For the next week (or two), we’ll be sharing “audition” pieces from folks interested in being new staff writers at Get Rich Slowly. Your job is to let us know what you think of each of these writers. Pay attention, give feedback, and after a couple of weeks we’ll ask which writers you prefer. This article is from Lisa Aberle, who promises she could contribute stories on DIY projects and rural living.
After finding holes in our second set of seven-year-old sheets, I decided it was time to go sheet shopping. With quality ranging from my elastic-only-in-the-corners polyester blend to sheets created by Italian artisans and prices to match, I wanted to get the best, most durable set for my money.
The Cotton Tale
After inspecting the labels of all my sheet sets, I found my favorites were made of 100% cotton.
And I’m in good company, because cotton makes up the majority of bedding options. But not all cottons are equal. The length of cotton fibers (called the “stapleâ€) differs and, in general, the longer the fiber length, the softer and more durable the fabric.
If you’re looking for less pilling and greater durability, Pima cotton, Supima cotton, and Egyptian cotton are reputed to be high-quality cottons. Egyptian cotton, in particular, has fine, silky, extra-long staple fibers, and Egyptian cotton venders claim their sheets last decades. My set of Egyptian cotton sheets were the first to develop holes, but they felt awesome.
How will you know which cotton is used in your sheets? If the label does not specify the type of cotton, you can assume it is lower quality cotton (most cotton grown in the U.S. is upland cotton, a shorter staple variety).
Cotton is popular because it resists stains and wicks moisture away from your body as you sleep. Though far less common, sheets made of silk and linen also have these moisture-wicking characteristics.
As I read many top-performing sheet reviews, I discovered the main complaint for cotton sheets was wrinkles. No big surprise there.
What did surprise me was that some cotton sheets are treated to resist wrinkles, but these sheets may have formaldehyde on them. Plus, wrinkle-resistant treatments often result in sheets that are less comfortable. A natural solution for fewer wrinkles is to take sheets out of the dryer while they’re still slightly damp and put them immediately on your bed. Or you can iron them, of course. Another less-wrinkly, but less moisture-wicking (how many times can I put “moisture-wicking” in one article?) option is a cotton/polyester blend.
Though cotton bedding is the most popular, other fabric options exist. Silk, while hypoallergenic, is pricey. Some people love the eco-friendly linen bedding, though it’s also more expensive than cotton. Some people even like satin sheets to cry on. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, are inexpensive alternatives, but pill more easily.
Threads Up!
Thread count is the number of fibers per square inch of fabric, and I thought more is better. And it does matter…to a point.
Most people agree that good quality sheets have a thread count of at least 200, while the best thread count is 300-400. Beyond 400, though, manufacturers are probably using multi-ply fibers to increase the thread count which may slightly increase durability at the expense of stiffer fabric.
Other Quality Indicators
So more $$$ doesn’t necessarily equal more Zzzzzzs, as my holey Egyptian sheets demonstrate. Type of fiber and thread count do matter. But don’t forget about weave type and stitching.
Weave type
If you like crisp sheets, go with percale weave. If you like soft, go with sateen.
- Standard weave is strong and even, one stitch over and one under
- Percale weave, used at thread counts of at least 200, is tighter and more crisp than standard
- Sateen sheets have more vertical than horizontal fibers, resulting in a very soft sheen, but is more likely to pill or tear
- Patterned weaves, like jacquard or damask, are very expensive but very durable
Craftsmanship
My set of sheets with elastic only at the corners pops off the mattress after a restless night, so my next set of sheets will have elastic all the way around. Also, look for double-stitched hems and pillowcases. With pillow top mattresses, especially, the sheets should have a pocket depth deep enough (add at least two inches to your mattress depth) to cover your mattress.
Finishing touch
Mercerizing strengthens the fabric and adds luster. Wrinkle resistance and shrinkage control have their advantages, but may result in less comfortable fabrics. If you select sheets with a pure-finish label, it ensures that chemicals were not used in the manufacturing process or all traces of chemicals have been removed.
The Bottom Line
Although everyone’s preferences are different from mine, I decided I wanted high-quality (but not organic) cotton, percale weave, and a thread count of at least 200. In the end, I picked the “best cotton percale sheets” from one vendor because I am not sure if I will like the crispness of percale. I am glad L.L. Bean offers such a great guarantee if I like sateen weave better after all.
At $150 per set, I’ll admit my choice doesn’t seem incredibly frugal. If they last 10 years though, they’ll cost less than a nickel for each good night’s sleep.
