Thread count is no longer a reliable indicator of fabric quality. High thread count is simply a numbers game: many firms cheat the figures by using double twist yarns in the less expensive fabric. However, if you want a soft, warm bed, a superb elastic jersey sheet can be your cup of tea.

Cotton and cotton blends dominate the market, the most common blend being cotton/polyester. Cotton provides absorbency and a soft hand, while polyester adds durability and wrinkle resistance.^[2] Other common fibers used in the manufacturing of bed sheets include linen, silk, Modal and bamboo rayon, lyocell, Microtex or Microfiber, and polypropylene. Polypropylene (olefin) is a hypoallergenic spun-bound material produced at a low cost and typically used in emergency shelters or hospitals as disposable sheeting.

Cotton is a staple fabric spun from the fibers of cotton plants. People around the world have been cultivating it for thousands of years. One of the earliest bits of cotton is at least 7,000 years old and was found in Mexico. In Egypt and Pakistan, people were weaving cotton thread into clothing in 3,000 BC. And in the 18th century, the British first found a way to spin cotton into textile with machinery.

While bed linen and bed sheets are often used interchangeably, they are actually two distinct types of bedding that serve different purposes. Bed sheets are the primary layer that goes directly on top of the mattress, while bed linen encompasses a range of additional bedding items such as duvet covers, pillowcases, and decorative blankets. Whether you prefer the crisp coolness of freshly laundered sheets or the luxurious feel of high-quality linen, there are plenty of options to help you create the perfect bed for a good night's sleep.