Almost nothing beats a good night of sleep, especially for busy parents. But what can make that sleep experience even better is the … bedding. Hard, rough sheets, or sheets that tear easily (gasp!) just won’t do when statistics are here to say that we spend one third of our lives in bed. According to HuffPost, throughout our lives, we spend 26 years sleeping, and we also spend seven years trying to get sleep. That’s a total of 33 years or 12,045 days spent in bed! But that’s a good thing because we need sleep to boost our mental health (hello, 2020), improves physical well-being, as well as immunity, weight regulation, and fertility.
But back to the sheets. Did you know that a higher thread count doesn't mean you're buying a better quality sheet. Yes, higher does not mean they are the best sheets to buy. Thread count, which is defined as "the number of yarn per square inch" seems to have started as a genius marketing idea. Thread count isn't a lie, it's just not the only way to determine quality. As a general rule, and depending on your budget, aiming for a thread count between 400 to 1,000 should have you in bed with good sheets.
So, if depending on the thread count isn’t the way to go, how should we go about finding quality sheets? Experts say, consider these other factors:
Weave: The weave of a sheet affects the way it feels, the way it looks, its longevity, and its price. Basic plain weaves are least expensive and may not rate a mention on the label. Percale is an upscale plain weave with a thread count of 180 or higher, known for its longevity and crisp feel. Sateen weaves result in an extremely soft fabric, but it's more apt to pill.
Fiber: Cotton-polyester blend sheets are wrinkle-resistant, durable, and less expensive. But if you're looking for that cool, soft feel, nothing beats 100% cotton, still the most popular fabric on the market. Cotton sheets wick moisture away from your skin, and are less likely to stain than polyester blends.
Finish: Most sheets are treated with chemicals, like chlorine, formaldehyde, and silicone, to keep them from shrinking, losing their shape, and wrinkling after washing. Pure-finish sheets have no chemicals, but you’ll have to sacrifice that wrinkle-free look.
Still overwhelmed? We considered all the factors above and put together this handy guide to help you buy the softest sheets ever. Please note: all prices listed below are for queen sets.
280 Thread Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheet Set
Woven from long-staple pima cotton yarns, these premium percale sheet sets have a luxurious, extra-smooth touch for year-round comfort. Users say these L.L. Bean sheets get softer with each wash.
Madison Park Hotel 800 Thread Count Cotton-Rich Sheet Set
$60
from
Bed Bath & Beyond
Rendered in a cross woven technique, these super-soft sheets are available in a variety of colors and feature shrinkage-resistant construction for lasting use. They’re easy-care, durable, and inexpensive compared to 100% cotton. Only available in queen and king sizes.
Martha Stewart Collection Four Piece Queen Sheet Set
For timeless style and next-level comfort, choose the refreshing tone and luxe 400 thread count cotton percale of this super-soft sheet set from Martha Stewart Collection. The fabric is 100% cotton percale, known for being crisp, cool, soft, sturdy, and long-lasting. Black Friday Sale $56 (until Nov. 28, 2020).
Threshold 400 Thread Count Solid Performance Sheet Set
These sateen sheets from Target get all the rave reviews. They are 100% cotton, soft, and durable. We think they’re an exceptional value. And Target says they’re wrinkle-, pill-, and shrink-resistant for easy care. Check!
100% Cotton Sheet Pure White Queen Sheets Set
These sheets by California Design Den are all the rage on Amazon. They boast over 24,000 reviews and 4.5 star rating. So what’s so great about them? Besides being easy on the wallet (under $40 for a queen set), these come in 28 colors, have a lush sateen weave and are made of 100% long staple cotton fibers.
Wamsutta Pima 500 Thread Count Queen Sheet Set
$80
from
Bed Bath & Beyond
The Wamsutta 500 thread count pima sheet set is all about luxury. Pure American pima holds color better, fades less, and the extra-long dense fibers create ultrafine fabric that is smooth, luxurious, and amazingly soft.
Marriott Signature Sheet Set
These sheets are pricier than most of the sets in our roundup, but the reviews say they’re worth it. By Marriott, this signature set lets your bed at home feel like a hotel stay. Constructed with a percale weave, these sheets are made of a cotton/polyester blend that won’t wrinkle as badly as most 100% cotton sheets. Also, they only come in queen and king sizes.
Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
$119
from
L. L. Bean
Flannel sheets are known for being a cozy choice for winter, but these L.L. Bean flannels are 100% cotton, so users say they use them year-round without overheating. The super smooth fabric comes in an array of colors, too.
Mellanni Bed Sheet Set
Made from a super soft microfiber, these are some of the best-selling sheets on Amazon. One reviewer raved: “Over the past few months and several washings, the sheets still look brand new, with no appreciable change except for an increasing softness….The combination of low price, decent quality, and increasing softness justifies the praise these and other microfiber sheet sets are receiving.”
Nattjasmin Sheet set
Another affordable set comes via these sateen sheets from IKEA. They’re silky with a lustrous finish and are made from a blend of lyocell and sustainably grown cotton. According to the product description, the fabrication helps to draw and absorb moisture away from your body as you sleep, keeping you dry through the night. They come in five colors.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Cafemom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