On the other hand, I feel crazy for spending that much money on sheets when Walmart has a microfiber sheet set for less than $22. Decent reviews, but 100% polyester. Sure, I prefer 100% cotton, but do I prefer it enough to spend $128 more to get it? Which set would last longer?
I’ll have to sleep on this decision.
Do your sheets help you get a good night’s sleep? Has anyone tried linen? Did I miss any other important factors?
So, Lisa, did you sleep on the sheets yet? Did they feel soft? Did you prefer the percale?
This is a timely article for me as I want to buy sheets, but I want the softest sheets I can reasonably buy.
I have analysis paralysis and haven’t purchased them yet :).
This is a good article! It hits all the points to consider when buying sheets. I found the perfect 100% cotton sheets, 250 count, at Costco a few years ago. Definetely worth the money. Sorry I don’t remember the cost, but I do recall they were pricier than other stores I checked. They are still “like new.”
I would avoid purchasing anything from Walmart as much as possible. As well as from any other company that is getting super-rich off of tax payers $$$ through Welfare because these companies pay such low wage. They outsource jobs to other companies that may or may not use unethical business practices such as child labor. So, what may look like a bargain might not be such a good deal after all. Cotton happens to be one of the most toxic sprayed crops on the planet,leading in the mass loss of our pollinators. I choose organic cotton, bamboo or Tencel products that were raised on sustainable farms & processed in Fair Trade markets. Good deal all around. Sweet dreams.
The thread-count contest has gotten crazy in recent years. I’ve tried higher thread count sheets, but the fibers were so thin that the sheets wore much more quickly. Also, if you tend to be on the warm side while sleeping, the lower thread count sheets breathe better. My favorites are 250 tc Egyptian.
I buy the top, bottom, and cases separately, and buy only white sheets. Then I can easily mix and match sheets and cases if one sheet is ruined. I’ve also made pillow cases out of flat sheets to save money.
That is a great idea to make pillow cases out of the flat sheet. I don’t use the flat sheet out of a set anyways and always need more pillow cases as we typically have 4 pillows instead of 2.
Marsha,
Looks like it might be a bit late to contact you, but in your 2012 response you mentioned buying sheets separately. Where do you find these? I’ve tried for some time to locate fitted bottom sheets for my double and queen size mattresses. Often I find lovely, sometimes vintage cotton top sheets at thrift stores, but obviously few bottom sheets.
Thanks, Kay
Really liked this article – to the point but well researched and timely, considering the discussions on sheets currently happening at our house.
You assume people have sufficient money to choose amongst high end products. My sheets recently fell to shreds, with long rips opening up along the direction of the weave. They were the cheapest 300 thread count sheets I could buy at Target, about $40. They lasted about 2 years. I am so broke, it took me months to save up sufficient $30 to buy a replacement set. I went back to Target and found flannel sheets on special for $12, so I bought them. I spent the other $28 on rent. Now my bedroom floor is covered in shed fibers, lint, and pills. But I can live with that inconvenience, having spent less than 1/3 of my budget.
Agreed. I would have like to see the feasibility of lower priced options. Anyone can go out and get a decent set of sheets for $150. I’ve certainly never had a problem. The catch is knowing enough, and checking labels to be able to identify quality when you find it for a song. I’m continually amazed with the organic bamboo sheets I bought at Target 4+ years ago. They remain in great shape and silky soft, for $30.
I was also going to mention my set of bamboo sheets. I found them very soft and not too hot. I do get hot while I sleep and find higher thread count and sheets with polyester to be uncomfortable because they seem to trap heat.
Agreed. I love my bamboo sheets. They are soft, don’t pill, are eco-friendly (because bamboo is fast growing and doesn’t strip the soil) and especially because they keep you cool as you sleep. Best cheap sheets I ever bought.
Be careful when buying bamboo fabrics. Most products labeled as bamboo are really just rayon. To make rayon, bamboo fibers have to be heavily chemically processed in an environmentally unfriendly way. It’s a process that creates a lot of air and water pollution. It is also very wasteful, with just a third of the bamboo harvested actually used to make fabric. Moreover, even bamboo products labelled as “organic” are usually just rayon, with “organic” referring only to the raw bamboo, not to the chemical process used to turn it into the fabric you’re really buying. (The Federal Trade Commission has been trying to warn consumers of this for a couple of years now.)
The bamboo to look for is bamboo linen, which is eco-friendly because it’s mechanically processed. But it’s more expensive, costing about $100-$150 for a set of full-sized sheets.
