Sierra Blogging Post Archives

If you've ever gone shopping for sheets, pillows, comforters or duvets, you know it's no simple task. Beside the obvious questions of size and color, there's also thread count, different fiber types, and various grades of those fibers.

It's enough to confuse anyone. That's why we created the Bedding Guide... so you can sleep easy (and comfortable).

Here's an excerpt from the Bedding Guide:




Thread count is one of the most important things to consider when buying sheets. Thread count is the total combined number of threads woven lengthwise and crosswise into each square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the tighter the weave. This close weave creates stronger, softer and more durable linens. Consumer Reports recommends choosing sheets between 200 and 400 thread count for the best quality at a reasonable price, but the highest-quality sheets may exceed 400 thread count.

Sheets come in a variety of fabrics, each with a different feel and specific benefits to the sleeper.

* 100% cotton sheets are soft, breathable and generally the most affordable. They are very cool to sleep on, making them perfect for warmer temperatures.
* Egyptian cotton has the longest and strongest fibers and is used predominantly in top-of-the-line linens for comfort and last.
* Pima cotton is an exclusive long-staple fiber grown only in the American southwest and used in high-end linens.
* Flannel is vigorously brushed cotton that produces a soft, fleece-like nap. Flannel sheets are unmatched for warmth. Some sheet manufacturers do not give a thread count for flannel sheets, but instead will give a measure in ounces of flannel per square yard. High-quality flannel sheets will have a measure in excess of 4 oz. per square yard.
* Jersey sheets are a cooler alternative to flannel, being knitted instead of woven which allows for better breathability and a little stretch.
* Cotton/polyester blend sheets provide anti-wrinkle benefits, but lack the softness of pure cotton.
* Polyester sheets are completely wrinkle-free. They also absorb dye much better than cotton for a greater variety of color choices.
* Percale sheets are closely woven for a fabric that's very smooth. They must have a minimum thread count of 180 in order to be classified as percale.
* Sateen sheets are considered the best by many because they are satiny and lustrous with a high thread count.

Read the rest of the guide here.