There's nothing better than coming back home after a hard day at work and getting cosy under the covers. Soft bed sheets can be a game-changer, and they can make you look forward to bedtime. But, when it comes to buying the perfect sheets, you might wonder what makes them so soft.
Even though we mostly look at the thread count when buying bed sheets, there are many other factors that you should consider.
This article will discuss what makes bed sheets so soft and which ones you should be buying. So if you're in search of some comfortable new sheets, keep on reading!
What Makes Bed Sheets Soft: Does Thread Count Matter?
Thread count has always been used to measure whether bedsheets are of high quality or not. If the thread count on sheets is higher, they are considered to be of better quality.
But that mindset has changed since people have begun to realise that it's more than just the thread count that matters when it comes to the quality and softness of sheets.
If you want smooth bed sheets, you should look into the material that is used to make them. No one wants bed sheets that soak in moisture or become wrinkled overnight. One of the best materials for making bed sheets is 100% cotton since it's an airy fabric that doesn't retain moisture.
Even if it's a hot day, cotton sheets will remain dry and are easy to air out as well. The softest type of cotton is the one woven with long fibres. But although cotton is a great fabric, it isn't the only fabric that makes soft sheets.
Some great fabric that makes soft bed sheets
Flannel
If you're someone who tends to get cold a lot, flannel sheets are amazing since they're soft and warm. Another great thing about flannel sheets is that they're pretty inexpensive, making them a great option for people on a budget.
So if you're trying to stay warm in the winters for a lower price, flannel is a great choice.
Flannel is a fabric that is a mixture of usually wool, cotton and synthetic fabrics. It's incredibly soft and is mostly used for winter clothing and comfortable sheets. However, this fabric also tends to be on the heavier side, making it perfect for the cold weather.
On the downside, flannel sheets are not exactly breathable, making them harder to dry when you wash them. Flannel sheets are also not the best option for summers since they are on the warmer side.
That said, if you want soft sheets that will keep you warm and cosy, flannel is a great pick.
Egyptian Cotton
Grown in Egypt, this cotton is used to make towels and bedsheets. Egyptian cotton makes great bed sheets since the fibres are long, which results in softer sheets. Sheets made from Egyptian cotton are also more durable since the cotton is stronger and on the flexible side.
Another great feature of Egyptian cotton sheets is that they are very breathable, making them great for warmer weather.
Having a breathable fabric can make your sheets extra comfortable since it doesn't trap moisture like sweat. When you wash these sheets, they will also dry faster because of the porous fabric.
A downside to Egyptian cotton sheets is that they tend to be on the pricier side. This is because all the cotton that goes into making these sheets is handpicked. Although this is a great thing since it means that you're getting a high-quality product, it also means that you'll have to pay a higher price.
Silk
If you've ever felt silk, you know that it's super soft and also very comfortable. Silk is made from silkworm thread, which is a long process. During this process, the silkworms are fed and taken care of until they form a cocoon.
They are then boiled until the cocoons loosen, and the silk is then gathered from them. This is one of the reasons why silk is an expensive fabric and is very luxurious.
Silk sheets are not only extremely soft, but if you're looking for smooth bed sheets, they're a great option.
Another great thing about silk sheets is that they are hypoallergenic, so they are a good pick if you have a cotton allergy or have sensitive skin. Silk sheets also have other great benefits, such as keeping your hair protected since it's less likely to break on a soft fabric.
On the downside, these sheets can be on the pricier side, so they might not be the best pick if you're on a budget. Silk sheets also require a lot of care since the material is very delicate.
Linen
Another common type of fabric used to make sheets is linen, which comes from the flax plant. These sheets are super durable and will last you long; they also do not wrinkle easily since linen is a crisp fabric. Linen is also very breathable, making it a great pick if you live in a warmer area.
If you pick linen sheets, you'll find that they are super soft and get softer with each wash. The fabric is long-lasting and also very comfortable to lay on. Linen is also hypoallergenic, which means that it's perfect for people with sensitive skin.
The only downside about linen is that it doesn't stay smooth for long and will wrinkle easily. So if you don't mind fixing your sheets often, you can pick this one. It is also on the pricier side but worth it due to its durability.
Bamboo
Bamboo fabric is being used to make towels and sheets because of how soft it is. This may come off as a surprise since you'd never think that bamboo could produce such a piece of smooth fabric. However, sheets made with bamboo are great since they are super breathable and comfortable to sleep on.
The bamboo sheets are so soft because the fibres in the fabric are long and don't pill like fabric with shorter fibres. Therefore, bamboo sheets are very durable and will last you a long time.
Just like silk and linen, bamboo sheets are also hypoallergenic, which means that you don't have to worry about getting any skin reaction when sleeping on them.