(I just checked Target’s website and it looks like the only bamboo sheets they’re now selling are “rayon from bamboo.” http://www.target.com/p/spa-home-with-rayon-from-bamboo-2pc-bath-sheet-set/-/A-12736644 )
Nice to hear your good report about bamboo sheets. I have an opposite experience – when a biz my husband had done work for went out of business we needed to use up some trade we had left & splurged on their amazing $300 bamboo sheet set. (no cash out of pocket luckily, but still $ earned from working) Sadly we noticed pills the next morning after our first night sleeping upon these fancy sheets! I can’t stand pills on sheets, so we don’t own any polyester or any that might pill – how disappointing to discover these did! I emailed the company, tried to contact & see if there was a cure, but never heard back from them. Never bamboo sheets again was my promise – however you’ve made me think we might try them sometime – maybe if I find them free somewhere!
My bamboo sheets sets cost me $30 (really good sale) and $60 (not so bad sale). I’ve never had a problem with them pilling so I was surprised to see your comment!
Definitely give them another try :)
While the author ultimately chose a high-end set of sheets, I don’t think anything in the article indicated that we should pay top dollar?
I think she provided all of the important information, so that we could make the best decision at whatever our price point.
To Charles #4- Sorry, but as the Brits say, your post sounds a bit whingey. Were I in your position, I would take this information and use it to find an awesome deal on sheets at a garage or estate sale. It’s much easier to buy well when you know what to look for. And the state of your floor sounds more like a housekeeping deficiency.
I have used Wamsutta Elite Sateen 100% Pima Cotton 250 thread count sheets for eleven years. I have two sets and I rotate them so they last longer. They still have years of wear left in them. Did I pay more than $40 for them originally? Probably, but not a whole lot more. Buying quality and taking care of what you own pays in the long run. BTW – I only know what kind they are because I bought a third set at a screaming closeout sale. They are still in the original packaging on my linen closet shelf.
This is a little late but instead of saving up to buy new
sheets, you could have tried thrift shops, which have Golden Oldies for next to nothing.Some times they’re better than low-price new sheets.
I love my 400 thread count sheets. I never even knew there was a difference until a sales person told me that higher thread counts were softer.
It is good to know that more is not better.
I did not know about the different weave types. That is something I will look at the next time I buy some sheets.
There is nothing like a nice comfortable bed to fall into at the end of a long and hard day!
Danke for your post.
Thanks for the analysis. I think it would have also been useful to hear about why you didn’t choose organic…I know this is a personal finance website and not a “green” website, and that organic costs more, but, with cotton being the most pesticide-laden crop produced in the US (5 of the top 9 pesticides used in cotton production in the US are known cancer-causing chemicals), I wonder if you might factor that into the cost/sleep since some extra upfront cost now might pay long term dividends for your health.
In general, not just in regards to this post, it would be nice to see people talking about making conscious spending decisions (a la organic mattress post a couple months ago!) not just based on price, but on what other implications their purchase may have on the environment, personal health, social justice, etc. I would love to see some bigger picture types of analysis/discussion when it comes to spending.
I learned that, as far as environmental impact, it is much more important to buy organic cotton products than it is to buy organic food. So why not buy organic cotton then? Although I am trying to change this, I still make most of my spending decisions based on cost. I *want* to get to the point where I consider quality (that’s what I tried to do in my research, but even the sheets I selected seemed too expensive), environmental impact, personal health, etc., instead of cost but I am really not there yet.
Good information! I love my bamboo sheets – I’m surprised bamboo wasn’t mentioned in this post. I find them softer and more breathable than cotton, and they’re comparable in price.
I was surprised the article didn’t talk about ways to save money on sheets though. I own nice sheet sets, but I’ve never spent more than $75. How?
– I shop the outlet stores. The prices are already lower than department stores, and the one near me often has discount coupons too.
– I shop sales. One of the home and decor places near me has 30-40% off coupons. I find what I want and then wait.
– I buy clearance and make alterations. When I was in student I found good quality King sized sheets and altered them to fit my bed. Ditto with a bed skirt I got for free that was too big.
Great ideas on how to save on sheets. Thanks for sharing them.
I probably should have included bamboo. I assumed that bamboo would be an eco-friendly choice (and it is in some ways), but I discovered that tons of chemicals are used to make bamboo sheets that negate its other benefits. But I can’t explain why I chose conventional cotton with its issues without talking about bamboo :).
