How to Choose the Right Sheets for Your Perfect Sleep
The perfect sheets have the power to change the way you sleep. However, there are a couple of important things to learn about the quality, fibre content and composition before you can confidently get cosy in your latest investment.
What kind of softness sends you to sleep? Let’s explore the top four things to consider when choosing sheets best suited to you.
Fibres
If there’s one thing you take away from this post, this should be it. Quality, natural fibres are key to a comfortable night’s sleep. When combined with expert craftsmanship, natural fibres create soft, breathable and long lasting sheets.
Cotton
Our most used fibre when it comes to sheets, cotton is an incredibly versatile material. Cotton sheets offer softness and breathability for year-round comfort and are a fantastic easy-care option. The look and feel of cotton sheets changes depending on the weave (more on that soon), so no matter your preference, there’s more than likely a set of cotton sheets that’s perfectly suited to your sleep.
Linen
Our linen sheets are crafted from natural fibres, derived from flax plants. Renowned for its longevity, linen ages beautifully and softens with every wash, giving us that glorious, buttery feeling we love. Linen is temperature regulating, which will help you to stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
TENCEL ™ Lyocell Fibres
TENCEL™ Lyocell is an innovative cellulosic fibre; its raw material derives from wood pulp, sourced from sustainably managed forests. It’s known for its versatility and combines well with other fabrics.
When combined with other fibres, TENCEL™ Lyocell sees the inherent qualities of each fibre enhanced. Resulting in a strong fabric, with a superb sheen, beautiful drape and luxurious hand-feel. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres also boast thermoregulating properties, making it a popular choice for warm sleepers who are looking for a cooler feel.
Weaves
As we mentioned earlier, the type of weave used to craft a set of sheets will determine how they feel against your skin. Here’s the rundown on some of our most used weaves.
Percale
Percale is a plain weave fabric that offers a crisp, lightweight feel and matte finish. This compact weave is a great everyday choice, maintaining its quality after multiple washes.
Twill
Recognisable by its unique diagonal rib weave, a twill weave drapes well and lends itself to easy styling. Versatile and transseasonal, this durable weave boasts a medium weight and matte finish.
Sateen
A sateen weave utilises the beauty and strength of long-staple cotton. Its additional yarns that deliver a weightier fabric with a luxurious drape. Lustrous and smooth, sateen boasts a silky hand feel and a beautiful sheen.
Flannelette
Perhaps the cosiest weave of all, flannelette is known for its soft yarns and brushed finish, which provides its incredibly soft texture. Insulating, yet breathable, this fabric is a cosy winter staple.
Knowing the feeling that’s associated with each weave is key to choosing sheets you’ll love.
Weight
When it comes to sheets, there’s always talk about thread count. There’s a common misconception that a high thread count equals high quality, however it is simply a measure of weight.
We classify 1000 thread count sheets as hotel weight — they’re thick and luxurious. However, you may prefer to sleep in something a little more lightweight, like a 300 or 400 thread count cotton.
Don’t think of quality when you see thread count, think of the weight.
Sleeping Environment
This is a key consideration when selecting a set of sheets. Do you sleep with a heater on in winter, an air conditioner in summer, or do you rely on your bedding to keep you at a naturally comfortable temperature? If your sleeping environment is on the colder side of the scale in winter; switch to a set of flannelette sheets for cosiness and warmth. If you prefer sheets that will work to keep you comfortable in any climate, consider a fibre like linen or TENCEL™ Lyocell. If you’re selecting sheets for warm summer nights; consider a cool and crisp cotton percale weave.