Now I Lay Me Down: A Snoozer's Guide to Buying Sheets
You've made your bed and now you want to lie in it. But have you chosen the best sheets to dream on? Here's how to get it right
The most comfortable mattress in the world won’t guarantee healthy and healing sleep if your sheets are letting you down. Colour and pattern set the bedroom mood, but feel and fabric make the difference between run-of-the-mill rest and deep, pleasurable sleep. Prepare for sheet shopping with more than just your bedroom decor in mind. See some options, tips and terms explained so you can choose your dream sheets with confidence.
Egyptian cotton has a prestige reputation, but the term isn’t well defined. It’s often applied to a style of superior, long-staple cotton, not necessarily Egyptian-grown. Excellent-quality cotton is produced elsewhere, such as Australia, Brazil and America, where it is often referred to as Pima cotton, or the trade name Supima. You will never find cheap genuine Egyptian cotton sheets.
The label may also denote that only a small percentage of Egyptian cotton is used – look for ‘100 per cent Egyptian cotton’. Many blended cotton sheets also contain shorter ‘staples’ than long-staple Egyptian-style cotton. The difference is hard to pick visually, but they will show their true colours with use and may fur or pill.
Tip: A long staple, or thread, means fewer breaks or weak points in the weave.
The label may also denote that only a small percentage of Egyptian cotton is used – look for ‘100 per cent Egyptian cotton’. Many blended cotton sheets also contain shorter ‘staples’ than long-staple Egyptian-style cotton. The difference is hard to pick visually, but they will show their true colours with use and may fur or pill.
Tip: A long staple, or thread, means fewer breaks or weak points in the weave.
Love that linen
Pure linen sheets are an investment in sleeping comfort. Europeans have loved linen for centuries and linen sheets are often handed down through families as heirlooms. While cotton lasts up to five years, top-quality linen lasts, literally, a lifetime.
Initially, some may find the texture a little coarse. With age, linen settles into buttery softness with a beautiful heavy heft and coolness that’s heaven on skin. Linen is absorbent, stays in shape, washes well and is unbeatable for that rumpled tossed-together bed look. It comes at a price – a queen set can cost upwards of $400 – but you may never buy another set.
Tip: If you’re unsure, try a pair of pillowcases and see how you like the feel and performance.
Pure linen sheets are an investment in sleeping comfort. Europeans have loved linen for centuries and linen sheets are often handed down through families as heirlooms. While cotton lasts up to five years, top-quality linen lasts, literally, a lifetime.
Initially, some may find the texture a little coarse. With age, linen settles into buttery softness with a beautiful heavy heft and coolness that’s heaven on skin. Linen is absorbent, stays in shape, washes well and is unbeatable for that rumpled tossed-together bed look. It comes at a price – a queen set can cost upwards of $400 – but you may never buy another set.
Tip: If you’re unsure, try a pair of pillowcases and see how you like the feel and performance.
As with cotton, linen quality varies widely. France and Belgium have ideal climates for growing superb linen flax. If the fabric has been woven in Italy, even better – Italy has a world-renowned linen-weaving tradition. Go by weight rather than thread count. Light-weight, bargain-priced linen sheets probably won’t deliver the longevity of pricier ones – a leading Australian brand sells linen sheets so thin you can see your hand through them. It’s better to put your dollars into top-quality cotton than poor-quality linen.
Tip: A great compromise and a cheaper – but not cheap – option is a linen/cotton blend.
Tip: A great compromise and a cheaper – but not cheap – option is a linen/cotton blend.
Do bamboo
Bamboo sheets are often selected for ‘green’ reasons. A fast-growing grass – the fastest growing crop in the world – that uses few or no pesticides, bamboo is the material of the moment. Whether the processing of bamboo into fabric keeps those green credentials, however, is a topic for another day. Touch-wise, it’s soft and silky, wicks moisture away from the skin, and is cool in summer and warm in winter. It also is more crease-resistant than cotton and linen, and tends to smooth out on the bed.
Tip: Check that bamboo sheets are pre-shrunk – shrinkage can be around three per cent, but this is allowed for in most bamboo sheets. Always wash in cold or low-temperature water.
