And So To Bed

A GUIDE TO SELECTING THE RIGHT BEDDING FOR YOU

There’s nothing like the feeling of fresh sheets. This holds true even more so in the springtime. Updating our bedding with lighter layers as the temperatures warm is a refreshing chore. We wear wool in the fall/winter, and linen in the spring/summer, so why not bring this into our homes? Crawling into bed with great sheets is always a welcome feeling at the end of a day. We’ve got all the details not only to help bring your bed into a new season, but to shed new light on terminology, what to look for, and the ins and outs of choosing the right bedding for you.

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THREADCOUNT

WHAT IS IT?

The number of woven threads per square inch of fabric.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Usually, the higher the thread count, the softer the bedding, the higher the quality, and the better it will wear over time.

Extra threads can be woven into the thread count. These are called picks. This is usually the explanation for fabrics with very high thread counts - which in this case does not often result in a higher quality product. 

The price should match the thread count; you get what you pay for. If you’re seeing bedding at 400 thread count for $39.99 that should be an immediate red flag for you.  Threadcount doesn’t mean that the fabric/sheet content is to be disregarded.

When it comes to thread counts in duvets, generally the higher the thread count the quieter the duvet insert will be when moving within the cover.

• Higher thread counts generally mean a higher quality product.

• Higher thread counts tend to feel softer when paired with a preferred content.

• Better quality sheets have more longevity and will wear better over time.

• The higher the thread count generally the denser the weave.

PROS

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• Sometimes the higher the thread count the lower the quality. (Generally when the thread count shows to be in the thousands.)

• Tend to be on the pricier side.

CONS

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STAPLE LENGTH

WHAT IS IT?

Length of cotton fibres included in fabric content. Determines the quality of the cotton used and the softness in the fabric.

Short staple: 1-1/8” lowest quality

Long staple fibre: 1- 1/4” high quality

Extra long staple fibre: 1-3/8” - 2” the finest quality

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DIFFERENT TYPES OF COTTON

AMERICAN UPLAND

 A shorter-length fibre, is the most common used in bedding. It has a rougher hand but is pretty standard.

PIMA

A long staple fibre offering strength and durability to the fabric. Has a soft hand, with a subtle sheen. Generally, it is more expensive, hitting the 200$ +  price range. 

SUPIMA

American-grown pima cotton - a trademarked name.

EGYPTIAN COTTON

Highest quality cotton, and the longest staple length available. Provides a luxurious softness while also standing as a durable product. Has known to have been knocked off due to the luxurious nature of this bedding, however, real sheets will have a tag stating egyptian cotton, and will also be paired with a higher thread count. The price point of the sheets should also be an indication of the legitimacy of the product.

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SELECTING SHEETS

SATEEN

Sateen has a similar hand to silk and is woven using a method in which there is a ratio of 4 threads to 1. It is a heavier sheet option that is ideal for colder seasons, however, the durability of this fabric should be considered when purchasing bedding as it does not hold up as well as other bedding selections.

PERCALE

Also known as plain weave, Percale is a high quality combed cotton that is woven tightly. It has a soft hand and is a pretty standard choice when shopping for bedding. It has a lighter weight to it making it an ideal selection for hot sleepers.

LINEN

It is its own material, being made from flax. It is a soft and breathable fabric that also provides durability. It is a great option that can be used at any point in the year.

FLANNEL

Flannel is composed of cotton, and is generally a denser and a heavier weight bedding choice. It is great for the colder months of the year, providing a soft and cosy feel.  It is made using a plain or twill weave which gives it a softer hand. 

JERSEY

Cotton, or sometimes combined with synthetic content. Not woven but rather knit, and is similar to flannel as neither uses thread count in considering the quality. Another heavier material that holds heat well, making it a great option for cold nights. 

POLYESTER

A synthetic fabric, this has a rougher hand and can oftentimes be stiff.  However, when combined with cotton, you get a softer hand with often a lower price point.

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DUVET vs. COMFORTER

• Requires a cover

• The covers are interchangeable allowing for ease in cleaning and variety.

DUVET

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• Insert is stitched into the cover 

• Is generally filled with synthetic or down fibres. 

• Is often sold as a “bed set” including the sheets.

• Easily cleanable.

COMFORTER

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THINGS TO CONSIDER

WARMTH & WEIGHT

Depending on the type of sleeper you are, you may prefer lighter or heavier weight duvets.  The heavier the weight the more warmth is provided.  Alternatively, If you run a higher temperature while sleeping, a lighter weight duvet is sure to be your best friend.  This is definitely something to keep in mind when finding the right duvet for you.

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TYPES OF DUVETS

DOWN

Because of its insulation properties, down is a great option for people who want warmth while sleeping, as it takes less material to reach your desired warmth level. Due to the nature of down, it is recommended that you have down duvets professionally cleaned.  This duvet option is the most costly of those available. Keep this in mind when selecting your bedding. 

FEATHER

Feather Duvets are often less expensive, despite being a heavier weighted product.  The feather in the duvet does not provide as much warmth as its competitor, down; therefore more material is required in order to achieve an equivalent level of insulation. It is recommended that you have feather duvets professionally cleaned.

MICROFIBRE

Due to the synthetic nature of microfibre, this option is generally less expensive and is also machine washable.  There is a lack of insulation properties in microfibre duvets, which results in a heavier product.

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