We Know: How to Buy Sheets

About Buying Sheets

In most cases, sheets are sold as a set that includes one fitted sheet for the mattress, a top sheet, and two pillowcases. There are sheets for standard box spring mattresses and sheets designed especially for waterbeds, European sized or other specialty beds. Depending on the quality and manufacturer, sheet sets can cost anywhere from less than $100 to many hundreds of dollars. On average, a set of full/queen cotton sheets costs less than $100.

What's the importance of the thread count?

The thread count is the primary method of gauging a sheet's softness. It refers to how many threads are contained within a square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer and more comfortable the sheet. Good sheets begin with a thread count of 200. Extremely high quality sheets can have a thread count of 1,200 or higher.

What's the importance of the weave?

The weave is the method of stitching and can affect the softness of sheets. In addition to a standard weave of one stitch over and one stitch under, there is also a pinpoint and a sateen weave. Pinpoint lasts longer than a regular weave but isn't as comfortable as sateen. Sateen is the softest but doesn't last as long as the other two types of weave.

Grades of Cotton Material

There are three main types of cotton used for sheets:

  • Standard: Average quality material.
  • Supima: A soft and long lasting material.
  • Egyptian: This is material of the highest quality.

Additional Types of Material

As an alternative to cotton sheets, you also have the following options:

  • A blend of polyester and cotton.
  • Polyester. Doesn't wrinkle and cleans easily, but not as comfortable as the other types.
  • Satin: More comfortable than polyester than cotton, but not as comfortable as silk.
  • Silk: More comfortable than the other types, but more delicate and expensive.
  • Silk and cotton.

Sheet Sizes

There are the main standard sizes for sheets:

  • Twin: 39" x 76".
  • Twin extra long: 39" x 80".
  • Full: 54" x 75".
  • Queen: 60" x 80".
  • King: 78" x 80".


Privacy Policy | Terms of Use © 2003-2009, ineed2know.org

Sponsored by

ineed2know.org proudly supports