Bamboo sheets are often selected for ‘green’ reasons. A fast-growing grass – the fastest growing crop in the world – that uses few or no pesticides, bamboo is the material of the moment. Whether the processing of bamboo into fabric keeps those green credentials, however, is a topic for another day. Touch-wise, it’s soft and silky, wicks moisture away from the skin, and is cool in summer and warm in winter. It also is more crease-resistant than cotton and linen, and tends to smooth out on the bed.
Tip: Check that bamboo sheets are pre-shrunk – shrinkage can be around three per cent, but this is allowed for in most bamboo sheets. Always wash in cold or low-temperature water.
Get happy with hemp
Hemp is one of the most versatile plants on the planet. Hemp components are eaten, worn, blended into skin and haircare products, smoked and, increasingly, slept on. It’s a sensible alternative to linen, with its long, strong fibres, similar feel and high absorbency. Like linen, it softens with age and lasts well. It is often sold blended with organic cotton, a perfect ‘green’ choice.
Boost the health of your home with natural fibres
Hemp is one of the most versatile plants on the planet. Hemp components are eaten, worn, blended into skin and haircare products, smoked and, increasingly, slept on. It’s a sensible alternative to linen, with its long, strong fibres, similar feel and high absorbency. Like linen, it softens with age and lasts well. It is often sold blended with organic cotton, a perfect ‘green’ choice.
Boost the health of your home with natural fibres
Fast-growing hemp has compelling eco-credentials, as it uses no pesticides, much less water than cotton and fewer chemicals in processing. Hemp’s sturdy, imperfect, nubby look is a beautiful fit for a decor that celebrates natural materials.
Tip: Always ask to feel sheet fabric before you buy. The more rugged texture of hemp, like linen, may be an acquired taste if you are used to a smooth polished-sheet feel.
Tip: Always ask to feel sheet fabric before you buy. The more rugged texture of hemp, like linen, may be an acquired taste if you are used to a smooth polished-sheet feel.
Have a tree change
Research into sustainable plant-based crops is ongoing. One of these is plantation-grown eucalyptus, which is being put into service for bedding fabrics. It claims to be softer than silk, cool and antimicrobial, with excellent absorbency and moisture dispersal, and very kind to sensitive skin. It also drapes very elegantly (and no, it doesn’t smell of eucalyptus!) Look out for it under the trade name Tencel.
Research into sustainable plant-based crops is ongoing. One of these is plantation-grown eucalyptus, which is being put into service for bedding fabrics. It claims to be softer than silk, cool and antimicrobial, with excellent absorbency and moisture dispersal, and very kind to sensitive skin. It also drapes very elegantly (and no, it doesn’t smell of eucalyptus!) Look out for it under the trade name Tencel.
Mix it up
Polycotton, or other natural fibres with a percentage of polyester, are more wrinkle-resistant than most fabrics – great if you love the look of a smooth bed. Poly-plus sheets are practical for a large household with a constant turn-around of bedlinen, as they dry fast, are relatively strong, and have a crisp, cool feel. They usually cost less than other sheets too.
Tip: Look for blends with a small percentage of polyester, as polyester is not as breathable as pure cotton and can build up static electricity, especially in dry climates.
Polycotton, or other natural fibres with a percentage of polyester, are more wrinkle-resistant than most fabrics – great if you love the look of a smooth bed. Poly-plus sheets are practical for a large household with a constant turn-around of bedlinen, as they dry fast, are relatively strong, and have a crisp, cool feel. They usually cost less than other sheets too.
Tip: Look for blends with a small percentage of polyester, as polyester is not as breathable as pure cotton and can build up static electricity, especially in dry climates.
Consider silk
The fabulous feel, absorbency and sumptuous lustre of silk comes with a question: do you have the time or inclination to pamper your sheets? Silk makes bedtime a joy, but careless treatment shortens its lifespan. Care tips include initial hand-washing, then delicate machine cycles in a laundry bag, with special silk detergent or liquid laundry soap, and no enzymes, brighteners, rubbing or spot spraying. It also requires indoor air drying, and no spinning, wringing or clothes dryers. Reversing the bottom sheet after every wash prevents uneven wear.
Tip: Still lusting after silken nights? One manufacturer’s label recommends keeping your toenails clipped and your feet baby-soft to prevent snagging!
