How to Choose Bed Sheets: A Handy Guide
| Feature | What to Consider | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Comfort, breathability, durability, price | – Cotton: Popular choice, breathable, many options (Egyptian, Pima, Upland). – Linen: Breathable, cool, durable, wrinkles easily. – Flannel: Warm, soft, good for winter. – Silk: Luxurious, cool, delicate. – Bamboo: Soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, eco-friendly. |
| Thread Count | Softness, durability (not always!) | – 200-400: Good balance of softness and affordability. – 400-600: Softer, good quality. – Above 600: Can be soft, but focus on quality fibers and weave, not just number. |
| Weave | Texture, breathability, wrinkle resistance | – Percale: Crisp, cool, breathable, wrinkles easily. – Sateen: Smooth, soft, drapes nicely, can trap heat. – Flannel: Soft, warm, wrinkles easily. |
| Size | Match your mattress! | – Standard sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King. – Consider depth of mattress (standard, deep pocket, etc.). |
| Style | Personal preference, aesthetics | – Solid colors, patterns, prints. – Fitted sheet styles (deep pocket, elastic corners). – Flat sheet styles (top sheet, tuck-in sheet). |
| Budget | Quality sheets can last years | – Prioritize comfort and quality within your budget. – Consider investing in higher quality for better sleep and longevity. – Look for sales and off-season deals. |
Additional Tips:
- Feel the fabric before buying, if possible.
- Read reviews of specific brands and models.
- Wash new sheets before using to remove any sizing or chemicals.
- Consider ethical and sustainable certifications if important to you.
Having the right bedding and bed sheets makes all the difference when it comes to an optimal sleep environment. It can mean the difference between too hot, too cold, too rough, too soft, too thick, too thin, etc. Your bedding should change with the seasons so not only to provide you with better comfort but also to give your bedroom a refresh.
As I have said many times, when you consider how much time you spend in bed, 1/3 of your life, making a sound investment in bedding is well worth it.
If sleeping hot is an issue. I recommend switching out a duvet insert and using a nice coverlet. I highly recommend the Parachute Home Coverlet. They also have a wonderful down alternative duvet.
EGYPTIAN COTTON SHEETS
Just about all the Egyptian Cotton sheets I have come across aren’t actually from Egypt. Usually, they come from China or India. These sheets are certified by the Cotton Egypt Association as actually being from Egypt. These are the most luxurious sheets you will find for the money. Yes, you can go with Frette or Sferra but you won’t get a better feel, just more variety in patterns. Investing in these sheets is so worth it.
SATEEN SHEETS
PERCALE SHEETS
Percale sheets have more of a crispy feel. Depending on the construction, they can feel like freshly ironed dress shirts or have a more relaxed feel. They are more breathable than a sateen making them ideal for hot sleepers.
ORGANIC SHEETS
Cotton is the dirtiest crop in the world. There are all kinds of chemicals used in growing conventional cotton, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Organic cotton sheets are made without toxic pesticides that are harmful for the planet and workers. These sheets look and feel great. Organic bedding is becoming more commonplace as consumers demand more eco-friendly and sustainable options.
SUPIMA COTTON SHEETS
- 100% American-grown extra-long staple cotton
- Single-ply 600 thread count sateen weave
- Mercerized for softer, more vibrant color
- Breathable, pill resistant, strong fiber
- Extra-deep pockets for mattress depths 6 to 22 inches
- Universal Fit™ design with ultra-thick elastic
Supima cotton is an extra long staple cotton that is grown in the United States, Australia, Peru and some other countries. The longer fibers make for bedding that is more durable and softer than regular cotton.
Best Bamboo Sheets
Made of Viscose from Bamboo
These sheets feature a premium sateen finish and advanced box-stitch seams, providing comfort and craftsmanship that you can depend on sleep after dreamy sleep.
Best Luxury Sheets
| Product Image | Product Name / Price | Primary Button / Secondary Button |
|---|---|---|
|
Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Luxury Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Athletic Sheets
|
||
|
Best Supima Cotton Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Sateen Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Priced Organic Cotton
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best Organic Cotton Sheets 2025
|
|
|
|
Best Sheets for Dudes
|
||
|
Best Linen Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Bamboo Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best Cheap Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Supima Cotton Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Japanese Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Best Supima Cotton Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Best American Made Sheets
|
|
|
|
Best Egyptian Cotton Sheets
|
|
How to tell if Egyptian Cotton Sheets are Authentic
Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to tell if Egyptian cotton sheets are authentic just by looking or feeling them. However, there are several clues and strategies you can use to increase your chances of buying genuine products:
Look for Certifications:
- Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) Seal: This gold seal with a unique license number is the most reliable indicator of genuine Egyptian cotton. Look for it on the product packaging or tags.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Organic Content Standard (OCS) certifications: These certifications guarantee organic farming practices and traceability of the cotton, while not specifically confirming its origin.
Consider Price:
- True Egyptian cotton tends to be more expensive than regular cotton due to its limited production and longer staple length. Be wary of extremely low prices, as they might indicate non-genuine materials.
Scrutinize Labels and Claims:
- Look for specific wording like “100% Egyptian cotton” or “Grown and Manufactured in Egypt.” Avoid vague terms like “Egyptian cotton blend” or “Made with Egyptian cotton,” which could imply minimal use of authentic material.
Research the Brand:
- Check the brand’s reputation for transparency and sourcing practices. Read customer reviews and online articles for insights into their quality and authenticity.
Perform Tests (limited reliability):
- Flame test: While not definitive, Egyptian cotton burns slower and has a slightly different ash compared to regular cotton. However, this method is risky and not recommended due to potential fire hazards.
- Shrinkage test: Egyptian cotton usually shrinks less than regular cotton when washed. However, shrinkage can be affected by other factors like weaving and finishing processes.
Additional Tips:
- Buy from reputable retailers: Choose established stores known for their commitment to quality and transparency.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the retailer about the origin and certifications of the cotton.
- Consider alternatives: If authenticity is your primary concern, look for sheets made with long-staple cotton from other sources like Supima or Pima, which offer similar qualities.