I confess being eco-friendly wasn’t really a consideration for me — my budget doesn’t let me do all the environmentally friendly things I’d like to do :( I just happen to prefer bamboo sheets over cotton ones in the same price range.
I am trying to help the world in other ways though ;)
I always wonder about people concerned that their sheets are wrinkled. They are on the bed, buried under a comforter or quilty, in the privacy of your bedroom.
But you forgot one of the best ways to get wrinkle-free sheets – hang them to dry! Added benefit, less wear and tear on the sheets.
I also shop the clearance racks for my sheets. Since I *never* go to a bedding store without checking the clearance rack for good quality queen-sized sheets, I usually have the extra set on hand when I need it.
Actually, wrinkled sheets can be a real problem. My husband bought two sets of sheets of supposedly high quality Egyptian cotton and high thread count.. they were horribly wrinkled after washing to the point that the top sheet didn’t cover the bed without pressing! Those didn’t last two years.
Really good, informative article. I liked the personalization added into the information. Sounded more like a discussion than a lecture. Good job!
Nice article and good info. Pilling of clothes, sheets, anything brings out my OCD side.
I think $150 for a sheet set is crazy, but for an adult it might be okay. LIke you said, they might last a long time and so it’s worth it. But for a kid, I wouldn’t dare get either of my girls a sheet set for that much money, kids destroy things too quickly!
If you don’t mind patterns, look for holiday sheets on sale. I usually find $40 sheets on sale for $5-10 after Christmas. They have all lasted at least 5 years (with maybe a small tear on the corners – easily fixed/ignored). Another option – check your second-hand stores. Sometimes I see nice sheets there, but you have to go feel them to determine what they are (hard – anyone know how to tell when the tags are gone?), but at $2-10 for some expensive sheets…
I always wait for the sales to purchase sheets, after all, it’s not like they’re a fashion item! I have also found my local high-end department stores sells it’s ‘seconds’ in January each year. I bought some about 5 years ago, they are still going strong, and I never could find what on earth was wrong with them. Excellent sheets, $90 down to $11!
Sorry, but can’t help mentioning QVC’s Northern Nights sheets. They are super durable and super soft! I promise! (No affiliation, just a happy customer.)
And the price is much less than half of what you would typically spend on a comparable set from L.L. Bean, etc.
And they, too, are great about accepting returns.
Walmart or LLBean? I would choose LLBean every time and sleep better for it. LLBean is IMO a responsible, trusted company with a solid reputation, fantastic customer service and a strong heritage.
For me, it’s not just the ‘best’ deal but what are the long term implications and which supports my values.
Totally agree. I won’t shop WalMart at all because their prices are unrealistically low – there is a true cost to society and the environment that is not reflected in their prices.
Great article! You’ve obviously done your research and presented it concisely. We love soft sheets and I am willing to spend more to get them. Our current sheets are Pure Beech from BB&B. At $99 for king size, they aren’t too pricy, but they don’t hold up as well as I think they should. They are the most decadently soft sheets I’ve ever owned, but the modal fabric gives way at the least pressure. I have to triple bag the pillows (down pillows inside a down-proof cover inside a soft cotton pillowcase) to protect the Beech case from the inner case’s zipper.
That said, my favorite sheets are the 100% cotton, totally unfancy, older than I am sheets my grandmother had. I have 3 or 4 of those sets, but they’re full size.
Whoa – I’ve found good Egyptian cotton sheets at Target in the past. I couldn’t bring myself to pay anywhere ~$150 for a set. Ever.
And I’ve learned to buy only white too.
And Target is one of the few places I’ve found *individual* sheets, as opposed to sets. I’ve got tons of pillowcases and my top sheets seem to wear fine, but my bottom sheets wear out. Was thrilled to be able to buy several all-cotton fitted sheets (white) to go with flat sheets that had lost their mates.
And I second the notion of hanging to dry – I’ve got 4 clotheslines in my basement so I can line-dry no matter the weather. Pin the sheets & pillowcases by their hems, stretched slightly, so the hems are nice & flat. Will occasionally iron a pillowcase for company, but that’s all… 8)
How do you keep the air in your basement from being overly moist from drying? I’m concerned with causing mold damage if I line dry inside.
Wrinkles? Who cares about wrinkles?
Costco is a great place to find high quality sheets at a very competitive price… (assuming you already have a membership, or have a friend or relative who can buy them from their on your behalf)
doh! *there* not *their*
Yep, I’ve had good luck with Costco sheets also. (Actually I’ve found that Costco *always* has good quality everything at a good price.)
