Quality sleep is essential.
Sadly, many people don’t sleep for these recommended hours. One reason is poor quality bedding, making it difficult to sleep through the night.
Have you ever checked out bedsheet prices and gasped?
Then you move to the next item in the store, and you are amazed by the affordable price.
What makes this huge difference in prices?
So, What’s The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Bedsheets?
Several factors determine the price of a bedsheet. For instance, the quality of the raw materials used influences the price manufacturers will charge. If a bedsheet is made of good quality materials, expect it to be sold at a higher price than one made with cheap materials.
Also, the type of fabric used is another factor affecting the price. Cotton is the most available material. So cotton bedsheets are usually cheaper. Other materials you can find include silk, linen, and polyester.
Another difference between expensive and cheap bedsheets is the thread count. Luxury bedding has a higher thread count compared to cheaper ones. That’s because the thread count number affects the quality but not always.
Let’s expound on these factors a bit.
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Which Fabric Should You Choose?
As earlier said, the market has different types of bed linen.
You should always choose the bed linen that is comfortable, durable, and fits your budget.
Remember that you will need to wash your bedsheets regularly. So, if you pick a poor-quality fabric, it won’t withstand wear and tear.
Please choose a fiber that’s good quality and machine washable to last many years.
Here are the different fabrics to choose from:
1. Cotton
It’s the most popular and readily available. Cotton is durable, and with proper care, it can last for many years. You can clean it quickly, and it feels soft on the skin.
Plus, it is generally affordable compared to some other materials.
Additionally, it is hypo-allergic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who suffer from allergies.
However, it is not without flaws. Many people complain that cotton bedsheets tend to shrink after the first washing.
Also, while it is luxurious, it can be expensive compared to some fabrics. However, this depends on the cotton used.
For instance, Egyptian cotton is more expensive than other cotton types because it is high quality.
2. Linen
Linen sheets are made from fibers growing from the stalks of flax plants.
They feel soft on the skin hence comfortable to sleep on throughout the night or day.
With time, this material gets more comfortable, not to mention it is strong and durable.
But, it easily wrinkles and is hard to iron. Plus, since it is difficult to weave, it is ranked in the expensive category.
3. Polyester
Polyester is another excellent option if you value durability and long-lasting.
This material is lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle or shrink. However, it can cling to the skin, which can be irritating.
Also, some say it retains heat, making it uncomfortable to sleep through the night.
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Why Does the Thread Count Matter?
Thread count is the number of threads a woven bedsheet has and is counted per square inch. The manufacturer counts the thread count both vertically and horizontally.
A bedsheet with a high thread count means that there are more threads on it per square inch. The vice versa is true.
While thread count seems like a simple concept, we’ve found that it is the most misunderstood aspect when shopping for bedsheets.
Many people still wonder whether a high thread count means better quality.
You may be surprised to learn that a bedsheet can have a low thread count and still be of high quality. It will still feel smooth and easy to wash.
Consumer Reports recommended looking for a bedsheet with a thread count between 200-400.
So does it mean you shouldn’t spend on a bedsheet with a thread count above 400?
Not always. Sometimes, such bedsheets may be of high quality and a worthwhile investment, depending on the fiber used.
How Should You Choose the Weave of Your Linen?
The weave of your bed linen affects its durability and appearance.
The weave and thread count go hand in hand. For example, a great quality bed linen woven using single-ply yarns will have at most 400 thread count.
If the threads are above this number, the manufacturer used several yarns.
Most bed linens follow sateen or percale weave patterns.
Sateen weaves are smooth and warm and result in silky bedsheets, while percale feels crisp on the skin. If you live in a warm climate, choose bed linen made of sateen weave to ensure breathability.
Are Expensive Bedsheets Worth It?
Expensive bedsheets may be worth it if they’re made from high-quality, long-lasting materials like Egyptian cotton, silk, bamboo, or linen.
Such types can help regulate your body temperature, absorb sweat, and feel comfortable on your skin.
But since the decision to buy or not to buy expensive bedsheets is yours, let us share the pros and cons to help you decide.
Pro: Temperature Regulation
Most expensive bedsheet brands use high-quality materials like Egyptian cotton, silk, and bamboo. These are naturally breathable, allowing excess heat to escape. They are a great choice if you sleep hot or want to remain cool during the summer.
Surprisingly, while such bedsheets can cool you down, they can also warm you up when it’s cold.
That’s because they trap heat that keeps you cozy. In short, when you buy bedsheets made of these materials, you invest in products that can be used in all weather.
Therefore, you can sleep comfortably all year round in various temperatures.
Con: Need Extra Care
Luxury bedsheets made of silk need more care when washing and drying. Otherwise, you can easily damage the fibers.
If you don’t like handwashing, please use the lowest temperature in the machine.
Pro: Keep You Dry
If you are one of those people who sweat when sleeping, you may find an expensive bedsheet worth the investment. Sheets made of bamboo and mulberry silk are great moisture wickers.
Therefore, unlike regular cotton that only absorbs sweat, such bedsheets can push extra moisture outside the sheet, keeping you dry as you sleep.
Synthetic fibers are also great at moisture-wicking as they are more warming than cooling.
However, if you experience excessive night sweating or hot flashes, paying extra for a bamboo sheet can be a great investment.
Con: Wrinkling
Some high-end materials like linen, Egyptian cotton, and bamboo are more susceptible to wrinkling when you wash and dry them.
Washing cotton re-configures the chemical fibers, which causes wrinkling when the bedsheet is crumpled.
Pro: Long Lasting
Bedsheets made of high-quality material are resistant to wrinkling, fading, and piling.
Therefore, your sheet may last for many years if properly cared for.
In the long run, it may be worth investing in an expensive bedsheet that’s durable instead of a cheap bedsheet that you’ll need to replace after a short time.
References
https://www.verolinens.com/are-expensive-sheets-worth-the-price/