If you want a good set of smooth bed sheets that stay dry and soft for ages, bamboo is a good pick. The only downside is that they are usually on the pricier side. But if you can look past that, bamboo sheets are definitely worth buying.
Best Sheets for a Good Night's Sleep
Now that we've discussed what makes your sheets soft and which fabrics are the best, let's move on to the best sheets you can buy. Here are just some sheets that will make your bed even more comfortable.
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
Need sheets that will make you feel like you're lying on a cloud? Brooklinen has got you covered with their luxe core sheet set, which includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases.
This sheet set is available in all bed sizes so that you can enjoy a comfy sleep no matter which bed you have.
These sheets are made with 100 percent long-staple cotton, which is flexible, durable and won't pill.
With a 480 thread count, there's no doubt that these sheets are buttery soft. In addition, the pillowcases have envelope closures, so you don't have to worry about them slipping off your pillows while you sleep.
Another great feature about these sheets is that the long and short sides on the fitted sheets are labelled so you can fit them into your mattress with ease. Not only do these sheets have a luxurious finish, but they are super comfortable as well.
Also read: How to Properly Clean White Pillowcases? A Step-By-Step Guide
Mizu Sheets
Want a set of sheets that are soft and stay super clean? Well, look no further than mizu sheets, which have antimicrobial silver woven into luxurious bamboo strands to ensure that no bacteria grow on them. These sheets are perfect for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin since the silver destroys 99 percent of bacteria.
The benefits don't stop when it comes to Mizu sheets, and one of the best things about them is that they are super soft.
These sheets have a 600 thread count, which makes them soft and comfortable to sleep on. You also don't have to worry about any odours since the sheets won't let any bacteria grow.
These sheets are super durable and will last you a long time, so they are definitely worth buying. Mizu sheets are breathable too and regulate temperature, making sure that you have a comfortable sleep. As far as softness goes, these sheets hit the mark.
Garnet Hill Wrinkle-Resistant Sateen Sheets
If you're someone that doesn't like to spend their days fixing their sheets, this is a great pick for you. These sheets have a 400 thread count, and although they are made of long-staple cotton, they are as soft as satin and have the same smooth finish. You won't have to worry about wrinkles with these smooth bed sheets since they stay crisp while being soft.
Even when you wash them, you'll notice that they don't wrinkle, saving you the hassle of ironing as well. Although it isn't completely wrinkle-free, they do wrinkle far less than any standard set of sheets. These sheets are available in most bed sizes and will even fit taller mattresses.
Another amazing thing about these sheets is that they have an Oeko-Tex certification, which means they are free of any dangerous chemicals. Available in many gorgeous colours, sleeping on these soft sheets is an absolute delight.
You don't have to worry about these sheets pilling or losing their softness when it comes to durability. Instead, these sheets will last you a long time and feel super luxurious.
Slumber Cloud Performance Sheet Set
If you're someone that likes a luxurious set of sheets, this is a great pick for you. Not only are these sheets super breathable, but they are as soft as silk and feel just as luxurious. Made with Tencel and Outlast fibres, these sheets regulate temperature while you sleep, ensuring that you stay cooled off.
This sheet set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and two pillowcases. It is available in all bed sizes and has a 300 thread count, giving you a pillowy soft finish. You'll definitely have a comfortable sleep on these amazing sheets, and you'll notice that with each wash, they only get softer.
If you live in a warmer area, these sheets are a great pick and ensure that you get a good night's sleep.
Additional Tips for Buying Sheets
Material
Of course, the material is super important when you're buying sheets, so you need to make sure you do your research on your sheet’s fibre content before buying them.
Avoid sheets made with synthetic materials since they can sometimes cause allergic reactions or contain harmful chemicals.
Weave
When buying sheets, a good tip to keep in mind is to find out the type of weave your sheets have. A percale weave is more on the crisp side, and a sateen weave is more luxurious like silk. So if you're someone that prefers stiffer sheets that don't wrinkle, then percale weave is the one for you. But if you like softer and more silky sheets, then go for a sateen finish.
Measurements
Make sure you have the correct measurements because no one likes sheets that don't fit their mattress. In addition, sheets often have the measurements written on their packaging, so buy according to the size of your mattress.
Threadcount
Lastly, as we stated before, don't buy sheets just because they have a higher thread count. You can get amazing soft sheets even if they don't have the highest thread count.
Final Words
Buying the perfect set of smooth bed sheets should not be a challenging task. If you know the right factors to consider, you'll find that it is easy to get the perfect sheets. We hope this article answers all your questions about what makes bed sheets soft and what to consider when buying them.
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