I love my flannel sheets.
We even use them in the summer.
I have real trouble spending $150 on sheets.
Honestly – they must be the cheapest things to produce so you paying for two things, the fabric and the marketing.
I don’t buy white – every bed is a different size so that might make thigns MORE difficult – but I tend to buy the color/print out of the sale bin that is least offensive :) I mean really – who sees your sheets?
One thing which probably need not be said to readers here but is still worth mentioning is that if anything seems too good to be true, it probably is. There are a lot of unscrupulous vendors selling something loudly proclaiming that it’s 800–1500 thread count Egyptian cotton for somewhere in the $15-$35 range. These are almost all microfiber, and usually actually say so somewhere deep in their ad copy where most people don’t read. Now, if you happen to want microfiber sheets, these might very well be a bargain for you (although a lot of people claim they have poor seam quality, and more ethically sold microfiber sheets aren’t terribly expensive either), but if you actually think you’re getting a great deal on cotton, think again.
For years I’ve bought my sheets at places such as Ross (which seems to be a bit cheaper than T.J. Maxx.) Yes, it takes more time because you don’t know what they’ll have size, color and price-wise, but since I don’t think anyone’s ever had an urgent need to buy sheets (get me a cotton percale queen size set in sage stat!) I’ve been able to wait. That way I get good, quality sheets for about half the cost.
I was actually shocked to discover how much sheets were when my fiancee and I registered a few months back for our wedding. We put a couple of sets on our registry, but I had no idea they cost that much! I actually told one of my bridesmaids when she asked what in particular we wanted that she could look at the color and thread count on the registry and then see if Ross or such had something similar.
I purchased the LL Bean sheets you’re considering back in September. I love them – they are soft and comfy, but also crisp/fresh-feeling. Two notes, though:
1. Look for coupons online before ordering. I think I got 20% off from a coupon code I found with a google search.
2. My bottom sheet’s corner seam started unraveling recently. I called the customer service number yesterday, though, and they’re sending me a replacement (because I’d rather have a new one than just return it). Once it arrives, I’ll send my current one back. They have a code to waive my return shipping charge, so though it’s a hassle, the problem’s being fixed at no cost to me.
Whatever decision you end up making, sleep tight!
LLBean has a lifetime (your life) guarantee on every thing it sells. Worth considering.
Great article Lisa!
I enjoy informative articles about specific consumer goods. This article is a great example. Although you settled on a costlier set of sheets, the information provided about sheets is applicable to any price range. The article was informative, well written, properly condensed, and it stimulated great discussion.
Good job!
Wow that is a lot of words about sheets. Sorry, this does not resonate with me! I would prefer reading how to use sheets to save money (i.e. I sewed some together to make a bright duvet cover) or good times of year to find clearanced sheets (after the college back to school rush), or looking online on eBay (new, in package ll bean sheets to be found). Just giving my feedback :)
Wh**emart couldn’t pay me to even enter their parking lot, much less obtain merchandise from them. . .
I have found that very cheap sheets (like from Walmart) rip easily. We typically get our sheets from Costco and other than the color, I honestly don’t think I’ve ever given sheet shopping much thought beyond that. I will say that spending $150 on sheets is incomprehensible to me.
This seems like over thinking to me. Just go to Costco.com and order the Queen 400 TC 100% Egyptian Cotton sheets for $49, including shipping. Costco items are backed by their 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not a member, I believe there is a 10% surcharge.
You can buy stuff at Costco without being a member, with one trick:
1) Get a Costco gift card (I have three $10 gift cards)
2) Use one gift card each time you go and you can shop at costco without being a member. You can spend over your gift card amount, no problem!
I buy most of my sheets from Ross or Marshall’s and never had an issues with finding the right size or TC. I’m able to find high quality (name brand, but I know that doesn’t matter), 300tc+ sheet sets for $20 – 40 for my queen sized bed. I never had an issue with quality though I don’t buy Target or Walmart type brands.
About 5 years ago, I purchased a Royal Sateen set from Costco and it still looks and feels great. I generally keep about three full sets of sheets so that I not constantly washing them (I change my sheets weekly).
My mom has sheet sets that are as old as I am (47) and they’re still going strong. I’ve bought sheets that don’t last for more than a year or two — and for our bed, we have two sets of flannel for winter and two sets of regular for summer, so it’s not like the same sheet set is getting 365 days of use.
