There’s a wise old adage that says because we spend a third of our lives in bed, we should invest in a great mattress. And if you’ve ever had to stay at a cheap motel or sleep on a hide-a-bed, you know how true that is. Nothing ruins your day like a bad night’s sleep.

But don’t stop with the mattress. There’s another old saying about spoiling a great recipe with cheap ingredients, and the same holds true for your bed. Why buy a great mattress only to cover it in lousy bedding?

With so many options on the market, buying new bed sheets can be a confusing process. 

Here are some things to look for if you’re in the market for new sheets.

Thread Count — Is Higher Really Better?

Despite the amount of eye-catching thread counts available at curiously low prices online and at big box stores, experts agree that a higher thread count does not necessarily translate to a softer, or better quality, sheet.

Thread count refers to the number of woven threads that make up one square inch of sheet fabric, combining horizontal threads (or “weft”) and vertical ones (“warp”). This number ranges from about 150 (often found in inexpensive children’s bedding) up to 1,000 or more in fabrics like satin and silk. But when it comes to cotton, don’t be fooled.

Realistically, only so many threads can fit on a loom. Most experts consider 400 to 600 threads per inch to be ideal — but as a marketing ploy, extra threads are often twisted into the weft, adding to the thread count without actually doing anything to make the fabric softer or stronger. Fact is, as thread count rises, most cotton sheets become more fragile and prone to rips, pills and snags.

Instead, focus on the fabric. Look for sheets made of Combed or extra-long staple Egyptian or Pima (or American-made Supima) cotton. These extra-long cotton fibers are 50 percent longer than those of standard cotton, resulting in a sheet that is softer, stronger and longer-lasting than standard cotton sheets.

Wholesale hotel 120g microfiber bed sheet

Sateen vs. Percale vs. Linen

While thread count can be a misleading gauge of sheets, there’s no question that when it comes to softness and quality the best cotton sheets are either Percale or Sateen. More expensive than standard short-weave cotton sheets, both utilize high-quality long-staple cotton; the difference between Percale and Sateen lies mainly in the type of weave.

A traditional one-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave, Percale typically features a matte finish and a crisp, cool feel that improves with every wash. Its superior durability means it won’t pill over time. It’s lightweight and breathable, which means it’s perfect for warmer sleepers.

Sateen is the closest thing you can get to satin — without the high cost and fragile nature of that expensive fabric. The one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave exposes more thread surface, giving Sateen a silky feel and luxurious sheen. Naturally wrinkle-resistant, Sateen is more tightly woven and therefore typically heavier in weight than Percale, making it ideal for year-round comfort.

More casual and laid back than either Percale or Sateen, strong and breathable Linen — made from the flax stem — is the way to go if you value softness and durability but want a less formal look for your bed. It’s fine for all seasons and for all types of sleepers.

While a variety of sheets are widely available from typical retailers like Kohl’s and Target, a new generation of bedding companies has sought to counter cheap sheets with outlandish thread count claims by introducing high-quality, often handmade and sustainably produced bedclothes. Yes, you’ll pay a premium, but remember: You spend a third of your life in bed.

Sateen

Sateen is the closest thing you can get to satin without having to deal with its high cost and fragility. The one-yarn-under and three-yarn-over weave sateen uses exposes more thread surface, giving it a silky feel and luxurious sheen. Naturally wrinkle-resistant, Sateen is more tightly woven and therefore typically heavier in weight than percale, making it ideal for year-round comfort.