.com
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