There are many MANY household items that I would pay more for IF I knew they’d stay in good shape and last a long time.
We have towels we bought from Penney’s — their own brand about ten years ago that are great — still thick and thirsty and the color (except one choice) has stayed bright. I think at the time that Consumer Reports had made them a best buy. The last time I looked though, the towels seemed not quite as sturdy as these.
I admit that I am sad to see all the “soft” sheet lovers here. I like mine a little crispier and it’s increasingly hard to find that. I think many of the soft ones wear out much faster and I don’t like their clinginess.
Best luck has been buying at Marshall’s or TJ Maxx — but I only get lucky and find the size, the feel, the color/print I can stand, and the price I want very rarely.
I totally think you get what you pay for. I am a hot sleeper and find that it is worth it to pay more for quality sheeting. My favorites are from Restoration Hardware, 100% egyptian cotton from Italy (which are considered the best weavers in the world) and 464 threads. They are TOTALLY worth it – $240 for full sized. I have had my sets for about 5 years and they get better with every wash! My only fear is that when I need new ones they will not be available. I am expecting these to last another 10 years or so. I actually look forward to getting in my cool, crisp bed at night thanks to those fabulous sheets!
So glad to see another fan of Restoration Hardware sheets. I was an employee there, and got mine at a discount and fell in love with them. I haven’t worked there in years, but continue to buy their sheets because they are so comfortable and they do last a long time. I can sometimes get a discount when they discontinue colors, or purchase during their friends & family sale in the winter.
This article is fine, I guess, (actually it’s horrendously boring, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be useful to someone), but really if I wanted this sort of info I’d be reading consumer reports or something like that.
I mean, we could review the latest MacBook Air here as well, and some people would find that useful, but it’s not really the right venue, is it?
Yes, but most people sleep on sheets and not everyone is in the market for a MacBook Air.
Yes, but as the article and the comments point out, many people keep sheets for five or ten years or more, which is to say – longer than they probably keep laptop computers, so the number of people currently in the market for a new laptop might actually be higher than the number of people currently in the market for new sheets.
I have never had a set of sheets last that long. I get 2-3 years out of them at the most. Of course, we don’t rotate our sheets. They come off the bed, get washed, and go back on, so that may have something to do with it.
From someone who keeps laptop computers AND sheets well past 10 years…
I found the article writing to be just okay and I was missing the link to personal finance.
I wouldn’t want to see an article on GRS reviewing macbooks either. But I would be interested in an article talking about how much to spend on a laptop. For me deciding a strategy – where to spend and where to scrimp is an important part of finances. I need to allow myself the things that matter then spend carefully, thoughtfully and for the long term. Alternatively, I need to decide this doesn’t matter that much to me and spend a minimum of time and money – otherwise I get overwhelmed.
I’m surprised bamboo wasn’t mentioned as an option.
Wouldn’t sheets that are damp and put on a bed just mold or risk mildew and mold to the mattress? (thus creating the need for replacing the mattress / buying inhalers / etc)
I got my organic cotton sheets about six years ago from either Bed, Bath, and Beyond or Target for less than $50 for the set. They are doing great still. I’m surprised that you decided that more money was more quality, and that organic wasn’t critical in the quality factor.
From a reader perspective, I wish this article was more consistent. For example, why clarify what standard weave is and then just skip jacquard or damask? What makes them (as you say) more expensive and durable?
The sheet with the elastic is often refereed to as the “fitted” sheet. ;)
I wondered about the mold thing, too. However, it sounds like if they’re just slightly damp, cotton sheets dry really quickly, so there isn’t a problem with mold. I don’t have personal experience with that, but that’s what the all wise internet had to say.
Ah, and the fitted sheet…I think fitted sheets can either have elastic just in the corners or all the way around the whole sheet. More elastic = better, in my opinion :).
For about $5 you can buy a set of elastic sheet grippers. They work very well.
I thought this articale was realy informative and very well-written, but I don’t think that the information included in it goes with what GRS is trying to be. This wasn’t about getting value for your dollar, but rather information about a type of product we all use.
One way she could have tied it together would be to talk more about how average prices for each type of product factored into her shopping. Did she love the Egyptian cotton but it was expensive? Can you get Pima sheets really cheap on X website, but to stay away from Y stores?
I walked away knowing a lot about sheets, but not about how this fits into my financial life. I’d like to see another article by this person (it was well written!) but with a better choice of topic for this website.
