What to Look for in Sheets

When your buying sheets, you need to understand the basics. First, you need to know your mattress size. There are several common sizes including twin, full, queen, king, and the California King. Second, there are 2 types of sheets - fitted and flat. A fitted sheet that wraps around the mattress and a flat sheet that stretches over the mattress

Most sheet sets have a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and one or more pillowcases. Fitted sheets are approximately:

* Twin: 39 inches x 76 inches
* Full: 54 inches x 75 inches
* Queen: 60 inches x 80 inches
* King: 78 inches x 80 inches
* Cal King: 72 inches x 84 inches

When buying sheets, look for a color, style or theme that you want.  There are so many designers and choices out there that finding the right set should be easy.   While designer and brand often play a role in choosing sheets, for real comfort and satisfaction you should look at thread count, fabric type and the weave of the material.

Weave

There are two types of weaves that are usually found in bedding sheets.   One is percale and the other is sateen.    Percale is closely woven with no gloss and provides percale with a smooth texture.   Ssateen  has a lot more yarns giving the sheet a lustrous look like satin.

Fabrics

Egyptian cotton is considered the best because its strength and lustrous texture.  It is also one of the pricest.

Pima cotton is the traditional cotton used.  It is grown in the United States, Peru and Australia.  Pima cotttone gives sheets a soft, silky finish.   If you see the term "Supima" cotton this a trademark for for 100-percent Pima cotton grown in the United States. It stands for "Superior Pima."

Muslin cotton is courser than Egyptian and Pima.  Muslin is often used in kids' bedding.

Flannel is a blend of cotton and wool or some other fabric.  Flannel sheets are renowned for their warmth.  Instead of using thread count, flannel sheets are measured in ounces per yard.  Generally, 4 oz. or more is considered a good quality flannel sheet.

Silk is the finest and strongest natural fiber, a fact that makes silk sheets a real luxury.

Satin is a polished synthetic fabric -- usually nylon. It is often used in luxury bedding, but it's not as strong as silk while being more difficult to clean.

Sateen is also smooth and lustrous like satin, but the two are not the same. "Sateen" describes a weave, while "satin" describes a material. Furthermore, sateen sheets are usually made of natural fibers.  They are usually less expensive than satin sheets.   Learn more about sateen.