On average, a person spends up to one-third of their life sleeping. A good night’s sleep is often attributed to healthy bedtime routines and a high-quality mattress. However, your bedsheet and pillowcases also play an essential role in giving you the rest you deserve. Here are a few things to consider before buying your next set of sheets.
Know When It’s Time to Change
A good rule of thumb is to wash your beddings weekly. Depending on your physical activities, you might need to wash them more often. Likewise, if your sheets are over 18 to 24 months old already, then it’s time to replace them entirely. If you don’t have the time to go to the mall and shop for sheets, you can opt to purchase beddings online. It’s a great time-saver, especially if you already know what you want and the right specifications for your mattress.
Find the Perfect Fit
Make sure to measure your mattress before buying sheets. Although beds come in standard sizes like king or queen, these sizes don’t usually consider mattress depth. When purchasing sheets, consider potential shrinkage due to laundering as well. For best results, go for sheets with elastic hems all the way around, to ensure a neat and snug fit.
Know Your Material but Let Your Skin Decide
Cotton sheets are still the top-of-mind choice because of their softness, breathability, and durability. Premium variants include extra-long staple (ELS) Egyptian and Pima cotton, which are more expensive yet are softer and more durable. If you have sensitive skin, sticking with 100% cotton sheets is the way to go. For more affordable alternatives, you can also look into linen sheets and other blended sheets like cotton-polyester, cotton-bamboo, and cotton-jersey. Also, be careful in choosing your detergents, as some can include harmful chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions.
The Truth About Thread Count
In general, thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch. It’s easy to assume that higher thread count means softer and superior quality sheets. However, that’s not always the case. Experts recommend sheets with thread count ranging from 200 to 400. Sheets with a thread count higher than 400 are likely made of two textiles woven together and tend to have a synthetic finish. Thus, a higher thread count isn’t necessarily better.
Weaves and Other Preferences
The texture of the fabric determines the overall feel of the sheet. It’s usually a matter of personal preference, but it’s also worth knowing your options. Go for a sateen finish if you prefer silky and lustrous feeling sheets. Meanwhile, percale is a good choice if you like your sheets crisp and firm. Lastly, if you want the feeling of a soft old shirt, then jersey sheets might be the right ones for you. Jersey sheets use the same type of fibers as your usual T-shirt. Hence, these are breathable and still affordable.
As you grow older, you’ll look forward to more quality and uninterrupted sleep at night. So make sure to never compromise on your sleep and start investing in a good set of bedding. It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