I’ve seen several comments along this line above and below, and to me it aligned perfectly with the “do your research, sometimes paying more for quality is the better financial choice” line of thought we do see on this site.
It’s along the same lines as the furniture post that was auditioned not long ago. To me, very much in line with personal finance and knowing when spending a bit more–with research and justification–is the better financial choice.
Sheets are important to me as far as sleeping. I have to have percale, no sateen or other fibers for me.
Surprisingly the two best sheet sets (crisp, comfortable, not too wrinkly) are cotton percale sheets from the Company Store, and Martha stewart sheets from looong ago that are actually part cotton, part polyester. As I have not been able to find those particular MS sheets, I buy company store for me and the hubs, and sheets on sale for the kids (typically Target). The cheapest all cotton Martha Stewart sheets wrinkle way too much.
I’m picky about sheets, and my current favorites are the Simmons Beautyrest 400tc Ultrafit sheets. They come in CA King, which is sometimes hard to find, they come in nice colors, they DO NOT PILL, one of my biggest peeves with most sheets, and they fit fat mattresses very well. I bought one set, and went back and bought an additional set, I liked the first ones so well.
A queen set is $85, which seems reasonable to me.
Forgot to mention they’re at JC Penney.
Really like this article and very timely as I just filled out my wedding registry! Will need to check on what I actually added now…
Great piece! I had been needing to get new sheets and was dreading trying to find good ones. Thank you.
I like cotton percale and a thread count of 300+. My current sheets are sateen and 300 tc, but to my mind they are a bit too soft and floppy. I like a more substantial fabric. But I like paisley prints, so I got the sateen.
This was a useful article though it could have done with a bit more comparison-shopping, i.e. where can one find the best buys on the best options. I got mine at Overstock.com and they were cheap-o-riffic. :-)
I also wanted to point out that when I read the tagline – Lisa promises to write about DIY and rural living – I was really excited then to read the article I was really dissapointed to see an article about shopping for sheet via the internet…
I mean – if you’re going to promise DIY – deliver!
My second audition piece has the rural twist!
http://www.target.com/p/target-home-325-thread-count-organic-cotton-sheet-set/-/A-11995826?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=|11995826&CPNG=home&ci_sku=11995826&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=
These sheets rock. We’ve had ours as the only set on our bed for about 5 years and they’re still in great condition. Just get softer with time. My 6 year old begged till we bought him a set because he wanted soft ones like ours.
Really informative. Thanks!
Don’t use US-centric terms like ‘nickel’.
Seriously, Boz? You couldn’t figure out from context that she meant next-to-nothing? Good grief! Too bad there’s no “Dislike” button for comments like this. Gads!
The cheap sheets we used to buy were not deep enough for our king-sized, extra thick mattress. I made a sheet set for our bed, and it fits great!
I too thought the link to personal finance was missing. This is a great guide to identifying high-quality sheets, but not to finding them as cheaply as possible or making them last as long as possible.
This focus on quality implies that it is worth spending a lot of money on a high-quality product, which is not always true.
The most significant deterrent to any long-lasting fiber is perspiration and the natural oil from skin. If you sleep in the buff, and don’t shower before bed, your sheets will not last as long.
Also, have two sets of sheets will make both sets last longer. At the very least, a week or two off gives the elastic on the fitted sheet time to recover.
Better yet, two sets for summer and two for winter. Four sets should last 20 years.
Imagine if you wore the same pair of underwear every day– washed, of course. :-) The fabric would get holes and the elastic would die quickly. To last, fabric needs a break from your skin.
And if you have a Tuesday Morning store in your area, watch for their high thread count sheet sales. Excellent sheets for excellent prices.
Hm, now I am wondering what type of sheets I have. When my grandmother moved, I inherited a set of cotton sheets to go with the double bed she was giving up. She’d had them for a number of years and I’ve used them for 10 years, and there is nothing wrong with them. They are soft, not at all stained, and still have elastic. Unlike the ones that came in my comforter that fell apart and got stains within 2 years. If ONLY I could figure out how to find a replacement set when they go…
Textiles (like sheets) are no longer made in the U.S. I really think when they were manufactured here they were made better. I had sheet sets that lasted for 20+ years, made here. I had some nice cotton ones, made abroad, that just haven’t lasted. Maybe it’s the looms that are used, or the quality of the sourced cotton, but it’s definitely different now.
