Have you ever put in some thought before buying bed sheets? After all, you spend almost one-third of your life sleeping or just lying on it. A good quality linen sheet can last for decades and become a family heirloom if cared for correctly. Confused about which sheets are the best? It mainly comes down to the thread count in bedsheets. Learn what differentiates a Rs 500 bedsheet from a Rs 2000 one and how to find out the superior quality.

Look for quality of cotton and the thread count

How to shop for softest sheets

The barometer of a sheet’s durability and smoothness is often measured by its thread count. It’s the number of threads, woven horizontally (weft) and vertically (warp), per square inch of fabric.

The three-step quality check process

1. Check the fibre

Cotton is the most common fibre. Pima is quite long-lasting. Egyptian cotton is considered to be the softest but is quite expensive. Italian Cotton uses the best quality of yarn. Linen and Silk are other fibres that are considered more luxurious but are worth the investment.

2. Check the weave

This is the ratio of wefts to warps. The best weaves are Percale and Sateen.

3. Check the thread count

A higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a better fabric. In fact, there is a higher chance that more picks have been added to a lower quality yarn. This can make the fabric heavier and dense. A  minimum thread count should be at least 200 and the sheet should feel soft to touch.

The best thread count depends on what you are looking for

Durability: You should opt for any percale from thread count 200 to 800.

For silkier sheets: Go for a 300 to 600 cotton sateen.

For lighter sheets: A 400 thread count sheet can be soft and light.

The higher the quality factors, the more expensive your sheets will we. But ultimately, it all comes down to your personal preference. So, the best test is to take them home, wash them and sleep on it. If it feels good, then you’ve made the right choice.