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Sheets & Sheet Sets

Shopping and Usage Tips

Sheets made with organic cotton are a good choice and are now available at a number of mass home retailers (see Product Comparisons).

If you can't find organic cotton, "green" or "untreated" cotton is a good alternative. Usually, those terms refer to conventionally grown cotton that is processed without dyes, bleaches and other chemical finishes. Since these labels aren't certified by any reliable third parties, you usually have to do your own sleuthing to find out if it was, in fact, processed chemical-free.

Avoid sheets that have been treated with permanent press or stain-resistant finishes.

If you have sensitive skin and are unable to afford organic or untreated cotton, you may want to look for sheets that are made with 100-percent cotton that's conventionally grown, despite its environmental woes. Some cotton/polyester blends can pill up and get scratchy.

Sheet Terminology

Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric in both directions of the weave. A higher thread count usually means a softer, more luxurious feel. However, individual threads tend to get thinner as thread count increases, which means sheets with a high thread count might wear out faster than those with a lower thread count. Sheets with a lower thread count also tend to be warmer, since the thicker threads allow for more body-heat retention.

Egyptian cotton sheets are the softest and most durable, made of 100 percent cotton with extra long fibers and thread counts of 200 to 400.

Pima cotton is similar to Egyptian, but grown in the U.S. rather than Egypt. Thread counts range from 200 to 300.

Percale sheets may be either 100-percent cotton or a cotton/polyester blend in thread counts ranging from 180 to 200.

Muslin sheets have the lowest thread counts, usually lower than 160, and are typically 70% polyester/30% cotton. This blend lends itself to pilling, making sheets scratchy and reducing their shelf life.