The fabulous feel, absorbency and sumptuous lustre of silk comes with a question: do you have the time or inclination to pamper your sheets? Silk makes bedtime a joy, but careless treatment shortens its lifespan. Care tips include initial hand-washing, then delicate machine cycles in a laundry bag, with special silk detergent or liquid laundry soap, and no enzymes, brighteners, rubbing or spot spraying. It also requires indoor air drying, and no spinning, wringing or clothes dryers. Reversing the bottom sheet after every wash prevents uneven wear.
Tip: Still lusting after silken nights? One manufacturer’s label recommends keeping your toenails clipped and your feet baby-soft to prevent snagging!
Australians aren’t big buyers of pure silk sheets, but if you’re seduced by the idea and don’t want to outlay hundreds, some snoozers recommend silk pillowcases, claiming they are ultra-soft on facial skin and don’t give you Phyllis Diller hair the next morning. They look pretty special plumped up on the bed too. Turn them over on alternate nights so they wear evenly.
Tip: Read label carefully to ensure that ‘silk’ means pure silk, not polyester with a silky finish and lustre.
Tip: Read label carefully to ensure that ‘silk’ means pure silk, not polyester with a silky finish and lustre.
Dream weaver
Weave – the arrangement of warp and weft threads – affects the feel and longevity of sheet fabrics. ‘Percale’ doesn’t refer to a type of cotton, but a weave style. It’s soft and hard-wearing, with an appealing sheen. Other weaves are ‘twill’, twisting fibres to add strength, and ‘sateen’, which is super soft with a slightly polished finish.
From personal experience, sateen sheets don’t stay lustrous and mine pilled, or produced balls of fluff, after one use. ‘Damask’ is any fabric – mostly cotton, silk or linen – intricately woven to create a matt/shiny raised pattern. It is reversible because the threads are dyed before weaving.
Weave – the arrangement of warp and weft threads – affects the feel and longevity of sheet fabrics. ‘Percale’ doesn’t refer to a type of cotton, but a weave style. It’s soft and hard-wearing, with an appealing sheen. Other weaves are ‘twill’, twisting fibres to add strength, and ‘sateen’, which is super soft with a slightly polished finish.
From personal experience, sateen sheets don’t stay lustrous and mine pilled, or produced balls of fluff, after one use. ‘Damask’ is any fabric – mostly cotton, silk or linen – intricately woven to create a matt/shiny raised pattern. It is reversible because the threads are dyed before weaving.
Size right
Fitted sheets aren’t one-size-fits-all. Standard mattress depth is around 24 centimetres. Deep mattresses or mattresses with a thick topper need extra deep fitted sheets, while a standard fitted sheet on a thinner, futon-style mattress for a slat bed may easily ruck up. Measure your mattress depth and check the dimensions of the fitted sheet.
Tip: Wave goodbye to hunting for fitted sheets in the linen closet, or fitted sheets that outlive their elastic. I’ve phased out my fitteds for all flats and love the simplicity. A well-tucked flat bottom sheet shouldn’t come adrift – or you could buy flat sheets a size larger than your bed, giving plenty of tuck for extra security.
Handy tips for a forage-free linen cupboard
Fitted sheets aren’t one-size-fits-all. Standard mattress depth is around 24 centimetres. Deep mattresses or mattresses with a thick topper need extra deep fitted sheets, while a standard fitted sheet on a thinner, futon-style mattress for a slat bed may easily ruck up. Measure your mattress depth and check the dimensions of the fitted sheet.
Tip: Wave goodbye to hunting for fitted sheets in the linen closet, or fitted sheets that outlive their elastic. I’ve phased out my fitteds for all flats and love the simplicity. A well-tucked flat bottom sheet shouldn’t come adrift – or you could buy flat sheets a size larger than your bed, giving plenty of tuck for extra security.
Handy tips for a forage-free linen cupboard
Come clean
Once a week is an average guide for changing sheets, to prevent stains and oils becoming ingrained and dust mites from setting up house. Acidic perspiration that remains in fibres will, over time, begin to break down the threads. Strong linen and hemp are less likely to degrade.
Tip: Wash new sheets before use because patterns, colours and finishes are usually applied after sheets are woven and they may feel a bit crunchy. If you notice any dye loss, return them, as they will continue to lose colour and non-fast dye may rub off on your best pjs.
