| masraum |
08-15-2013 09:43 AM |
What's a really good, quality brand for sheets
I like comfortable sheets. Over the years, I've tried all types of sheets. These days the thread count wars are on, but that doesn't necessarily mean the sheets are any good.
A while back we (missus and I) got some semi-expensive sheets on sale, I think they were regularly $500-600 for the set and we got them for $300. They were the 800 thread count hotel collection at Macy's. The material felt very thick and substantial. It wasn't stiff and crinkly and almost felt like satin. Unfortunately, after the first washing (wife swears she did cold water and cool dry specifically to not shrink them), the fitted sheet shrank and stopped fitting the mattress well despite being an extra deep that easily fit before the wash/dry. It would blow out the corner seams if you stretched it onto the bed. It also seemed to shrink diagonally across the bed which I think exacerbated the issue.
We'd like another great set of sheets like that, but without the problems. So, I'm looking for recommendations for a specific brand/collection of sheets that is really top notch and will last.
Byron had this interesting post a few years ago. We'd go to the store in the list if it wasn't 1000 miles away, so instead, we are looking for more info so we can find something local. You've got to be able to touch the stuff before you spend a ton on it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Racerbvd
(Post 5675380)
Support fellow Porsche guys..
Quote:
Quality Bed Sheets - What Makes Good Quality Bed Sheets Good?
At The Linen Closet, we look for three things when choosing quality bed sheets:
The Cotton
The Thread Count
The Hand
The Cotton - Part one of quality bed sheets
For the cool, soft feel of good qualtiy bed sheets, they must be 100% cotton. Cotton wicks away moisture keeping you comfortable not clammy. The softness you can achieve with high-quality cotton is an addictive luxury your skin will remember. Polyester may wear like iron and never need to be ironed, but your skin knows the difference.
Experts generally classify cottons into four main types with many categories in each type. These classifications are based on appearance and staple length (extra-long, long, medium and short) - the longer the staple, the finer the fabric.
90% of the world’s cotton crop in American Upland cotton. This medium to long fiber cotton is grown in most cotton-producing countries. With fibers 7/8”- 1 -1/4” long, it is not suited for “good” sheets. Egyptian cotton, in contrast, is a long staple variety. It has extra-long and fine silky fibers about 1-1/2” long. Growers in the U.S. have developed Egyptian varieties known as Pima cottons. These are preferable for sheets, both for their silky softness and durability.
The Thread Count - Part two of quality bed sheets
Thread Count is the number of threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the finer the quality of the sheet. It takes long fibers of cotton to make strong but thin threads, and it takes these silky thin threads to make high thread count fabrics. Burlap would be at the other end of the spectrum, with its fat fuzzy threads that you can count with the naked eye.
The highest count made in the United States is 310, while European sheets can go much higher. “Good Quality” sheets start at about a 200 thread count. Beware of double-ply. Some manufacturers count a double-ply yarn twice in order to up the thread count. A high thread-count sheet, made from a long staple cotton will increase in softness and luster after a number of washings. A “too good to be true” sheet may actually become stiffer. A good test is in the “hand” of the sheet.
The Hand- Part three of quality bed sheets
Cotton variety and thread-count are just indicators of good quality bed sheets, but there are a multitude of other factors that contribute to a sheets quality and feel.
Carding and combing which cleans, straightens and aligns the fibers while removing any short ones.
The type of weave, or more importantly the weaver. Italians are known for being good weavers. -The finish process which can involve water, heat or chemicals to achieve different affects on the fabric. -The Dyeing process used. Fabric can be dyed, yarn-dyed, or be left unbleached and undyed.
All of these factors effect the “hand” or the way the sheet feels to the touch. And how those sheets feel against your skin is the whole point isn’t it?
I have 300 TC organic Sateen sheets that are the entry level that I stck &sell
The next up are 300 TC Bamboo linens
The next up are 400 TC Egyptian Cotten
The highest are 600 TC Egyptian Cotton woven in Italy
The very highest are 1000 TC Egyptian Cotton woven in Italy
James Michael Koss
THE NATURAL MATTRESS STORE/ The Best BACK & SLEEP Store
194 & 198 Tamiami Trail North
Naples, FL 34102
(239)659-4560 showroom & fax
(239)280-9050 direct
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