My current 2 sets are Marimekko’s, bought at Crate & Barrel, made in Pakistan (~$75/set, on sale). I prefer patterned sheets, as my top bedding is all white, but it’s harder to find prints. The quality of the C&B sheets seems nice. We’ll see what happens down the road. Hope I get a good investment.
About 25 years ago we got our first king bed,and I bought mismatched fitted and flat sheets at a discount store. I got solid sheets of different colors to go with patterned sheets. We have used those sheets every since, and not had any problems with them exception set that the elastic gave out on. Some of them are kind of stained, but none have worn out. We like percale, and I have found that 250 count is important for the fitted sheets, but not the flat ones.
Obviously, the solution is to go back in time and get good sheets….
This morning I noticed the bottom sheet on the bed has worn through in one spot. I will miss these sheets, they are SO soft. They are sateen sheets I bought about 12 years ago on sale at JC Penny. They are our only summer set and have held up very nice. Will check Marshal’s or Coscto today for a new set. Thanks for all the tips!
Great article! I’d love to see this writer added to the GRS team. I’m looking forward to seeing what she has to say about rural living.
I really enjoyed this article, it was really informative. It answered questions I have had about buying sheets but never thought to research. The connection to personal finance is the waste of money I’ve spent on mystery sheets I turned out not to like because they were on sale. I never knew the difference between percale and sateen, and the information about the chemicals used on wrinkle-resistant sheets is helpful. I think I’ll branch out and try sateen in addition to my tried-and-true flannel.
The thought of sleeping under synthetic fibres (100% polyester, EWWWW) actually makes me feel a bit queasy. I’m one of those people who has to be really warm to fall asleep, but then perspires like crazy all night, so I need breathability in my bedding!
Also I was wondering if Americans make their beds differently to Europeans? Because over in the UK we generally have a fitted sheet over the mattress, a pillow cover, and then a duvet incased in a duvet cover. Very few people still use flat sheets with a blanket on top.
I usually buy my sheets from Lands’ End. Their oxford cloth sheets last a long time, but my favorite is the 400 thread count sateen sheet. They feel good every time I get into bed. I have bought lots of Ralph Lauren sheets in the past, (on sale) but nothing beats these Lands End sheets. Oh, and linen is The Best if you can afford them.
Two years ago I met a sheet manufacturer at a wedding. He said that Lands’ End has very strict standards for purchasing their sheets from the manufacturers. And Costco has just as strict standards also. JD, please hire this writer!
I’m in the market for new sheets, so this was a timely and useful article for me. And i think it fits well with the “buy one quality thing vs. five cheapy things” theme that’s been discussed at GRS. +1 for Lisa. :)
I like this article. It is interesting and well researched. I much prefer helpful information than hawking of personality – it starts to get a little like bad self help with too many of those articles. This is much more interesting – how and why do we make our individual money decisions.
I own two sets of queen size sheets. When one set goes to the wash the other comes on. So far we’ve had them for 7 years and they look and feel as good as new! They were $40-60 a set…one from Target(pima cotton) and one from Macys, and we registered for them.
I can’t imagine better sheets.
When we need new sheets in several years I will look at TJ Maxx, Ross, Tuesday Morning, Costco, or another discount store. As long as they are 250+ thread count and seem like a good quality it’s not a huge deal.
did you mention which sheets are the coolest in the hot hot summertime?
I realize most people don’t share this phobia, but natural fiber sheets won’t melt like poly or poly blends in case of fire. I only sleep in 100% cotton. Same goes for clothing.
Flannel is the only type of sheet we use year round. We get ours from Land’s End – the heavier weight Portuguese flannel. For work we are posted overseas and move every few years. We’ve gone from the tropics to Mongolia with these sheets, and for us, they are perfect in all climates.
They are expensive, but we own one set for each bed and they get washed about every ten days to two weeks. After five years of constant use the queen set was wearing through so I went shopping for a new set at Land’s End. Gasp, it would have cost $178, but I caught a bargain at Christmas time and got $50 off. They are still the same quality as five years ago and fit perfectly.
The worn set will be recycled to make gift bags, hand towels, place mats, or whatever else I can think of…I love flannel!
Target, Sears, Bed, Bath and Beyond and others sell them separately. Search “fitted bottom sheets sold separately.”
I’m looking for sheets that don’t stretch out after only using them one night. I like the fitted sheet to retain taunt.
Pay attention to depth of fitted sheet… you should measure your mattress depth and find a sheet set that offers maybe an inch or two more in depth. This will ensure a more taught fit. Also some brands make “boxer fit” with an extra thick elastic that really hugs the mattress.