Once a week is an average guide for changing sheets, to prevent stains and oils becoming ingrained and dust mites from setting up house. Acidic perspiration that remains in fibres will, over time, begin to break down the threads. Strong linen and hemp are less likely to degrade.
Tip: Wash new sheets before use because patterns, colours and finishes are usually applied after sheets are woven and they may feel a bit crunchy. If you notice any dye loss, return them, as they will continue to lose colour and non-fast dye may rub off on your best pjs.
Pillow protectors do more than keep pillows clean. They prevent pillows from absorbing allergens and mould-producing body fluids. Wash them as often as you wash your bedlinen. Look for washable pillows and include them in the laundry load every so often, at least once a season, more often in summer.
Tip: Fabric softeners leave a conditioning film on sheets, which can build up and reduce absorbency. A dash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle removes detergent residue.
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Tip: Fabric softeners leave a conditioning film on sheets, which can build up and reduce absorbency. A dash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle removes detergent residue.
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Stop the sneeze
With skin and noses in close contact with sheets for several hours each night, irritants in bedlinen are not to be sneezed at. Allergies and asthma are commonly caused by dust mites. A hot wash cycle – over 60°C – reduces dust mites, but it pays to wash sheets more often than once a week. Reputable bedding outlets can advise on allergy-reducing bedding – it’s a growing industry as the number of sufferers climbs. Always choose a low-friction fabric to cut down on itching.
Tip: Check your laundry detergent is not packed with enzymes, brighteners, whiteners and fragrance. These may leave chemical residues that irritate skin.
With skin and noses in close contact with sheets for several hours each night, irritants in bedlinen are not to be sneezed at. Allergies and asthma are commonly caused by dust mites. A hot wash cycle – over 60°C – reduces dust mites, but it pays to wash sheets more often than once a week. Reputable bedding outlets can advise on allergy-reducing bedding – it’s a growing industry as the number of sufferers climbs. Always choose a low-friction fabric to cut down on itching.
Tip: Check your laundry detergent is not packed with enzymes, brighteners, whiteners and fragrance. These may leave chemical residues that irritate skin.
If you live in a high-pollution or high-pollen area, line-drying could leave air-blown allergens in fabrics. Whether you use a clothesline or dryer, dry bedlinen fast – leaving sheets damp for too long encourages odours, mildew spores and bacteria.
Tip: The best bedding for baby is light, smooth, natural-fibre organic fabrics. Some baby shops sell ultra-light muslin baby sheets.
Tip: The best bedding for baby is light, smooth, natural-fibre organic fabrics. Some baby shops sell ultra-light muslin baby sheets.
Stop counting
Thread count (TC) is not a magic number. Some TCs are inflated by counting the ‘ply’ of a thread, twisting shorter threads or adding threads after weaving – these are called ‘picks’ and can increase TC to thousands – an impossible number.
Pure organic linen can have a TC of 50 because of thicker threads and a looser weave, but is premium quality. Fine cotton percale has a TC of over 250, but certainly not in the thousands. The quality and origin of the raw material and the country where it is woven is a more telling indicator. An 800-plus TC should be taken with a grain of salt.
Tip: Metric TC, used for the Australian market, refers to thread count per 10 square centimetres, not per square inch.
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What are your favourite sheets and why do you prefer them? Tell us in the Comments section.
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Thread count (TC) is not a magic number. Some TCs are inflated by counting the ‘ply’ of a thread, twisting shorter threads or adding threads after weaving – these are called ‘picks’ and can increase TC to thousands – an impossible number.
Pure organic linen can have a TC of 50 because of thicker threads and a looser weave, but is premium quality. Fine cotton percale has a TC of over 250, but certainly not in the thousands. The quality and origin of the raw material and the country where it is woven is a more telling indicator. An 800-plus TC should be taken with a grain of salt.
Tip: Metric TC, used for the Australian market, refers to thread count per 10 square centimetres, not per square inch.
TELL US
What are your favourite sheets and why do you prefer them? Tell us in the Comments section.
MORE
Browse more master bedroom ideas
When it comes to sheets, cotton is the most widely preferred fabric. It’s cool, absorbent, breathable, easy-care, and has a price range that covers all situations. Good-quality cotton lasts an average of three to five years before it starts showing wear. Cotton is also fuss-free to wash – it’s a water-loving fibre that releases dirt easily.