The following indicators are all important in determining the difference in quality between sheets
Sheeting Quality Indicators
- Type of fibre
- Thread Count & Construction
- Finishing
Type of fibre
The length of the fibre generally determines its quality. For example, longer fibre cotton produces a smoother, silkier and more durable sheet set that will soften with each wash.
Best
Egyptian Cotton
Grown in Egypt, Egyptian Cotton is considered the most supreme type of Cotton produced in the world, grown along the banks of the Nile River in Egypt in fertile, rich soil. This cotton has the longest and strongest fibre, which produces some of the world’s best sheets.
Pima Cotton
Pima cotton is a type of cotton grown primarily in the United State's Southwest. It is considered to be one of the superior blends of cotton, and is extremely durable and absorbent due its long staple fibre.
Better
Bamboo Cotton
Bamboo fabric is considered an environmentally friendly material. Compared to regular cotton, bamboo does not usually require pesticides or fertilisers and grows well without aid. Bamboo fibre is a highly absorbent fabric is cool in hot weather as it draws moisture away from the skin and warm in cold conditions as it acts as a good insulator. Bamboo Cotton has a silky, smooth feel and a natural sheen unlike other natural vegetable based fabrics.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without the use of insecticides or pesticides. The production of organic cotton is more expensive than the production of conventional cotton. For a sheet to be 100% organic it must use organically grown cotton and manufactured without the use of any chemicals, this also includes using only vegetable dyes. This can be quite difficult, which is why most sheets are made from 100% organic cotton but manufactured under normal standards using regular dyes.
Good
Combed Cotton
Regular cotton that is combed to remove short, uneven fibre lengths to produce a smoother and softer yarn.
Poly/Cotton
A blend of Cotton and Polyester produces a durable, easy care sheet that does not require ironing if dried as per instructions.
Thread Count
A thread count refers to how many threads are woven per 10cm2 of the sheet. Generally, a higher thread count results in a smoother and stronger sheet, depending on the cotton used.
Construction/Type
Percale – this type of weave is generally used in sheets from 225 thread counts up to 500 thread counts. Percale is a square weave and has a crisp, soft feel. Example of a square weave:
Percale sheets are generally used in hotels as the weave is good for standing up to commercial laundering and if used in a good quality cotton, will soften after every wash.
Sateen – this type of weave is generally used in the higher thread counts from 300 up to 1500 thread count. Sateen weave exposes more surface threads resulting in a silky smooth finish.
The top surface threads allow more yarn to be woven per 10cm2 square, resulting in a higher thread count with a thicker feel. Although generally more durable than percale, this type of weave can be subject to ‘fuzzing’ if in contact with rough surfaces.
- Jacquard/ Dobby design – Threads are woven together to make a pattern in the sheet.
- Printed – Designs are printed onto the surface of the sheet.
- Embroidered – Decorative designs are embroidered onto the sheet.
- Flannelette – The sheet has been brushed to produce a soft, fuzzy surface, producing extra warmth for cold weather.
- Jersey – A stretch knit, just like your favourite t-shirt.
Finishing
After the cotton yarns are woven into a fabric, the fabric needs to be finished. This includes singeing and mercerizing. The singeing process is vital; it burns off the tiny fuzz that can later develop into pilling on your sheets. Mercerizing is a treatment conducted under tension, in order to increase strength, lustre, and affinity for dye. Lower quality sheets may not be finished as above which is why pilling can occur. Higher quality sheets will always be finished, resulting in longer lasting sheets with a smoother feel.